A Touching Memorial Service For Beau Biden

A funeral will be held for Beau Biden on Saturday, but the public is mourning through a series of services being held to commemorate the well-loved and respected former attorney general of the state. During a memorial service for Beau Biden in Delaware on Thursday, hundreds upon hundreds of people came to the Delaware State Capitol building to mourn Vice President Joe Biden's eldest son, who died last weekend after a battle with brain cancer. In the touching remembrance of Biden's life, several speakers, including Delaware Gov. Jack Markell, gave emotional speeches, often bringing the audience to tears.

The public service, which took place in the capitol's Legislative Hall, was the first of its kind, The Wilmington News Journal reported. During the service, Markell said, “Beau made Delaware a better place for us all. And he did so because of his determination and his persistence, because of his intellect and his willingness to fight.” He then posthumously bestowed upon Biden the Conspicuous Service Cross award, which is the highest honor that the state of Delaware can give.

There will be another memorial service on Friday, followed by the funeral Mass on Saturday, during which President Obama will give a eulogy. It's a painful time, but many of Delaware's leaders undoubtedly found some solace in paying their respects through words that showed the nation what a great man Biden was. Here are some of the most heartbreaking and moving quotes that were made during the speeches about Biden.

Gov. Markell called Biden a model husband, father, and son, NBC reported, causing the vice president to tear up. Markell spoke about Biden's achievements in making the state safer and referenced the deep love between Biden and his family. He called the Biden family "Delaware's family," and continued:

He cared deeply about the people of Delaware … We the people of Delaware loved Beau, if possible, even more.

House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf told a story of how Biden came by his office once just to give him a hug.

He said 'you're my friend, I miss ya. I don't get to see you that much.' That's the Beau that I knew. That's the Beau that Carol and I love. And that's the Beau that we will miss. And we will always remember. Sleep well Beau.

Attorney General Matt Denn, who succeeded Biden, referenced Biden's children and the love and care Biden gave as a father.

Natalie and Hunter knew how much he loved them. He was taken away from them too soon.

National Guard Chaplain Ed Brandt, who The Wilmington News Journal reports served in Iraq with Biden, said:

We knew him in so many ways, dear Lord, Major Biden, Attorney General Biden, dad, son, brother, husband. And we all knew him as Beau.

Former Delaware Chief Justice Myron Steele said:

I never met a more conscientious, caring or thoughtful person ... Everyone who met him loved him instantly.