ARLINGTON, Va. – President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris commemorated Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday. It was Biden’s first public event with Harris since losing the 2024 election to Republican Donald Trump.

Harris accompanied Biden during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and was present as he spoke at National Veterans Day at the Memorial Amphitheater.

It was also Harris’ first public appearance since last Wednesday, when the Democratic vice president acknowledged Trump’s election during a speech at his alma mater, Howard University.

The president began his brief remarks by stressing that America’s “truly sacred obligation” is to prepare those it sends into harm’s way and take care of them when they return, or if they don’t.

He honored the service and sacrifice of America’s military veterans, including those who paid the ultimate price and their families, during his final speech at the cemetery’s memorial amphitheater as commander in chief.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life, to lead you, to serve you, to take care of you, to defend you, as you have defended us, generation after generation after generation,” Biden said. “You are the greatest fighting force, and this is not hyperbole, the best fighting force in the history of the world.”

After the celebration, Biden traveled home to Wilmington, Delaware. Biden will host President-elect Donald Trump for a traditional post-election meeting in the Oval Office on Wednesday, the White House announced.