NORFOLK, Va. — President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden made a stop in Hampton Roads on Sunday for an early Thanksgiving celebration with military personnel.
The two joined service members and their families for a "Friendsgiving Dinner" at Naval Station Norfolk.
The visit is a part of the Joining Forces Initiative aimed at supporting families of service members and veterans, caregivers, and survivors, according to the White House.
Both the president and first lady gave brief remarks thanking these families for their sacrifice and tireless support.
"It's hard looking at an empty table, an empty chair -- especially for holidays. It's hard watching it," the president explained. "You literally are the backbone, the spine, the sinew of this nation."
“When our son, Beau, was deployed, we saw how much his children missed their daddy, and I know how many in this room are living with an empty chair at your table right now," the first lady said.
Following both speeches, the Bidens put on aprons and got behind a buffet table to serve the military families themselves.
More than 400 people attended the feast, including Jordan Boyer, who's husband is currently deployed on USS Gerald R. Ford. The aircraft carrier departed from Hampton Roads in May; however, that deployment was extended last month.
“It’s been pretty rough, but it isn’t our first time around for deployment," Boyer told 13News Now. "It is the first time having the third [child]. So, it’s been an adjustment, especially being in Norfolk for the first time.”
Gabriella Combs is also missing her husband this holiday season. He’s currently deployed on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. The mother of four is expecting her fifth child.
“This one’s actually going to be born while daddy is deployed," she said. "It’s part of military life. So, we know the sacrifice is worth it.”
This is the second time Biden has visited the Hampton Roads area this year. In February, Biden discussed healthcare in Virginia Beach.