“I just wanted to come over today to thank you all for keeping me and my family safe,” said Biden, who emerged from her motorcade in a long black coat over a cream dress and the same floral mask she had worn the night before. Opening.
“I know you left your home state,” said the first lady, noting that her son Beau Biden had served in the National Guard. “The National Guard will always have a special place in the heart of all Bidens.”
Biden held a basket of goodies tied with red, white and blue ribbon, which she distributed as a thank you.
The First Lady made her unscheduled stop at Capitol Hill after a planned visit to Whitman-Walker Health in downtown Washington, just a few blocks north of the White House.
Whitman-Walker is a federally qualified nonprofit health center that offers community-based health and wellness services and specializes in LGBTQ and HIV care, according to a statement from the East Wing. The clinic also offers cancer support and navigation services for patients and caregivers. Biden took a tour of the facility and heard administrators describe what worked for them during the pandemic to reach patients, and what didn’t.
“Everyone needs more mental health work,” said Biden, noting the enormous challenges healthcare professionals and patients face, described by a member of the Whitman-Walker team.
“We are in your corner,” she added.
“The first thing we have to do is to resolve this pandemic,” she said, clapping her hands for emphasis. Shortly thereafter, she went to the Capitol to greet the troops and deliver the homemade cookies.
“You guys are the best, thank you very much,” said Biden, who posed for a group photo. The troops greeted her back, with a loud “hoo-ah!” In appreciation.