Joe Biden kicked off his first full day as president-elect the same way he does nearly every Sunday, heading to church near his home with...
Joe Biden kicked off his first full day as president-elect the same way he does nearly every Sunday, heading to church near his home with his family.
Biden arrived at St Joseph on the Brandywine in Wilmington, Delaware, shortly after the start of 10.30am Mass. He typically arrives a bit late and leaves a few minutes early so the presence of Secret Service agents doesn't bother other attendees.
It felt like any other Sunday, except for a huge swarm of media camped near the church entrance in anticipation of Biden's arrival.
Biden was accompanied by his daughter Ashley and his 14-year-old grandson Hunter, both of whom had joined him on stage with the rest of the new First Family following his victory speech the night before.
After Mass concluded the trio walked out to the cemetery to visit the grave of Beau Biden, the president-elect's late son and Hunter's father.
Joe Biden's grandson Hunter and daughter Ashley joined him at St Joseph on the Brandywine in Wilmington on Sunday
The trio left Mass early to visit the grave of Beau Biden, the president-elect's late son. Hunter (center) is Beau's youngest son
Biden bowed his head as he stood over Beau's grave on Sunday, his first full day as president-elect
Both Ashley (left) and Hunter (right) joined Biden on stage after his victory speech in Wilmington on Saturday night
Biden and Hunter embrace over Beau's gravestone on Sunday morning after attending church together
Visitors decorated Beau's grave with flowers, balloons and American flags after his father security a victory on Saturday
Biden bowed his head as he stood over the grave to pay tribute to Beau, a former Delaware attorney general who died of brain cancer aged 46 in 2015.
He had referenced his late son and his faith at the end of his speech the night before, reciting a hymn that Beau loved.
'In the last days of the campaign, I've been thinking about a hymn that means a lot to me and to my family, particularly my deceased son Beau. It captures the faith that sustains me and which I believe sustains America,' Biden said.
'And I hope it can provide some comfort and solace to the more than 230,000 families who have lost a loved one to this terrible virus this year. My heart goes out to each and every one of you. Hopefully this hymn gives you solace as well.
'"He will raise you up on eagle's wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn, Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of His Hand."
A Secret Service agent stands guard as Biden departs from the church sanctuary on Sunday morning in Wilmington
Biden typically arrives at church a bit late and leaves a few minutes early so the presence of Secret Service agents doesn't bother other attendees
Biden adjusts his mask as he walks out to visit Beau's grave on Sunday morning at St Joseph on the Brandywine
Biden wore sunglasses as he gazed down at the grave of his late son Beau, who died of brain cancer aged 46 in 2015
Biden hands a card to a Secret Service agent as he, Hunter and Ashley visit Beau's grave
A Secret Service agent trails Biden, Ashley and Hunter as they make their way to Beau's grave
An 'I voted' sticker, Biden 2020 mask, balloons and flowers are seen on Beau's gravestone on Sunday morning
One visitor left a bouquet on Beau's grave with the words: 'Your dad did it'
Biden continued: 'Now, together — on eagle's wings — we embark on the work that God and history have called upon us to do. With full hearts and steady hands, with faith in America and in each other, with a love of country — and a thirst for justice — let us be the nation that we know we can be.
'A nation united. A nation strengthened. A nation healed. The United States of America. God bless you. And may God protect our troops.'
Biden was then joined on stage by his family, including his son Robert Hunter Biden, 50, who appeared on stage with his seven-month-old son, reportedly named Beau, after his late brother.
The proud grandfather greeted Hunter and little Beau, taking the baby and giving him a loving kiss on the head.
Hunter was accompanied by his South African-born wife Melissa, 34, who he married in May 2019 - six days after they met.
Also joining Biden on stage was the couple's only daughter, Ashley Blazer Biden and Hunter's daughters Naomi and Finnegan.
Meet the First family: After a rousing celebratory speech, Joe Biden was joined by his family on stage. Biden's camp included (from 1-8) granddaughters Natalie Biden and Naomi Biden, grandson Hunter, daughter Ashley Blazer Biden, son Hunter Biden, grandson Beau Biden, Melissa Biden and granddaughter Finnegan Biden
Biden clutched his seven-month-old grandson Beau as he stood on stage alongside his cheering family on Saturday night
Biden is embraced by his granddaughter Naomi after delivering his victory speech in Wilmington on Saturday night
It was Hunter's daughter Naomi who, along with the rest of the family, told him he had the won the election when it was called for by at 11.25am Saturday.
Naomi tweeted a picture of the moment they celebrated the end of a rollercoaster election and count, as in cities across America crowds took to the streets.
In addition to Hunter's children, Beau's children Natalie Biden and Robert 'Hunter' Biden II were also in attendance for the celebrations.
Vice president-elect Kamala Harris' camp included her husband Douglas Emhoff and her step-children Cole and Ella Emhoff.
Harris's niece, entrepreneur Meena Harris, stood proudly with her aunt along with her two daughters.
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