CNN's Jeremy Diamond reports. Gen. Charles Q. Among them were 12 international cadets. He went on to say that "we are not the policemen of the world," but warned "enemies" of the United States to "be on notice.". CONTEXT: https://bit.ly/30DFn3v. A woman has made history by becoming the first observant Sikh to graduate from the US Military Academy at West Point. It also marked the first time since 1977 that a commencement ceremony had been held on the Plain instead of in Michie Stadium. 31K Views . There are 143 members who attended the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School (125 men and 18 women). U.S. Military Academy cadets attend the 2020 graduation ceremony at West Point, New York, on June 13, 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic. “In our great Army, there are Soldiers awaiting your arrival right now wondering if their lieutenant will be worth following. The class had been scheduled to graduate May 23, but the date was pushed back after the semester was thrown into turmoil by the pandemic. Submit an Event to be added to Calendar.. Add specific events to your own personal calendar. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. June 10, 2020, 6:50 AM After returning under highly restrictive pandemic conditions, members of the U.S. Military Academyat West Point's Class of 2020 … This year, 1,113 cadets graduated, including 229 women, 132 African-Americans, 103 Asian/Pacific … Membership in a West Point Parents Club offers an opportunity for mutual support, fellowship, and access to useful information about the Academy and cadet life. Mark Hertling writes that President Trump's sudden announcement that he is to speak at West Point's graduation during the coronavirus pandemic carries great risk -- … Due to public health concerns, the decision was made to close the ceremony to all visitors who instead had to watch a livestream and cheer from home. Class of 2020 starts returning to West Point for out-processing, graduation West Point Graduation Will Include President, But Not Families By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong, Reporter | June 6, 2020 Cadets take their oath (above) and toss their hats (below) at the 2019 West Point commencement. Early this week, Williams had a town hall-style meeting with the senior class being invited, in which the superintendent allowed them to raise any concerns they had about what was happening in the world, Ophardt said. "Our troops need stable, consistent leadership during volatile times like these, not a Commander-in-Chief who values his own photo ops and TV ratings over their health and safety.". I'm thinking about having to represent by working twice as hard to prove their expectations and perceptions of African Americans were invalid," he added. Subscribe to Fox News! The U.S. Military Academy at West Point held its graduation and commissioning ceremony for the Class of 2020 on The Plain in West Point, New York, June 13, 2020. Home for the Holidays virtual West Point Holiday Show | West Point Band It was a full-circle moment for the members of the class, for it was on the Plain almost four years ago where they had officially joined the Corps of Cadets during the Acceptance Day parade. “Having this final event to provide closure, I can't even describe it. "This premier military academy produces only the best of the best -- the strongest of the strong -- and the bravest of the brave. Their loved ones wonder if you will care for their Soldier. Your character and leadership are essential for answering those questions. "So when their name gets read, instead of getting handed a diploma ... they'll step forward and they'll salute President; President and Lt. Gen. Williams will salute back, and then they'll leave the stage, and that will be their recognition. The 2020 Distinguished Graduate Award Recipients are: Richard A. Nowak ’64 – Many know Richard “Dick” Nowak as an All-American two-way Army football player, a two-time Hammond Award winner (team’s top lineman), and the captain of the 1963 squad. Classes throughout West Point’s history have graduated early in times of war to meet the needs of the country, but—as commencement speaker President Donald J. Trump noted—the Class of 2020 became the first to have a delayed ceremony turning their traditional 47-month experience into a 48-month one. Along with the different location, the most notable change was the lack of families and friends filling the stands ready to cheer on their graduate as his or her name was called. "It is not the duty of the US troops to solve ancient conflicts in far away lands that many people have never even heard of," he told the graduates. “Thinking back over the past four years and how myself as well as my classmates have changed, even though we all have the same faces we're all different people on the back end,” said 2nd Lt. Michael Worth, who branched armor and will begin his career in Hawaii after attending graduate school. "I'm thinking about wearing the same flight suit with the same wings on my chest as my peers and then being questioned by another military member: 'Are you a pilot?'". Join our Parent List Serve to receive information and announcements from West Point Click here for instructions Ring Weekend Banquet Program “Your challenges ahead will require moral and physical courage,” Williams said. West Point, New York10:48 A.M. EDT. Vice President Mike Pence gives the graduation address for the 221st graduation and commissioning ceremony at the United States Military Academy at West Point on Saturday, May 25, 2019. Throughout the ceremony, the class also received words of encouragement from their fellow members of the Long Gray Line including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Class of 1986; Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, Class of 1969; and Heisman Trophy winner Pete Dawkins, Class of 1959. The Class of 2020 became the first members of the Corps to return during a five-day process