President Donald Trump is speaking at the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony in Colorado Springs today.
Watch his remarks here:
Trump tweeted ahead of the graduation, saying, “Just arrived in Colorado. Getting ready to deliver the commencement speech at the Air Force Academy graduation. Very exciting – probably will be broadcast live on TV. They want good ratings!”
Just arrived in Colorado. Getting ready to deliver the commencement speech at the Air Force Academy graduation. Very exciting – probably will be broadcast live on TV. They want good ratings!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 30, 2019
The Class of 2019 is the 61st graduating class.
After Trump’s address, the Commencement Award and presentation of the Distinguished American Award are expected to take place before the graduates are presented and they receive their diplomas from the President.
They will then take the Oath of Office, which is as follows:
“I, [name],having been appointed a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter. So help me God.”
Then the Air Force song is performed by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band before the graduates are dismissed.
There is also expected to be an aerial demonstration by the Air Force Thunderbirds, conducted in honor of the graduating class.
“This event exhibits to the public the technical and professional capabilities of the United States Air Force,” the academy said. “The team is comprised of selected pilots assigned to the Air Combat Command and demonstrates the coordination, discipline and flying ability required of combat-capable pilots to fulfill their vital role in our nation’s defense.”
