Biden Speaks At Son's Deployment Ceremony

DOVER, DE -- One day after his most high-profile appearance as the vice presidential candidate, a solemn Joe Biden delivered brief remarks at the deployment ceremony of the 261st Tactical Signal Brigade, a Delaware Army National Guard unit that includes his son, Beau.

"Like all of the family members that are here today gathered on this green, my heart is full of love and pride," he said. "We take comfort in the knowledge that you are the best trained, best prepared group of citizen soldiers our country and this state has ever sent into harm's way."

All told, Biden's remarks lasted just over three minutes, far shorter than his speeches typically are at such events, according to Lt. Col. Len Grattieri, spokesman for the Delaware Guard.

"I've come here many times before as a Delawarean, as a United States Senator, but today I come as you prepare to deploy as a father," Biden said. "A father who got some sage advice from his son this morning: 'Dad keep it short, we're in formation.'"

Grattieri said that Biden has spoken at the deployment ceremony of almost every Delaware unit during his service. His remarks typically include a discussion of the specific theater where troops are being deployed, but this morning Biden made no mention of this unit's destination, Iraq.

"You are the best demonstration of both our nation's greatness and, equally as importantly, our people's goodness," Biden said. "Thank you for answering the call of your country. Thank you for doing what brave women and men have always done in uniform and always do. So stand strong. Stand together. Serve honorably. Come home to your families who love you."

Sarah Palin spoke last month at the deployment ceremony of her son, also bound for Iraq. In both cases, the events were considered non-partisan affairs.

This unit will have responsibility for communications systems throughout Iraq. Beau Biden, 39, is a member of the judge advocate corps and will handle judicial cases involving American servicemen. Biden is also the state attorney general of Delaware, but no special mention was made of his service.

The elder Biden was praised by the head of the Delaware National Guard as an "unshakable supporter" of the Guard.

"We in Delaware call him Senator Joe, but he has many other titles. Like sixth-ranking member of the United States Senate, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and, oh, vice presidential candidate on the Democratic ticket," said Gen. Francis Vavala.

Tom Carper, junior senator of Delaware, was the only dignitary who made mention of last night's debate, briefly saying that he was proud of his colleague as he's proud of the servicemen today.

Biden will spend the rest of the day with family, including Beau, who will leave with his unit to Texas Sunday morning before heading to Iraq.

(NBC/NJ's MIKE MEMOLI)