Joe Biden Marks His Inauguration With Full Day Of Events
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: U.S. President Joe Biden speaks at the Lincoln Memorial on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. Biden became the 46th president of the United States earlier today during the ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The United States President Joe Biden paid tribute to the fallen service members on the annual memorial service hosted by the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs in Delaware, Sunday, May 30.

The event, which Biden frequently attends, was held in the Delaware Memorial Bridge in News Castle, where the U.S. President spoke in observance of Memorial Day.

Backbone of the United States

In his speech on Sunday, Biden shared his memories about his son, Beau, who was part of the Delaware Army National Guard. Beau's unit was activated and deployed to Iraq in October 2008. But exactly six years ago, Beau Biden died due to brain cancer, U.S. News reported.

According to NPR, Biden shared that despite a lot of time had passed, the event is still the toughest day of the year for them. The U.S. President mentioned that they were honored, but the tough day brings back memories.

Moreover, Biden also thanked them for their continued service to the U.S. He also said that the fallen service members will be in the hearts of their families and loved ones forever. Biden also emphasized that the founding ideals of the U.S. are worth fighting and dying for, Delaware Online reported.

In addition, Biden stated that among the obligations to their nation, their truly sacred obligation is to equip those individuals that they send into harm's way. He also added that all that they need is care, not only for them but also for their families when they return home and when they don't.

Biden also added that all of them who remained have a duty in renewing their commitment to the fundamental values of their country to honor their fallen service members. Also, they need to renew the values that have inspired generation after generation to service and that so many have died to defend.

Memorial Day is annually observed on the last Monday of May to commemorate individuals who died in U.S. military service. Although its roots go back to the Civil War, it only officially became a federal holiday in 1971.

Meanwhile, in the late 1860s, Americans started a springtime tradition of honoring the dead by decorating gravestones with flowers and reciting prayers, which is originally known as Decoration Day.

Furthermore, Biden mentioned in his speech that he always carries a card daily that contains the number of American service members killed in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. He stated that he started doing it when he served as vice president under Barack Obama. Biden shared that the number is 7,036, and it is not an approximation.

On the other hand, there are currently 155 national cemeteries in 42 states in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. It is operated and maintained by the National Cemetery Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs. State-run cemeteries are not included in the number.

Biden shared that the men and women buried at these sacred sites were the 'backbone' of the United States.

WATCH: Biden Delivers Remarks At Memorial Day Service | NBC News