beginning May 26. Now, we are entrusting you with the most noble task any warrior has ever had—the privilege to carry out the task of preserving American liberty. There are 143 members who attended the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School (125 men and 18 women). The ceremony looked very different from those in years past. ", "I'm thinking about a history of racial issues and my own experiences that didn't always sing of liberty," Brown said. In attendance were commencement speaker President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy and Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James C. McConville. White chairs spaced six feet apart waited for them upon the Plain as they came together one final time for a graduation ceremony that looked like it might not happen at all a few months ago. The Class of 2020 returns to the U.S. Military Academy Members of the class of 2020 share their thoughts about returning to West Point, the excitement to stand on the parade field with their classmates, and getting ready to graduate and serve their country. 2. In a moving, deeply personal video, Brown said he was "full with emotion" for "the many African Americans that have suffered the same fate as George Floyd. It was also notable that Trump did not use his remarks Saturday as an opportunity to issue a direct and clear condemnation of racial injustice, an issue that has dominated the national conversation since Floyd's death at the hands of white police officers in Minneapolis. His speech comes as arguments continue to rage over the president's threat to use American troops on U.S. soil. All Army West Point athletic summer youth camps, both day and overnight camps, are cancelled for this upcoming summer. As long as you remain loyal, faithful and true, our enemies don't even stand a chance. Trump thanked the members of the class for answering the call to serve in what he called the “most exceptional army ever to take the field of battle.”, Tracing the unbreakable chain of West Point graduates that includes Gens. However, the graduating cadets were brought back to West Point for a ceremony with president Donald Trump as the commencement speaker on June 13, 2020. “These people have been with me for the past four years (through) all the really good and bad times. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point held its graduation and commissioning ceremony for the Class of 2020 on The Plain in West Point, New York, June 13, 2020. West Point Graduation Congratulations Class of 2020 The Class of 2020 graduation ceremony took place on the Plain at West Point on June 13. The awards will be presented in a ceremony at West Point on May 19, 2020. WEST POINT, N.Y. -- A few minutes after 10 a.m. Saturday morning, the West Point Band began to play and 1,107 members of the U.S. Military Academy’s Class of 2020 stepped off from the sally ports along Washington Hall and began to march onto the Plain that serves as the centerpiece of the academy. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, General, and hello cadets. An Army official said those students have now rejoined their classmates and were expected to graduate on Saturday with the others. “I was honestly really happy that we all got to come back and I got to say goodbye,” said 2nd Lt. Nerissa Siwietz, who branched armor and will begin her career at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. I know it's not going to be easy, but nothing worth having comes easy.”. Among them were 12 international cadets. The West Point superintendent, Army Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams, told NBC's "Today" show in a segment Friday morning that "we're happy that (Trump's) coming. The National Guard's role in the Washington, DC, protests after George Floyd's death has come under scrutiny and is under review by the Department of Defense. "To the 1,107 who today become the newest officers in the most exceptional Army ever to take the field of battle, I am here to offer America's salute. There are 59 class members who are prior service, eight of those are combat veterans. The class includes 229 women, 132 African-Americans, 103 Asian/Pacific Islanders, 102 Hispanics and 10 Native Americans. A cadet must successfully complete the course of instruction in the academic, military and physical programs and satisfy the institutional (non-program) requirements. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point held its graduation and commissioning ceremony for the Class of 2020 on The Plain in West Point, New York, June 13, 2020. There are 143 members who attended the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School (125 men and 18 women). President Donald Trump addressed 1,107 graduates who gathered at the US Military Academy at West Point for the academy's annual commencement. Our freedoms will never be trampled. “West Point has taught me that if it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you. Related Videos. "What has historically made America unique is the durability of its institutions against the passions and prejudices of the moment. The class includes 229 women, 132 African-Americans, 103 Asian/Pacific Islanders, 102 Hispanics and 10 Native Americans. Kaleth Wright, Pence spoke during the Air Force commencement, students had tested positive for Covid-19, US Military Academy graduates issued a message. Following graduation, the members of the class will begin their Army careers as second lieutenants serving in every branch at posts throughout the world. "And when we fight from now on, we will only fight to win," Trump said before praising his administration for increasing funding to the armed forces and the establishment of the Space Force. The class includes 229 women, 132 African-Americans, 103 Asian/Pacific Islanders, 102 Hispanics and 10 Native Americans. For planning purposes, please use the prior year information. Later in his remarks, Trump thanked all of the branches