'Welcome home' rally will greet Bidens on Friday
When Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and his wife Jill return to Wilmington on Friday, they will be greeted by hundreds of Delawareans.
A "welcome home" rally is scheduled from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Friday at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. The VP and the second lady are expected to attend the presidential inauguration that morning and return to Wilmington by train thereafter.
Gov. John Carney, Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and members of the congressional delegation are scheduled to deliver remarks.
The event is open to the public. The doors of the Chase Center will open at 1:00 p.m.
Security will be on site. Backpacks and coolers are prohibited. For more information or updates, visit www.welcomehomejoeandjill.com.
STORY: Obama awards Biden the Presidential Medal of Freedom
STORY: Editorial: As VP, Joe Biden set a higher standard
Biden is leaving Washington after eight years of serving the nation under President Barack Obama, with whom he had a famous friendship.
The president bestowed Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom last week in a surprise ceremony.
"This son of Scranton, Claymont and Wilmington has become one of the most consequential vice presidents in American history," a White House aide said as an emotional Biden received the award.
In his farewell address, Obama addressed his colleague.
"To Joe Biden... the scrappy kid from Scranton who became Delaware's favorite son — you were the first decision I made as a nominee, and it was the best," he said. "Not just because you have been a great vice president, but because in the bargain, I gained a brother. And we love you and Jill like family, and your friendship has been one of the great joys of our lives."
After leaving office, Biden will work with the University of Delaware on domestic and economic policy issues and the University of Pennsylvania on foreign policy matters, a Biden aide told The News Journal last week.
Contact Christina Jedra at (302) 324-2837 or cjedra@delawareonline.com.