Biden Bids Farewell to Military, Urges Troops to Uphold Their Oath

In a heartfelt farewell speech to U.S. service members on Thursday, President Joe Biden emphasized the enduring importance of their oath to defend the Constitution.

Speaking at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Fort Myer, Virginia, he highlighted the sacrifices and achievements of the armed forces during his presidency and received the Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Medal.

Biden urged the military to honor their commitment to unity, integrity, and the principles that generations have defended. “We’ve never fully lived up to that idea, but we’ve never walked away from it,” he said. “Our country is counting on you.”

Addressing an audience that included Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Charles Q. Brown Jr., Vice President Kamala Harris, and First Lady Jill Biden, the President expressed his gratitude for their courage, character, and service.

“Serving as your commander in chief has been the greatest honor of my life,” he declared.

Biden outlined key accomplishments under his administration, including record investments to combat military suicide, reducing veteran homelessness, and reforms to the military justice system that have lowered sexual assault rates for the first time in a decade.

He also noted the reversal of policies banning transgender service members, expanded opportunities for women in combat, and enhanced economic programs for military spouses.

A poignant moment came when Biden discussed the PACT Act, which provides medical care for veterans exposed to toxic substances. The issue is personal for Biden, whose son Beau died from brain cancer linked to exposure to burn pits during his service in Iraq.

The President acknowledged the challenges of ending the 20-year war in Afghanistan in 2021. Despite criticism over the chaotic withdrawal, he praised the military’s role in conducting the largest airlift in history.

“I believe history will reflect it was the right thing to do,” Biden said, though he added, “I carry the pain of losing 13 service members every single day.”

Biden also lauded the military’s contributions to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, bolstering NATO’s defenses, and aiding Israel in its response to regional conflicts following Hamas’s attacks in October 2023.

“You stepped up, pulling long nights and deployments to defend freedom and our allies,” he said passionately.

Highlighting historic milestones, Biden celebrated Adm. Lisa Franchetti’s appointment as the first woman to serve as chief of naval operations and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Concluding his remarks, Biden reflected on his decades of public service and issued one final request: “Remember your oath.”