Mourners pay respects to Beau Biden

Hundreds of mourners gathered at Delaware’s Legislative Hall on Thursday to pay their respects to Beau Biden, the vice president’s son who died last weekend of brain cancer.

The former Delaware attorney general lay in honor inside the state Senate chamber in Dover, accompanied by Vice President Biden and members of his family. 

The well-wishers in attendance ranged from high-profile figures, such as New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) and United Nations Ambassador Samantha Power, to local officials and Delaware residents.

{mosads}As Biden’s flag-draped casket was carried into the Legislative Hall, the vice president put his arm around Beau’s wife, Hallie, and held his grandson Hunter’s hand. 

Vice President Biden, his wife, Jill, and nearly a dozen members of his family stood close to Beau’s casket inside the state house for a ceremony honoring his life. 

Delaware National Guard Chaplain Col. Ed Brandt offered a prayer and encouraged mourners not to focus on the tragedies that affected Biden’s life but instead “to read the volumes of victories and the tales of triumph of a life well-lived,” according to a pool report.

Beau Biden’s mother and baby sister were killed in a car accident in 1972, an incident that nearly prompted Joe Biden to give up his newly won Senate seat. 

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell (D) praised Biden’s work as attorney general and said he “lived a life that is a model for us all.” The vice president teared up as Markell referenced Biden’s close relationship with his family.

“Your dad beamed with pride and love for you,” Markell said. “His attachment to his parents is now a part of history.”

The younger Biden, who served as a judge advocate general in Iraq, was posthumously awarded his state’s highest honor, the Conspicuous Service Cross. 

The vice president’s demeanor brightened during the receiving line, which lasted more than two hours. He embraced both Cuomo and Power, and greeted many mourners who came to pay their respects with big smiles, kisses and hugs. 

“Keep the faith,” he told one man. 

Thursday’s ceremony marked the beginning of a three-day memorial for Biden, which will be capped by President Obama’s eulogy at his funeral on Saturday. 

Beau Biden’s Secret Service detail will remain with him until he is buried this weekend.