Biden Sees Off Iraq-Bound Son

Joe Biden bid farewell today to the Iraq-bound soldiers of the 261st Signal Brigade Mission of the Delaware National Guard, including his eldest son, 39-year-old Beau, a captain. Biden said his son gave him some sage advice for the occasion: “Dad, keep it short, we’re in formation.” The Democratic vice-presidential candidate obeyed, and avoided politics entirely for the non-campaign event, CBS reports.

“Let me simply say thank you,” Sen. Biden said. “Thank you for answering the call of your country, thank you for doing what brave men and women in the military have always done and always do. Stand strong. Stand together. Serve honorably. Come home to your families that love you.” (More Beau Biden stories.)