Harris appears with Biden for first time since election loss to Trump

US President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris on Monday made their first joint appearance since her election loss when they observed Veterans Day together by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

The pair then went to the cemetery’s memorial amphitheatre, where Biden honoured the service and sacrifice of America’s military veterans – including those who paid the ultimate price, and their families – during what was his final time speaking there as commander in chief of the US military.

“It’s been the greatest honour of my life, to lead you, to serve you, to care for you, to defend you, just as you defended us, generation after generation after generation,” Biden said. “You are the greatest fighting force, and this is not hyperbole, the finest fighting force in the history of the world.”

Biden announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding the types of cancers covered under the PACT Act, legislation he signed to expand healthcare services for veterans who served at military bases where toxic smoke billowed from “burn pits” that incinerated garbage and other waste.

The president opened his brief remarks by stating that America’s “truly sacred obligation” is to prepare those it sends into harm’s way and care for them when they come home, or don’t.