Academy Class of 2008 achieves long-awaited goal

  • Published
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) --  Cool temperatures with an overcast sky and a threat of rain made it no less bright for the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2008 when 1,012 graduates tossed their hats following a speech delivered by their commander-in-chief at the Academy May 28. 

"I am so pleased to stand before the future leaders of the United States Air Force," said President George W. Bush. "In becoming officers of the United States Air Force, you have chosen a vocation that is both hazardous and rewarding. As a former F-102 pilot, I know the exhilaration of flight. As the son of an aviator who was shot down in combat, I know its perils. Whether you serve in the skies above or on the ground below, each of you has stepped forward to defend your country. You've chosen to face danger in foreign lands so your fellow citizens do not have to face danger in our own land. And I want to thank you for making this courageous choice. And all of America is grateful to the Class of 2008." 

The president received a warm welcome from members of the Karl Richter Class and their families alike as his speech was repeatedly interrupted by applause. 

"When you put on your second lieutenant bars in a few moments, you will become part of a great history -- a history that is still only beginning to unfold," he said. "By any standard, airpower is still a relatively new phenomena. Men have been fighting on land and at sea for thousands of years -- yet there are still Americans among us who were born before man ever flew. In the lifetime of one generation, our nation has seen aviation progress from that first tentative liftoff at Kitty Hawk to an age of supersonic flight and space exploration. 

"And as flight has progressed it changed the face of war. In the 20th century, airpower helped make possible freedom's victory in great ideological struggles with fascism and communism. In those struggles, our nation faced evil men with territorial ambitions and totalitarian aims, who murdered the innocent to achieve their political objectives. Through a combination of military strength and national resolve, and faith in the power of freedom, we defeated these adversaries -- and secured the peace for millions across the world." 

This was the 43rd president's last commencement speech for a military academy and was his second at the Air Force Academy since May 2004. 

"This is the last time I'll address a military Academy commencement as the president. Over the past eight years, from Annapolis to West Point, to New London, to Colorado Springs, I have looked out at the best young men and women our nation has to offer -- and I have stood in awe," President Bush said. " And I stand in awe again today. Each of you is a volunteer who stepped forward to accept the burdens of war, knowing all the dangers you would face upon graduation. You willingly risk your lives and futures so that our country can have a future of freedom and peace. Our enemies say that America is weak and decadent, and does not have the stomach for the long fight. Our enemies have never set foot on the campus of the United States Air Force Academy." 

In shaking hands with every single member of the Class of 2008, the president once again displayed a playful nature with a variety of responses to graduates' requests center stage. He hugged, kissed, chest bumped and high-fived with many, even greeted one family member by cell phone when one innovative Richter Class member handed him the phone following salute and hand shake. 

The traditional flyover by the U.S. Air Force demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, concluded the ceremony, but the scheduled aerial demonstration was canceled due to weather conditions. However, the air was still filled with excitement as more than 1,000 hats filled the air in celebration of the cadets' work during the last four years. 

"I want to thank you for stepping forward to serve. The security of our citizens and the peace of the world will soon be in your hands -- the best of hands. Be officers of character and integrity. Keep your wings level and true. Never falter; do not fail. And always know that America stands behind you," the president said. 

Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

View the comments/letters page