Vice President Joe Biden says Chanukah is about the miracle of courageous warriors overcoming great odds to protect their people’s culture and dignity.

Biden is marking the start of Chanukah by observing the lighting of the national menorah. A trio of cantors sang Chanukah songs as a rabbi lit the giant menorah in front of the White House.

Biden says Jewish heritage is American heritage.

The national menorah has been lit in front of the White House every year since 1979, when President Jimmy Carter attended the first lighting.

(AP)