Dr. Jill Biden was an unlikely star of the 2017 Tony Awards.
When she took the stage on Sunday night, Biden earned a round of applause before she even began her tribute to America’s veterans. The short speech, in which she outlined the difficulties veterans face in adapting to civilian life, was preceded by a standing ovation from the Radio City Music Hall crowd ― one of the biggest of the night.
Biden was there to introduce a performance from the musical “Bandstand.” Set in 1945, the show tells the story of Donny Novitski, a musician leading a band of fellow veterans attempting to acclimate to post-war life in a competition for America’s hottest new swing band.
“In the armed forces, ‘got your six’ means, ‘I’ve got your back,’” Biden said in her introductory remarks, proclaiming her support for the organization Got Your 6. The group works to empower veterans by providing them with resources and opportunities when they return from military service.
Got Your 6, Biden explained, has also partnered with “Bandstand” to highlight the experiences and talents of America’s veterans.
“As the daughter of a World War II signal man and the mother of an army captain, I’ve seen how the scars of service can haunt even in the best of situations,” she said.
“As veterans cope with returning to civilian life, they form a band unlike any the nation has ever seen and discover the power of music to find their voice, their purpose and redemption,” Biden concluded. “I’m honored to say to our veterans on behalf of Joe, myself and the company of ‘Bandstand’ and everybody else here, we’ve got your six.”
Former Vice President Joe Biden was caught by cameras beaming in the audience.
You can see a full list of the 2017 Tony Award winners here.
And if you’re feeling nostalgic for American politics circa 2008 to 2016, here’s a meme that never gets old:
CLARIFICATION: This piece has been updated to reflect the fact that Biden received a standing ovation before she began her speech, as well as applause and praise afterwards.
