Biden defends defense legacy for U.S. military
FOX News correspondent Mark Meredith outlines the conflict over President Biden’s legacy in a “special report” as he bids farewell to American service members.
President Biden gave a farewell speech in Virginia on Thursday, thanking service members for their “strength” and “integrity.”
“Never in history have we asked the military to do so many different things in so many places at the same time,” the president said at Joint Base Meyer-Henderson Hall in Virginia. “And, let me be clear, you have carried out all of these duties with force and, perhaps importantly, with integrity.”
Biden’s address to the troops came the morning after his farewell address to the nation, in which he said it was a “tremendous honor” to serve as the nation’s 46th president.
It also comes four days before President-elect Trump is sworn in as his successor.
Trump and Biden claim credit for Israel-Hamas ceasefire, while some Republicans claim it’s a bad deal
President Biden gave a farewell speech Thursday at the Pentagon, thanking service members for their “strength” and “integrity.” (Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“You all represent the nation of America: character, integrity, integrity and dedication,” Biden told the troops. “You truly are the greatest force in the history of the world.”
In calling for an end to the war in Afghanistan, the president said the military “rose to the occasion” and “evacuated Americans, allies, and partners in Afghanistan, completed the largest airlift in military history, and put an end to the war.” The same courage is defined by: More than 20 years of American service in Afghanistan. ”
He said he believes “history will reflect that it was correct.” [during the] Withdrawal. The pain was still real. And it was the same for me. I still carry it with me every day. ”
Mr. Biden has been criticized for his handling of the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, in which 13 U.S. service members were killed.
Moreover, six months after American troops withdrew from Afghanistan, he wrote, “When Russia began the largest war in Europe since World War II, I asked you to help defend Ukraine.” . You did not hesitate. You continued to involve Ukraine in the fight and trained Ukrainian soldiers, ”he added. Our pilots and troops strengthened NATO’s eastern flank, and most importantly showed the world that America stands up for freedom and stands with our friends. ”
Biden thanks Americans for the honor of serving as president in farewell address
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during a farewell ceremony for the commander-in-chief on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Joint Base Myers-Henderson in Arlington, Virginia. (Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
He also touted the Israeli-Hamas ceasefire agreement announced on Wednesday and mentioned for the first time in his farewell address to the nation.
“The road to reaching that agreement was not easy,” he acknowledged, adding: “We decided on the elements of that agreement eight months ago.”
President-elect Trump also took credit for the ceasefire.
“This EPIC cease-fire agreement could only have come about as a result of the historic victory in November, because it meant that our administration sought peace and negotiated an agreement that ensures the safety of all Americans and our allies. Because we showed the world that we do,” Trump wrote. On True Social Wednesday. “We are thrilled that the American and Israeli hostages will be able to return home and be reunited with their families and loved ones.”
President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris attended President Biden’s farewell celebration for the Commander-in-Chief on Thursday. (Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
In his speech, Biden also thanked the families of military personnel who have “made so many sacrifices.”
“Most Americans never see the sacrifices you make every day,” he continued. “Never spend a holiday or birthday with an empty seat at the dinner table just because mom or dad is deployed. Never experience a move to a new state, new school, or new job. ”
“You truly are the greatest fighting force in the history of the world,” he added near the end of his speech, adding that the U.S. military has the best training, weapons, ships and aircraft.
“But that alone doesn’t make us stronger,” he says. “It’s our values. It’s American values. It’s our commitment to honor, integrity, unity, protection and defense. It’s not a person, it’s not a party, it’s not a place, it’s an idea.”
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Prior to Biden’s speech, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, thanked Biden for his accomplishments in their own speeches as part of the commander in chief’s farewell tribute to the president. expressed.
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