of the military for their help to fight Covid-19 and calling the pandemic the "invisible enemy." Our rights will never be stolen. All fall class reunions: Oct. 8-11, 2020 – Classes of 1980 and 1985; Oct. 15-18, 2020 - Homecoming, Classes of 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015; Oct. 22-25, 2020 – Classes of 1975 and 1990 The U.S. Military Academy at West Point held its graduation and commissioning ceremony for the Class of 2020 on The Plain in West Point, NY, June 13, 2020. "It was not a reaction to any request for -- to move the graduation or anything like that. This year, 1,113 cadets graduated. "Instead of being handed the diploma, they will render a salute from a small stage that's about 15 feet in front of where the President will be standing," Ophardt said. President Trump delivered the commencement speech. The masks and the location change were only some of the many adjustments to the ceremony caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to rage throughout the world. Among the familiar names of West Point alumni are Gen. George Patton, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Gen. Douglas MacArthur and Gen. Omar Bradley. West Point Wall Calendars -2021 . ", "Trump's reckless decision to gather 1,000 Cadets at West Point for a speech puts our future military leaders at increased risk -- all to stroke his own ego," she said in a statement. Directorate of Cadet Activities - Cadet Publications. ", "We've been planning for the celebration for a year," he added. The sun glistened off the brass buttons decorating the front of their full-dress gray coats as the members of the class marched onto the Plain from opposite sides in twin columns. They then entered a 14-day quarantine leading up to the graduation ceremony while finishing the final tasks required of them as cadets. Douglas MacArthur, George Patton and Ulysses S. Grant, Trump called on the Class of 2020 to add their names, “to this eternal chronicle of American heroes.” They will do so, he said, by following the example of their predecessors and living their class motto of “With Vision We Lead.”, “Today, each of you becomes another link in that unbroken chain, forged in the crucible known as the United States Military Academy, the greatest on earth,” Trump said. "I'm thinking about the pressure I felt to perform error-free, especially for supervisors I perceived had expected less of me as an African American. As of June 12, almost 19,000 members of the National Guard are still activated to help with social unrest across the country. "We will vanquish the virus, we will extinguish this plague," the President said. Coronavirus forces military to cut training, quarantine and shutter recruiting stations, creating strains. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat who's an Iraq War veteran, criticized the President's decision to speak in April, urging him to "evaluate the potential consequences of this vanity speech. (U.S. Army Photo by Michelle Eberhart), The U.S. Military Academy at West Point held its graduation and commissioning ceremony for the Class of 2020 on The Plain in West Point, New York, June 13, 2020. West Point is a universal symbol of American gallantry, loyalty, devotion, discipline, and skill," Trump began his address, reading from a teleprompter. Information for graduation is usually posted in January/February preceding the event. SUBJECT: Classes of 2019 - 2020 Graduation Requirements 1. To all come together before we all go off all over the country and the world has been a really good experience.”. ", Traditionally, the students would have their commissioning ceremony the day they graduated, but due to, Trump announced in April, surprising many, that he would speak at an in-person graduation ceremony despite the pandemic. In attendance were commencement speaker President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy and Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James C. McConville. There are 59 class members who are prior service, eight of those are combat veterans. Graduation Dates: Class of 2020 - June 13, 2020 Class of 2021 - May 22, 2021 Class of 2022 - May 21, 2022 Class of 2023 - May 27, 2023. President Trump will deliver the West Point graduation commencement address. Thank you for answering your nation's call," he added. In attendance were commencement speaker President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy and Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James C. McConville. WEST POINT GRADUATION: The President will be addressing this year's graduating class at West Point. He thanked the second lieutenants’ families and friends who couldn’t attend for supporting the members of the class throughout their time at West Point. (CNN)President Donald Trump on Saturday addressed 1,107 graduates who gathered at the US Military Academy at West Point for the academy's annual commencement. West Point Calendar. Thank you! CNN's Kevin Bohn, Nicky Robertson, Donald Judd, Maegan Vazquez, Kevin Liptak, Barbara Starr, Jim Acosta and Nicole Gaouette contributed to this report. Today, June 13, marked the West Point Graduation of 2020 with President Trump giving the Commencement Address. “…Across this … That's the attitude I'm going into the Army with, which is why I chose Fort Drum as my first duty station. While much of the speech was congratulatory, the President did strike a more political tone at times, laying out his views on American military intervention and touting his administration's support for the armed forces. ", The move has not come without controversy. Vice President Mike, Trump said at the time that he was looking forward to the event, adding that though he doesn't like "the look" of a socially distanced crowd, "eventually, next year, they'll have a commencement like it's been ... nice and tight.". And family and friends were not allowed to attend the ceremony but could watch it online. “We are honored to host the commander