Pool renamed in honor of Joe Biden in Wilmington, Del.

WILMINGTON, Del. (WPVI) -- Former Vice President Joe Biden returned to his roots in Wilmington on Monday.

He sat in a lifeguard chair as the Brown Burton Winchester Park renamed its pool in his honor.

It's now called the Joseph R. Biden, Junior Aquatic Center to commemorate the summer Biden spent working as a lifeguard there.

It was back in 1962 when he was the pool's only white employee.

He said the experience shaped his view on race relations and he owes the neighborhood for everything he learned.

"It's a great honor. Thank you very much. And if I were still a lifeguard I would say, 'time to get in the pool,'" Biden said.

After the pool dedication, Biden was also moved to tears as he was given a portrait of his late son Beau, created by artist Kevin Perkins.

----------

Send a breaking news alert
Report a correction or typo
Learn more about the 6abc apps