"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. This year, 1,113 cadets graduated. Along with the red sash designating them as firsties and the cadet saber at their left hip, the traditional cadet uniform had an extra accessory Saturday as each member of the class wore a mask during the march-on. 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. Be the officer worth following and take care of your Soldiers and their families. “It has given you Soldiers that you can rely on to your right and to your left. There are 143 members who attended the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School (125 men and 18 women). Among them were 12 international cadets. The awards will be presented in a ceremony at West Point on May 19, 2020. ", "We've been planning for the celebration for a year," he added. 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. This year, 1,113 cadets graduated, including 229 women, 132 African-Americans, 103 Asian/Pacific … Here are some of his remarks at today’s graduation, which was on the eve of the US Army’s 245th Birthday. There are 59 class members who are prior service, eight of those are combat veterans. CONTEXT: https://bit.ly/30DFn3v. ", "I'm thinking about a history of racial issues and my own experiences that didn't always sing of liberty," Brown said. 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. It also marked the first time since 1977 that a commencement ceremony had been held on the Plain instead of in Michie Stadium. Submit an Event to be added to Calendar.. Add specific events to your own personal calendar. ", "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. I know it's not going to be easy, but nothing worth having comes easy.”. 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Among the familiar names of West Point alumni are Gen. George Patton, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Gen. Douglas MacArthur and Gen. Omar Bradley. 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. 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." There are 143 members who attended the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School (125 men and 18 women). All Army West Point athletic summer youth camps, both day and overnight camps, are cancelled for this upcoming summer. The 2020 ceremony will be … 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. Directorate of Cadet Activities - Cadet Publications. 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. 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. Thank you for answering your nation's call," he added. The Cumulative Quality Point Average (CQPA) minimum value cannot be waived. The Class of 2020 became the first members of the Corps to return during a five-day process beginning May 26. 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. They then entered a 14-day quarantine leading up to the graduation ceremony while finishing the final tasks required of them as cadets. "It was not a reaction to any request for -- to move the graduation or anything like that. 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. 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. That's the attitude I'm going into the Army with, which is why I chose Fort Drum as my first duty station. "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. 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. 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. ", The move has not come without controversy. 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. 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. Once they reach their seats, they will then take their masks off for the rest of the ceremony because they will be practicing social distancing and they're outside, and they've all tested negative," Ophardt said. Information for graduation is usually posted in January/February preceding the event. Veterans’ Day Golf Tournament in Houston. 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. Our destiny will never be denied and the United States of America will never be defeated.”. 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. 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. “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. 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. "This premier military academy produces only the best of the best -- the strongest of the strong -- and the bravest of the brave. Everyone have a good time, enjoy yourselves, because we are here to celebrate your achievements, and great achievements they are. “…Across this … (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 is a universal symbol of American gallantry, loyalty, devotion, discipline, and skill," Trump began his address, reading from a teleprompter. There are 143 members who attended the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School (125 men and 18 women). (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. "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. His speech comes as arguments continue to rage over the president's threat to use American troops on U.S. soil. 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 … Among them were 12 international cadets. 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. Coronavirus forces military to cut training, quarantine and shutter recruiting stations, creating strains. For planning purposes, please use the prior year information. 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. Kaleth Wright, Pence spoke during the Air Force commencement, students had tested positive for Covid-19, US Military Academy graduates issued a message. 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. The Corps of Cadets left for spring break in mid-March expecting to return in a week. 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. SUBJECT: Classes of 2019 - 2020 Graduation Requirements 1. Related Videos. CNN's Kevin Bohn, Nicky Robertson, Donald Judd, Maegan Vazquez, Kevin Liptak, Barbara Starr, Jim Acosta and Nicole Gaouette contributed to this report. To all come together before we all go off all over the country and the world has been a really good experience.”. Parents of West Point cadets experience unique challenges as their sons and daughters undergo a rugged and demanding training program. 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. As of June 12, almost 19,000 members of the National Guard are still activated to help with social unrest across the country. An Army official said those students have now rejoined their classmates and were expected to graduate on Saturday with the others. “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. 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. The members of the class were welcomed to the Plain by West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams. Your character and leadership are essential for answering those questions. For the first time since 1943, the Army-Navy football game will be played at West Point. Gen. Charles Q. 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. (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 … 2. 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. And family and friends were not allowed to attend the ceremony but could watch it online. 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. As long as you remain loyal, faithful and true, our enemies don't even stand a chance. A woman has made history by becoming the first observant Sikh to graduate from the US Military Academy at West Point. Class of 2020 starts returning to West Point for out-processing, graduation December Graduation Program 2020-2021 (Tentative) Calendar Army Navy T-shirt Order Form Majors Brochure for Class of 2024. "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?'". 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. Then the virus began to spread, and that short break became an indefinite stay away from the academy. 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. The ceremony looked very different from those in years past. “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. Our freedoms will never be trampled. 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. 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. 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. There are 59 class members who are prior service, eight of those are combat veterans. “These people have been with me for the past four years (through) all the really good and bad times. ", 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. 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 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. "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. At present there are more than 80 clubs throughout the United States. 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 has taught me that if it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you. 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.". 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. 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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." Congratulations. 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. Their loved ones wonder if you will care for their Soldier. 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.". 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. CNN's Jeremy Diamond reports. (TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images) 3:07 "Frozen" dance-off interrupts a wedding … West Point Graduation Congratulations Class of 2020 The Class of 2020 graduation ceremony took place on the Plain at West Point on June 13. West Point, New York10:48 A.M. EDT. More information can be found here.