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Kamala Harris commends Air force 2024 graduates for dedication and service
Harris noted the historical importance of American air power, drawing connections from the valor displayed during D-Day to contemporary military operations.
Vice President Kamala Harris / Image- X (@KamalaHarris)
Vice President Kamala Harris in her address at the United States Air Force Academy's Class of 2024 commencement ceremony, emphasized the critical role of the graduates in maintaining America's national security and global stability. Highlighting their readiness and dedication, she commended the cadets for their perseverance through rigorous training and their commitment to national service.
"Today, you join the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen," Harris declared. “As it has been for generations, America’s national security and global stability depend on our strength in the sky and space. And as officers, our nation is counting on you to preserve and extend that strength, including, I will add, through your ability to innovate.”
Harris noted the historical importance of American air power, drawing connections from the valor displayed during D-Day to contemporary military operations. “Today, around the world, our allies are in awe and our adversaries are in fear of America’s dominance in the air, “ she said.
Yesterday, cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy took an oath – not to a person or to a political party, but to the Constitution.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) May 31, 2024
In a world of continuous change, this oath remains constant. pic.twitter.com/NgR67eSGQh
"As officers, our nation is counting on you to preserve and extend that strength, including through your ability to innovate," she said, commending the cadets for their technological advancements, such as the design and launch of FalconSAT-X, a satellite project.
Harris observed that in 2020, in her capacity as a United States senator, she had the honor of selecting and recommending five cadets for admission to this class based on her personal connections and experiences with the academy. "It was my privilege to nominate five cadets to this class: Lynlee Davis, Elizabeth Deards, Kyle Moats, Noelle Mourani, and Jaricsa Vega," she mentioned, applauding the achievements of these cadets.
Reflecting on the academy's rigorous journey, Harris noted the resilience and camaraderie the cadets developed, stating, "You survived Beast and Recognition, Triple Threats and Core Astro, and many of you even made it through Sijan Hall."
As the graduates prepared to take their oath, Vice President Harris reminded them of the gravity of their commitment. "You will take an oath — not to a person, not to a political party, but to the Constitution; an oath to 'support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.'"
The VP also paid tribute to Major LeRoy Homer, Jr., a 1987 academy graduate and First Officer of United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001, recognizing his heroism and the enduring legacy of his service. Major Homer’s wife, Melodie, and daughter, Laurel, were honored guests at the ceremony.
In conclusion, Vice President Harris expressed her confidence in the graduates' abilities to face future challenges and their role in safeguarding America’s security. "You have the skills; you have the knowledge and the strength of character to meet any challenge. You are warriors. You have dedicated yourselves to the service of our nation."
The ceremony was attended by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, General Chance Saltzman, General David Allvin, and Lieutenant General Richard Clark, among others
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