Transcript - Remarks: Joe Biden Attends a Movie Screening With Military Families in Norfolk - November 19, 2023 | Factba.se

Jill Biden

00:00:00 - 00:00:06 ()

You're supposed to come out, too, Joe. [Laughs]

Jill Biden

00:00:06 - 00:00:21 ()

Hello, how are you? [Applause] Hello. Wow, it's so -- it's so nice to -- I love that he's continued clapping. Thank you. [Laughs]

Jill Biden

00:00:21 - 00:00:32 ()

So, it's really special for me to be here today because my dad was Navy. He fought in World War Two. So, Navy always has a special place in my heart.

Jill Biden

00:00:32 - 00:00:38 ()

And I want to thank you, Ashley, for everything you've done for this community.

Jill Biden

00:00:38 - 00:01:09 ()

When our son Beau was deployed, we saw how much his children missed their daddy. And I know there are many here who miss their mom or their dad or spouse. While nothing can make up for that empty chair at the table, for us, the kindness of our community and finding moments of joy helped make it a little bit easier until we saw our son Beau again.

Jill Biden

00:01:09 - 00:01:18 ()

We're grateful to Warner Brothers for bringing joy tonight with this screening of "Wonka."

Jill Biden

00:01:18 - 00:01:50 ()

The families here may not all wear a uniform. But your president and I know that you serve too. And we're grateful for all that you do for our country. It's our duty and honor to make sure you feel supported. And that's what my Joining Forces -- my White House initiative supporting military and veterans' spouses, caregivers, and survivors -- is all about.

Jill Biden

00:01:50 - 00:02:03 ()

So, wrap yourselves around -- in this community, the community that sur- -- that surrounds you and the joy that comes when we laugh together.

Jill Biden

00:02:03 - 00:02:07 ()

Happy Thanksgiving. May God bless you. Thank you.

Jill Biden

00:02:07 - 00:02:12 ()

Joe. [Applause]

Joe Biden

00:02:12 - 00:02:17 ()

Well, thank you very much. I'm Jill's husband -- [laughter] -- and I'm proud of it.

Joe Biden

00:02:17 - 00:02:24 ()

Look, folks, I had a nice little talk prepared for you. But, you know, I look out there and I -- reminds me every single day what I know.

Joe Biden

00:02:24 - 00:02:40 ()

You know, by the way, I'm all Navy, but I was appointed to the -- I -- anyhow, I was going to go play at the Naval Academy until I found out the other guys in the backfield were guy named Roger Staubach and Joe -- Joe Bellino. So, I decided to go to Delaware.

Joe Biden

00:02:40 - 00:03:02 ()

But our son -- so, I always used to root for Navy. But our son was a major, Bronze Star winner because -- anyway -- in the United States Army. I was asked to flip the coin at the Army-Navy game in -- in Philadelphia when he was in. And he said, "Dad, let's get this straight. I know you're a Na- -- you like Navy, but I'm Army." [Laughter]

Joe Biden

00:03:02 - 00:03:22 ()

But I tell you what. Army, Navy, Marines, all Air Force, you're the litel- -- you're the literal backbone of this country. One percent of you -- only one -- one percent defend ninety-nine percent of us.

Joe Biden

00:03:22 - 00:03:37 ()

And there's another -- you know, there's a -- and none of them would be able to do it without the help they have at home, especially for the kids. You know, I know you miss your mommy or your daddy or your brother or your sister, and it's hard. It's hard.

Joe Biden

00:03:37 - 00:03:47 ()

There's a famous English poet who once said, "They also serve who only stand and wait." That's not a joke. It's not a joke.

Joe Biden

00:03:47 - 00:04:03 ()

For the year Beau was in Iraq and before that in Kosovo, I watched Jill. Every morning, she'd get up, and it'd be -- pour- -- drinking her coffee over neath -- over the sink and saying a prayer -- a silent prayer every day.

Joe Biden

00:04:03 - 00:04:13 ()

So, I just want you to know you are -- you're the heart and soul of the -- of this -- of this country. I mean, you're -- that's not hy- -- that's not hyperbole. You really are.

Joe Biden

00:04:13 - 00:04:27 ()

So, you should be proud of your mommies and daddies. We're proud of all of you. And I want to assure you of one thing, and I hope I've demonstrated it so far: We always, always have your back. We'll always have your back.

Joe Biden

00:04:27 - 00:04:35 ()

And, by the way, I like kids better than people. [Laughter] I wish I could stay and watch "Wonka" with you. But I'm not going to get to do that.

Joe Biden

00:04:35 - 00:04:42 ()

But, anyway, have a good time. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your service from the bottom of my heart. Really.

Jill Biden

00:04:42 - 00:04:49 ()

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Joe Biden

00:04:49 - 00:04:53 ()

Happy Thanksgiving. See y'all.