President Biden needed stage directions from a military member during the solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during Veterans Day observances at Arlington National Cemetery Saturday.
Biden required assistance from a member of the tomb’s honor guard to place the large floral arrangement on a stand set on the plaza in front of the memorial honoring America’s missing and unidentified war dead.
He stepped back from the wreath and hesitated for a moment before making the sign of the cross on himself.
Then he backed away, turned, and took several steps away from the wreath — and then turned back and approaching the officer again.
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The military member pointed a gloved hand back toward Vice President Kamala Harris, who was standing several feet away, and the president returned to his mark beside her.
Biden was set to speak following the wreath-laying ceremony that marked Arlington’s 70th annual National Veterans Day Observance.
The Arlington commemoration followed a private reception in the White House East Room for veterans and military officials.
Biden, who will turn 81 later this month, has made frequent stumbles and gaffes in recent months — as polls show increasing numbers of voters doubt his ability to handle the rigors of the presidency.
