Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at a Visit to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

Honolulu, Hawaii

Aloha!

As the daughter of a Navy Signalman in World War II and the mother of a son who served in the Delaware Army National Guard, I’m honored to be here.

I believe this is the first event I’ve had the chance to do with military families representing all six services today.

So where are my Navy families? Army? Air Force? Coast Guard? Marines? And how about our Guardians?

As many of you know, I just returned from the Olympics. While I was there, I had the chance to dedicate a room to Senator and Irene Inouye. And I was reminded of the incredible leadership that has come from this state: Senators Hirono and Shatz have been crucial voices in Washington, I saw Congressman Ed Case just last night, and of course, there’s Governor Ige.

David, you’ve helped to bring this state through the darkest year in memory—thank you for being with us today.

I have always loved the Olympics. It’s inspiring to see so many nations come together, even in this difficult time.

Every few years, our athletes have the chance to show the world the heart, determination, and courage of our country.

It’s impossible not to feel enormous pride for the United States when we marvel at Simone Biles, flying through the air, or Sue Bird, commanding the court.

But every day, you show the world who we are as well.

Our military community is extraordinary. You’re brave beyond comparison. Diligent in the face of multiple deployments.

You represent the United States throughout the world, and you fill us with pride.

And I don’t just mean our service members.

Military families may not wear a uniform, but you serve as well.

You stand beside your spouse or parent, through every deployment.

You leave behind jobs and schools you love in the name of our national security.

You give back to your communities, even when you find yourself thousands of miles away from the friends and family that support you.

Military life is never easy—and that’s especially true with the challenges of a pandemic. PCSes are chaotic, child care is hard to come by, and our military-connected students feel especially isolated.

Yet, you answer a call to duty, again and again, without complaint.

Military families sacrifice for all of us and you are as crucial to our military readiness as a rudder to a ship.

That’s why supporting your physical, social, and emotional health is a national security imperative.

In the United States, we have an all-volunteer force—and it continues only because generations of Americans see the honor, dignity, and patriotism of military service.

Our troops can’t focus on their missions if their families are struggling.

We simply cannot expect to retain even our most dedicated service members if they are forced to choose between their love of country and their love of family.

That’s why Joining Forces—the White House initiative to support military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors—is one of my top priorities.

We’re working to increase military spouse employment and entrepreneurship, ensure you can get quality child care when you need it, and provide the education your children deserve.

We’re going to make sure that you have what you need to thrive.

Our military is a community unlike any other. It is bound together by love—love for our country.

Love for the men and women who serve beside you…love for your service members—your husbands and wives, your moms and dads. And love for communities you build together.

It’s our obligation and our honor to match your devotion. Because you deserve nothing less.

So, thank you for all that you do. Thank you for making us proud, every single day.

May God bless our troops and their families.

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