NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden visited the United States Coast Guard Sector on Staten Island on Monday night to share in a “Friendsgiving” dinner with service members and their families.
The visit was held as part of Dr. Biden’s “Joining Forces” initiative which seeks to support military families, including families of service members and veterans, caregivers and survivors. The initiative was launched in 2011 by then-First Lady Michelle Obama and then-Second Lady Dr. Biden.
In her speech, Dr. Biden acknowledged how impactful the experience of working with Joining Forces has been, noting to the crowd of Coasties: "You’ve trusted me with your stories and your challenges."
The First Lady pointed to the work Biden's administration had done to ease some stresses of being a part of a military family, including efforts to help military spouses keep their careers during moves and to provide children with disabilities support at new schools, but she ultimately focused her remarks on honoring the service members and their community.
“As Coasties split their days between waves and land, you find home in the little moments. In bear hugs and big smiles on little faces. In the people whose love warms you, even on the coldest days," she said. "The bonds built on shore and the ones forged on water—that’s what Friendsgiving is about. The families you create together.”
The president kicked off his own remarks with a joke, referencing his adolescent football career. “My quarterback, who was all-state as well, he came along and he ended up being a quarterback for the Coast Guard Academy," Biden said before a pause. "In 1912, but anyway.”
Biden invoked the motto of the Coast Guard—"Semper Paratus," or "Always Ready"—and thanked the military branch who is "there for everything" for their work over the last year. From aiding the Navy when Iran sent weapons to the Houthis, reopening the port in Baltimore "in record time" following the bridge collapse and working on search-and-rescue operations during Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, the president thanked the Coast Guard.
Biden also localized his comments to the New York Sector specifically, noting: “Every day here in New York, you keep this port secure and the people safe, and the world knows it,” before turning his comments back to the families.
“As a nation, we have only one sacred obligation, and that’s to care for those we send into harm’s way, and care for them when they come home, and make sure their families are taken care of before and after,” the president said.
A prayer was given before the meal—crafted by Chef Robert Irvine through his Robert Irvine Foundation—was served. Biden participated in the serving process, interacting with the Coast Guard service members and their famililes.
The president pardoned turkeys “Peach” and “Blossom” in the traditional national reprieve on Monday afternoon at the White House, and referenced his evening plans in New York City during his remarks.
“Later today, my wife, Jill, and I will travel to Staten Island, New York, for a Friendsgiving with members of the Coast Guard and their families to demonstrate our gratitude for their service and sacrifice, like my son, [Beau]” Biden said.
“We also keep in our hearts those who have lost so much, who will have an empty seat at the Thanksgiving dinner table … Thursday night,” the president continued.
According to Biden’s official schedule, the president and first lady left John F. Kennedy International Airport for Staten Island’s Miller Field at 5:15 p.m. and arrived at 5:30 p.m. The couple delivered remarks before dinner was served at 6:15 p.m.
Father Capodanno Boulevard was closed at 4 p.m. and will remain closed until 8 p.m., after the Bidens leave to return to JFK Airport, according to Staten Island Borough President Vito J. Fossella.
Fossella noted that park-and-ride locations along Father Capodanno Boulevard closed Sunday evening and will reopen Tuesday. Other roads, including Hylan Boulevard and Richmond Road, could also be affected by traffic, he said.