President Joe Biden praised American service members and highlighted his administration’s defense achievements during a farewell address to the military at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia, on January 16.

“These are our values, the values of Americans. We pledge to uphold honor, integrity, and unity. We don’t defend an individual, a party, or a place—we defend an ideal. That’s the ideal generations of service members have fought to protect, the ideal you have sworn to safeguard as you protect our homeland,” Biden said.

Tribute to the Armed Forces

The event was attended by military personnel and key officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., Vice President Kamala Harris, and First Lady Jill Biden.

Biden lauded soldiers, sailors, and airmen for embodying the "spirit, integrity, dignity, and commitment" of America. “Every time I stand here, I feel immense pride in being an American,” he said. “Serving as your commander-in-chief has been the greatest honor of my life. I’m here to thank you—for your service to our country. I have witnessed your courage, dedication, and spirit.”

Policy Achievements Highlighted

Biden spotlighted key initiatives of his administration, including:

• Record investments to combat military suicides.
• Reducing veteran homelessness to historic lows.
• Overhauling the military justice system to reduce sexual assault rates for the first time in nearly a decade.
• Lifting the Trump-era ban on transgender troops.
• Expanding economic opportunities for military spouses.
• Creating greater opportunities for women in combat roles.

He also acknowledged the military’s role in ending the war in Afghanistan in August 2021, a withdrawal marred by chaos and loss of life that has been a frequent point of criticism from his opponents.

“When I called for ending the longest war in our nation’s history, you fulfilled your duty. I believe history will show it was the right thing to do, but I understand it was painful,” he said, referencing the deaths of 13 American service members during the withdrawal.

Support for Ukraine and NATO

Biden commended the military’s support for Ukraine, emphasizing its role in training Ukrainian troops and pilots, bolstering NATO’s eastern flank, and helping Kyiv maintain its defenses amid the ongoing war with Russia.

Closing Message to the Nation

Biden’s term ends on January 20, when President-elect Donald Trump will take office. In a televised farewell address on January 15, Biden warned against the growing power of “a rising oligarchy” in America and stressed the need to check the privileges of the ultra-wealthy to ensure fairness for the working and middle classes.

(Reported by The Hill, CNN)

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