Politicians, friends, admirers share memories of Beau Biden
Throughout the state of Delaware, Beau Biden had many friends both in government and otherwise.
Flags flew at half-staff on Sunday in his honor.
47 ABC spoke with many people who knew Beau Biden well; and others who were just admirers, remembering who they call an “incredible” man.
Delaware Congressman John Carney says, “It’s just an incredibly sad day for all Delawareans.”
Beau Biden, besides being the eldest son of Vice President Joe Bide, was perhaps best known as Delaware’s former attorney general. He held this office for six years. Delaware leaders close to Beau remember their fallen friend.
Delaware Governor Jack Markell says, “Beau was an extraordinary human being. He was kind hearted, he was engaging, and he was wonderful with people. He was the most popular elected official in the state and that was for a reason. He worked really hard and was great with people. People knew he was genuine.”
Delaware Senator Tom Carper says he thought of Beau Biden like a son. He tells 47 ABC on train rides to and from Washington, D.C. to Wilmington, he and Vice President Biden, who was then serving as a senator, would always talk about their kids.
Senator Carper continues, “I was a part of watching his sons and daughter grow up and grew very paternalistic towards them. It sounds like the strangest thing to say, but I really did. I feel like I’ve lost a member of my family too.”
Congressman Carney goes on, “Hold your kids tighter. Hold the people that you love tighter because life is fleeting. It’s here today and gone tomorrow. Delaware is certainly going to miss Beau Biden. I’m going to miss a really good friend.”
Beau Biden’s Delaware National Guard family shared their pain as well.
Major General Frank Vavala, with the Delaware National Guard says, “I was the one who administered his oath when he came in to our military. I have the upmost respect for and admiration for Beau Biden. His whole life was about service. Beau came in during his thirties. He didn’t have to serve, but he saw a need to join the military after 9/11. He willfully deployed to Iraq and what more can you say.”
Perhaps most the most compelling testimony for Beau Biden’s character comes from the kind words of those who live in the first state.
Claire Snyder-Hall, a resident in Ocean View says “It’s really a very heartbreaking moment for not only Delaware, but for the whole country to lose at such a young age a great public servant.”
The Delaware state senate republican caucus issued a statement early Sunday expressing their deepest sympathy over the death Beau Biden. They say they will be taking a pause over the next few days to remember and pray for the Biden family.
