TheCable

Joe Biden was in tears on Tuesday as he bid farewell to his home state of Delaware, hours before his inauguration as the 46th president of the United States.

As he prepared to depart for Washington D.C. to assume the presidency on Wednesday, Biden spoke about the love he has for the place that “gave him a chance” as a child.

“When I die, Delaware will be written on my heart,” he said at a ceremony held at the National Guard headquarters in Delaware named after Beau, his late son.

“It gave me a chance when I was just a kid. It believed in me and later sent me to the United States senate. We love you all. You’ve been there for us in the good and the bad. You’ve never walked away, and I am proud, proud, proud, proud to be a son of Delaware.”

Biden, who grew up in Claymont, Delaware, is known to have a close relationship with his home state where he began his political career as a member of the New Castle county council in 1970.

“I know these are dark times, but there is always light. That is what makes this state special; that is what it taught me,” he said.

“I am truly honoured to be your next president and commander-in-chief, and I will always be a proud son of the state of Delaware.”