President Joe Biden addressed the graduates of the U.S. Military Academy on Saturday, emphasizing the unique challenges they will face in the current global landscape and the importance of upholding the country’s values both at home and abroad.
Biden commended the class motto, which underscores the diverse responsibilities the new Army officers will shoulder, from aiding Ukraine in its conflict with Russia to providing humanitarian aid in Gaza and defending Israel against threats from Iran.
“There’s never been a time in history when we’ve asked our military to do so many different things in some many different places around the world, all at the same time,” Biden remarked.
During his speech at West Point, Biden reiterated his commitment to keeping American troops out of direct combat in Ukraine while supporting and training Ukrainian forces to deter Russian aggression. He also praised the efforts of U.S. forces in assisting Israel during recent attacks and working to deescalate conflicts in the region.
Prior to administering the commissioning oaths, Biden reminded the graduating cadets of their allegiance to the Constitution and urged them to stay true to their values amidst the current political climate of division and partisanship.
Biden also acknowledged the progress made in reducing instances of sexual assault and harassment in the military while emphasizing the ongoing need for improvement in this area.
At the ceremony, Biden personally greeted each graduate, absolving them of minor infractions with a touch of humor, and encouraged them to defend the ideas and freedoms that define the nation.
