On Saturday, May 24, US President Trump delivered a speech at the graduation ceremony of the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York, congratulating the graduates and calling each one of them a “winner.”
Trump said, “Every cadet here should cherish this morning because this is a day you will never forget.”
“In a little while, you will become the most elite and legendary graduates of a military academy in human history. You will become officers of the greatest and most powerful military in the world.”
“I know this because I rebuilt that military, I rebuilt the military.”
This was Trump’s second time serving as the speaker at the US military academy graduation ceremony. He gave a speech at the West Point graduation ceremony in 2020 during his first term. At that time, the US was in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ceremony was moved from Michie Stadium to an open field on the Plain.
During his speech on Saturday, the President emphasized, “The duty of the military is to crush all enemies and eliminate any threat to the United States at any time and place. A crucial part of this job is to regain respect.”
“And now, you are more respected than any other military in the world,” he added.
Trump also paid tribute to veterans at the ceremony, including the parents of the graduates.
“To all the moms and dads: nearly one-third of this year’s graduating class are children of veterans. So, I ask that every person who has worn the uniform and served America, regardless of age, please stand up this morning and let us salute your service,” Trump said.
Trump thanked the faculty and staff as well as the graduates for their “outstanding dedication.”
He praised the achievements of the graduates at West Point and told them, “Mission accomplished.”
The President added, “Well done, but now you must keep moving forward.”