President Joe Biden concluded his five-day trip to France by paying respects to US soldiers who fought and died in World War I at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery on June 9, 2024. The visit served as a stark contrast to former President Donald Trump's absence from the cemetery during his presidency. Biden placed a wreath at the cemetery chapel before an expanse of white headstones marking the final resting place of over 2,200 U.S. soldiers.
During his visit, Biden made brief remarks and answered questions from reporters about various topics including his administration's agenda and ongoing international crises.
The Aisne-Marne American Cemetery is located about an hour outside Paris and holds the remains of over 2,200 U.S. soldiers who fought in World War I. Biden's visit to the cemetery was a solemn end to his trip, which also included meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Biden's decision to visit the cemetery comes after Trump reportedly referred to fallen soldiers as 'suckers' and 'losers.' The contrasting actions of the two presidents have become a topic of discussion in the lead up to the November 2024 elections.
The Aisne-Marne American Cemetery is not only a significant historical site, but it also holds personal significance for Biden. He previously visited the cemetery during his tenure as Vice President under Barack Obama in 2014.
Biden's visit to France marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day and served as an opportunity for him to highlight the importance of alliances and democracy in strengthening the United States. The trip also allowed Biden to draw attention to Trump's controversial actions during his presidency, particularly his absence from the cemetery.
Biden's visit comes after reports that he has been taking steps to combat what some have referred to as 'Trump amnesia.' The President himself has taken the effort on the road, sometimes using his physical presence to remind voters about Trump's presidency and its controversial moments.