President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden shared a video message on Sunday wishing Americans a happy Easter while also encouraging them to get vaccinated amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Jill and I want to send you our warmest Easter greetings to you and your family. As we celebrate this most holy day, we know many are still going without familiar comforts of the season,” President Biden said in the video.
“The virus is not gone, and so many of us feel the longing and loneliness of distance. For a second year, most will be apart from their families, their friends, full congregations that fill us with joy,” he continued.” Yet as the Gospel of John reminds us, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
“Today, as spring returns, we see hope all around us. Families are getting the financial help they need to take a breath once again,” First Lady Dr. Jill Biden said. “Businesses are recovering and more and more Americans are getting life-saving vaccines.”
Biden, who is the second Catholic president in the country’s history said, “We share the sentiments of Pope Francis who said that getting vaccinated is a moral obligation, one that can save your life and the lives of others. By getting vaccinated and encouraging your congregations and your communities to get vaccinated, we not only can beat this virus, we can also haste the day when we can celebrate the holidays together.”
Vice-President Kamala Harris also released a video saying there’s always a reason for hope.
“Today, we are celebrating hope and our faith in renewal. Hope in the number of people now vaccinated, now safer from this virus,” Harris said. “Hope in the children who are going back to school for the first time in a year. Hope in the grandparents who are able to hug their grandchildren for the first time in a year. Hope for a brighter tomorrow for us all.”
