On December 18, 1972, Neilia Biden, the first wife of then Senator-elect, Joe Biden, was involved in a devastating car accident near Hockessin, Delaware. She was driving with their three children, Beau, Hunter, and Naomi, after a shopping trip for a Christmas tree. However, their car was struck by a tractor-trailer at an intersection.
During that tragic accident, Neilia and their 13-month-old daughter, Naomi, lost their lives. Luckily, the other two, Beau and Hunter, sustained serious injuries but survived. The accident left Biden grief-stricken and greatly shaped his life and political journey.
After that devastating incident, Joe Biden considered stepping away from his newly won Senate seat but was persuaded to continue by colleagues. He took the Senate oath at his sons' hospital bedside. This tragedy deepened Biden's empathy and commitment to public service, with his experiences often resonating in his speeches about loss and resilience, and the importance of finding the courage to carry on in life.
Biden later found love again and married another wife, Jill, in 1977 and they have remained together till date.
Other key events on this day
1. The world's first communication satellite launched - 1958
2. US abolished slavery - 1865
3. Wonder Woman debuted on ABC - 1976
4. President Donald Trump impeached for the first time - 2019
5. Japan invaded Hong Kong - 1941
6. Nigerian military government rescinded the decree banning former politicians from running for office - 1991.
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