in chief as we celebrate the many accomplishments of our graduating class,” said superintendent of the USMA, Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams. (CNN) The Army will proceed with this year's graduation ceremony at the US Military Academy in June at West Point, New York, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with … The 2020 ceremony will be … West Point graduates occupy prominent roles in the Trump administration, including Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Pompeo's two closest aides at the State Department, Brian Bulatao and Ulrich Brechbuhl. The Cumulative Quality Point Average (CQPA) minimum value cannot be waived. He also thanked the National Guard for their contribution to "ensuring peace, safety and the constitutional rule of law on our streets." “It has given you Soldiers that you can rely on to your right and to your left. Because of the delay, the 1,107 members of the class in attendance and the six additional members who were unable to attend the ceremony, had all been commissioned as second lieutenants in the Army prior to Saturday unlike in a typical year where they are commissioned after receiving their diplomas. He also honored the memory of Class of 2020 member C.J. In attendance at the ceremony were Trump, Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy and Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James C. McConville, who served as distinguished guests. President Donald Trump on Saturday addressed 1,107 graduates who gathered at the US Military Academy at West Point for the academy's annual commencement. to meet baseline graduation requirements. This year, 1,113 cadets graduated. Brown, who was confirmed by the Senate this week as the first black service member to lead an American military branch, has also spoken out. Updated 1438 GMT (2238 HKT) June 14, 2020. West Point made every effort to keep Saturday's commencement ceremony "as close to normal as possible," Lt. Col. Chris Ophardt told CNN in an interview Friday. After receiving their diplomas and saluting Trump and Williams, the new officers received the order of “Class dismissed,” from First Captain 2nd Lt. Daine Van de Wall and threw their hats in the air as helicopters from the 82nd Airborne Division flew overhead. Veterans’ Day Golf Tournament in Houston. Our destiny will never be denied and the United States of America will never be defeated.”. On behalf of our entire nation, let me say congratulations to the incredible West Point Class of 2020. This year, 1,113 cadets graduated. Everyone have a good time, enjoy yourselves, because we are here to celebrate your achievements, and great achievements they are. December Graduation Program 2020-2021 (Tentative) Calendar Army Navy T-shirt Order Form Majors Brochure for Class of 2024. More information can be found here. There are 59 class members who are prior service, eight of those are combat veterans. 3:07 "Frozen" dance-off interrupts a wedding … The U.S. Military Academy at West Point's mission is "to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army." For the first time since 1943, the Army-Navy football game will be played at West Point. While the President did acknowledge that America is facing a "turbulent" moment, he did not address the issue of racism in the same way many of. "They're seated at about 8-foot intervals across the parade field, so it's an outdoor ceremony. Trump addresses a socially distanced West Point graduation, Americans can expect stimulus payments as soon as this weekend, Biden signs $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief bill into law, Keilar: GOP senator touted provision in bill he voted against, Former US Presidents urge Americans to get vaccinated in PSA, Michael Cohen met with Manhattan DA 7 times in Trump probe, 'No numbers were changed': Gov. The members of the class were welcomed to the Plain by West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams. More than 15 members of West Point's graduating class tested positive for the coronavirus upon their return to the the U.S. Military Academy. Morgan, who was killed in a training accident last summer and gave advice to the new officers as they begin their Army careers. Twelve members of the class, including the first two graduates from Kosovo, will return to their home countries to serve in their nation’s armies, further strengthening the bond between the American Army and its allies. Graduates socially distanced 6 feet from one another across the Plain Parade Field to accommodate Covid-19 public health requirements instead of at Michie Stadium, the ceremony's traditional location. The Corps of Cadets left for spring break in mid-March expecting to return in a week. Choose your time zone and then check the boxes next to the events you would like to add, then click add to my calendar. “I'm not going to lie, I'm nervous, but I'm excited,” said 2nd Lt. Iris Yu, who branched Military Intelligence with a branch detail to Chemical. Emulate those who have come before you.”, Williams was followed at the podium by Trump, who was making his first visit to the academy as president to serve as the commencement speaker. Here are some of his remarks at today’s graduation, which was on the eve of the US Army’s 245th Birthday. Be the officer worth following and take care of your Soldiers and their families. When times are turbulent, when the road is rough, what matters most is that which is permanent, timeless, enduring, and eternal," Trump said. 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Of course, obviously, I'd love to have my family here and be doing it with all the different traditions and everything, but just having the opportunity to be side-by-side with my classmates and actually toss my hat up in the air finally is amazing.”. Congratulations. Then the virus began to spread, and that short break became an indefinite stay away from the academy.
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