Sharjah24- AFP: US President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden visit service members at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia ahead of Memorial Day weekend. "You are the backbone of the country," Biden says in his remark as he thanks troops for their commitment and love for their country.

Joe Biden, President of the United States pointed out, "We can never repay that debt (the lives lost, ed). But I promise you this, to all the Gold Star families across the country: We will never ever, ever, ever forget. Each year, Memorial Day offers us a chance to reflect on the enormity, the sacrifices that generation after generation of Americans has made."

He added, "It's my greatest honor. It should not surprise anybody, it should be anybody's greatest honor in all of life to be able to serve as your commander-in-chief. No greater honor. So thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for spending this time with me today."

Commenting on this, he continued, "Our son did not die in Iraq, but he came back when, as an incredibly healthy young man, but he came back with a severe brain tumor because his hooch was just downwind from those burn pits. I don't know if that's the reason, but he came home, it was just a matter of how long he'd live."

Dr. Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States said, "How can we hope to keep our military strong if our service members are forced to choose between their love of country and their love of family. That's why supporting your physical, social and emotional health is a national security imperative."

The First Lady of the United States concluded, "As we begin Memorial Day weekend with a community who feels its gravity deeply, our hearts are with all the survivors, remembering and celebrating someone they love."