Remarks by President Biden After Air Force One Arrival | Avoca, PA | The White HouseSkip to contentYou have JavaScript disabled. Please enable JavaScript to use this feature.Toggle High Contrast Toggle High Contrast Toggle Large Font Size Toggle Large Font Size The White HouseThe White House The White House Home AdministrationPrioritiesThe RecordBriefing RoomEspañol InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowTwitterOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement MenuCloseTo search this site, enter a search term SearchMobile Menu OverlayAdministrationShow submenu for “Administration””President Joe BidenVice President Kamala HarrisFirst Lady Dr. Jill BidenSecond Gentleman Douglas EmhoffThe CabinetExecutive OfficesShow submenu for “Executive Offices””Council of Economic AdvisersCouncil on Environmental QualityDomestic Policy CouncilGender Policy CouncilNational Economic CouncilNational Security CouncilNational Space CouncilOffice of Intergovernmental AffairsOffice of Management and BudgetOffice of the National Cyber DirectorOffice of National Drug Control PolicyOffice of Public EngagementOffice of Science and Technology PolicyOffice of the United States Trade RepresentativeClimate Policy OfficePresidential Personnel OfficePrioritiesBriefing RoomThe White HouseShow submenu for “The White House””PresidentsFirst FamiliesThe GroundsOur GovernmentGet InvolvedShow submenu for “Get Involved””Write or Call The White HouseJoin UsWhite House FellowsWhite House Internship ProgramThe RecordDisclosuresEspañol Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowTwitterOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 To search this site, enter a search term SearchAugust 17, 2023 Remarks by President Biden After Air Force One Arrival | Avoca, PA Home Briefing Room Speeches and Remarks Wilkes-Barre Scranton International AirportAvoca, Pennsylvania12:49 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: I’m just going to make a brief comment about my friend, Ellen Casey. You know, she — I don’t know if — some of you Scrantonians may have known her. But she loved with a fierceness and a tenderness that was incredible. And it was the Irish of her. She just was incredible. And I was saying earlier that — my sister and I were talking about her. And my sister reminded me of a quote about Michelangelo. It said: He saw the angel in the marble and carved until he set it free. That’s what she did with everybody. I mean, she really did, if you’re knew her. I know this sounds like an exaggeration, but I’ve been coming back home since — I’ve never left, actually. And I’ve known the Caseys for the bulk of my life. I don’t remember when I didn’t know the Ca- — the Caseys. And Bobby’s dad was older than me, then I am older than Bobby. And we lived not far from one another. He was on Wyoming Avenue, and I lived on North Washington Avenue. We went to the same parish, St. Paul’s. And anyway, just a — she’s an incredible woman. And she raised an enormously successful and decent family. All the values I learned, I learned them here in Scranton. And she was an embodiment of them. So, I — the reason I am not going to the funeral tomorrow is everyone would have to be wanded to go in — that I’d — I’d mess everything up if I went. But in addition to that, I have to meet with — at Camp David with two world leaders tomorrow morning. But in addition, I didn’t come — I’m not going to stay at the viewing when the people are coming in. But, again, they have to be wanded; I just become an impediment. I just want to show my respect to the family. So — Q Can you tell us about your Hawaii trip, sir? THE PRESIDENT: No, not now. I’m going to be leaving, and I’ll be there on Monday. Q Why is it important that you go? Q Sir, do you think — THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. 12:52 P.M. EDT Stay ConnectedSign UpEmail Address* RequiredZIP CodePlease leave blank.We'll be in touch with the latest information on how President Biden and his administration are working for the American people, as well as ways you can get involved and help our country build back better. Opt in to send and receive text messages from President Biden. ShareShare this page on FacebookShare this page on Twitterhttps://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/08/17/remarks-by-president-biden-after-air-force-one-arrival-avoca-pa/?utm_source=link HomeThe AdministrationExecutive OfficesPrioritiesThe RecordBriefing RoomThe White HouseDisclosuresGet InvolvedEspañol Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowTwitterOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 WH.gov Scroll to Top Scroll to Top Top
