Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride
The South Lawn
Hello, Warriors! Welcome to the White House!
It’s incredible to be here with all of you and with the Wounded Warrior Project, which has been a steadfast partner to our Joining Forces Initiative.
There’s a saying in the cycling community that some of you may know: “It never gets easier; you just get faster.”
I think there’s a truth about recovery in that saying as well. Healing is not a straight line. There are challenges that never seem to go away. But I hope that this morning, here at the White House, being cheered on by your President—and First Lady, and Vice President, and Second Gentleman—you can look back on your journey and see just how far you’ve come. It may not get easier—but you have gotten faster and stronger, braver and bolder than ever before.
And it’s not just you.
Because beside every rider here today, there is a family who serves our nation in their own way. And I want to say a special thank you to them—and especially to our youngest caregivers.
Many kids your age have no idea what it’s like to change a bandage or help family members take their medication. You see the cost of our wars up close—in your own life. And while I know that you are so proud of your Wounded Warrior and of your families’ service, there are also times when it’s hard to feel different… or be brave.
You are strong for your family—and it’s our job to be strong for you.
That’s why we launched the Hidden Helpers Coalition, to bring partners together from across the country to find better ways to support you.
The Wounded Warrior Project has been at the forefront of that effort. General Linnington—Mike—you understand that recovery doesn’t happen alone. It means so much that this organization has chosen to support our caregiver families. So, with all of my heart: thank you for your leadership.
Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce our next speaker, Danielle Green, who has served as army military police in the United States Army until she was injured in Baghdad. Danielle, your country owes you a debt we can never repay—but we will work tirelessly to honor that sacrifice.
Please welcome Danielle to the microphone!
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