Joe Biden to Families of Fallen Vets: ‘I Understood…Suicide’

Vice president shares personal story of loss in holiday weekend speech

Vice President Joe Biden has become famous for his off-message gaffes, but it was a touching speech he gave to the survivors of slain military service members that made positive headlines.

Over the weekend, Biden spoke to attendees of a seminar sponsored by Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. In his speech, Biden recounts the pain associated with the loss of his wife and daughter decades ago.

"For the first time in my life, I understood how someone could consciously decide to commit suicide," he said. “Not because they were deranged, not because they were nuts, but because they had been to the top of the mountain and they just knew in their heart they'd never get there again."

[ALSO READ: Obama Calls Treatment Of Vietnam Vets Shameful]

In 1972, after becoming the youngest person ever elected to the U.S. Senate, Biden lost his wife, Neilia, and their 1-year-old daughter, Naomi, in an auto accident. His two young sons were also injured in the accident.

"There will come a day, I promise you, and your parents, as well, when the thought of your son or daughter or your husband or wife brings a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eye," Biden said.

View more of his remarks in the above video clip. To view the full speech, click here.

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