President for the ceremony. Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States accompanied by the lieutenant of the United States military academy. Anthem]l what is endemic, the chaplain will offer ladies and gentlemen, the chaplain will offer the invocation. God, we gather here on the plane and online to celebrate the graduation of the class of 2020. Expression we lead their worldview that leaders of the future have a responsibility to have a vision and to see that vision through. Vision, the people perish. So make us instruments of your of president ses prejudice macys. Where there is darkness, may us bring light. Where there is despair, hope and life. Where there is confusion, clarity. Where there is hatred, charity. Help us a desire list to be understood less to be understood than to understand. And with this decision to renew the. Of our land and with irit vision to renew the sp of our land. Amen. Tomorrow, june 14 march the two 45th birthday we recognize soldiers bravery serving and protecting our nation. At this time, the west point band under the direction of lt. Col. Addison will present a musical tribute honoring the history of the United States army. Is thet point band armys oldest band and has been inspiring americas leaders for over 200 years. On this historic day, when the birth of our nation, the american soldier has took pride as there is a choice of freedom protecting lives and rights of all people. The iconic legacies of west point graduations, of eisenhower and so many others, continue to inspire our force which has welcomed soldiers of all races, genders and creeds who continue to make us the greatest army in the world. No matter they struggle our readyities face, we stand to answer the call to service and defend fellow americans in freedom around the world. It is the enduring support of our American People that secures your support and dedication to meeting character and leading by army values. Respect, honor, integrity, personal courage. We honor your support by continuing to safeguard the armys most precious resource, its people. The american soldier. [singing] are Army Continues to modernize enhancing Ground Combat relentless in the defense of rights and freedoms of every american. [applause] the armysating birthday, we recognize that the threat of our legacy is woven in the fabric of american history. Today marks the continuation of our story written by the armys newest class of officers. 2020, the class of American People put their trust in you to lead with vision and character, to honor and uphold the legacy of the army and our nation. Flag. Under the thank you west point band. [applause] ladies and gentlemen please welcome the superintendent of the United States military academy, lieutenant williams. [applause] congressmandent, womack, secretary of the Army Honorable mccarthy, chief of staff, assistant secretary to guests, distinguished staff and faculty, family and friends, ladies and gentlemen. Good morning and welcome to west andt, a National Treasure historic landmark. 2020, great class of congratulations. President , thank you for being here today. We know you share our pride in these new leaders. The class of 2020 has a special message for you. Class of 2020, on your feet. Go army. [applause] have a seat. Todays ceremony is unusual. Most notably, the physical absence of family and friends to cheer on our graduates. However, there is still a celebration and we are thrilled to share it with friends, family, and the entire nation through a live broadcast made possible through the support and generosity of several of our alumni. To them i would like to express my deepest appreciation and thanks. I would also like to thank the members of the class of 1970, the 50 year affiliate class for their support and mentorship to these young men and women over the past four years. You have demonstrated the strength as you grip hands with the class of 2020. Demonstrate the unbreakable bond that links west points past, present, and future. To the moms and dads, audience and grandparents, brothers and sisters, boyfriends and girlfriends and fiances, friends and wellwishers, thank you. Thank you for the love, support, and encouragement you have given these men and women throughout their lives. Someonelike to remember is here in spirit. Your classmate, our teammate and brother, cj morgan. He was an outstanding cadet athlete and exemplary of west point values. We miss him. I know his memory will be with him wherever you go with you wherever you go. Class of 2020, today marks the nomination of your west point journey. You came with the desire to serve and be part of something much larger than yourself. Helped, anded, loved each other as you became brothers and sisters in arms. As a class you have completed the worlds most challenging Leader Development experience and you have done it with honor, distinction, excellence. Fulfilling your oath requires strong character. The west point cadet prayer challenges us to always choose the hard life over the hard right over the easy wrong. The phrases easy to say but often difficult to do. Your challenges ahead require moral and physical courage. In our great army, there are soldiers awaiting your arrival right now wondering if there lieutenant will be worth following. Their loved ones wonder if you will care for their soldier. Your character and leadership are essential for answering those questions. Followingicer worth and take care of your soldiers and their families. Emulate those who have come before you, leaders such as captain Lindsay Heisler and Lieutenant Colonel meyer who have marched upon these very grounds where we are gathered today, leaders who have led in peace and war. They you take your place in long gray line as the newest officers in the u. S. Army ready to lead, fight, and win on any battlefield. Says, chief of staff there is no second place or Honorable Mention in combat. Winning matters. Joining the profession of arms, you carry on that legacy by committing yourself to duty, honor, country. You are ready to rise to the challenge of completing the mission while building cohesive teams based on trust. Always aseople first you protect and defend the constitution of the United States of america. As your class model compels you with vision you will leave. You will lead. It is my great honor to introduce the 45th president of the United States of america, the honorable donald j. Trump. [applause] pres. Trump thank you, general. Hello cadets. On behalf of our entire nation, let me say congratulations to the incredible west point class of 2020. Congratulations. Everyone have a good time, enjoy yourselves because we are here to celebrate your achievements and great achievements they are. Let us also recognize your remarkable superintendent, general Darrell Williams for his outstanding stewardship. In general, thank you very much. Great job. [applause] few words in the english language and few places in history have commanded as much admiration as west point. This premier military academy produces only the best of the best, the strongest of the west point is a universal symbol of american gallantry, loyalty, devotion, discipline and great skill. There is no place on earth i would rather be than right here with all of you. It is a great honor. Across this hallowed plain have passed many of the greatest and most fearsome soldiers that ever lived. They were heroes who drove thundering columns of sherman tanks into the heart of a wicked empire. They were legends who unleashed the fury of american artillery upon our enemies on remote islands and distant shores. They were titans who strode through cannon blasts and cavalry charge and stared down our foes through great clouds of smoke and shrapnel. They were the army rangers who led the way up jagged cliffs, the airborne soldiers who rained down justice in the dark of night, and the infantry whose very sight meant liberation was near, and the mighty forces who sent tyrants, terrorists, and sadistic monsters running scared through the gates of hell. No evil force on earth can match the noble power and righteous glory of the american warrior. I have no doubt that the young men and women before me today will add your names to this eternal chronicle of american heroes. You will go forth from this place adored by your countrymen, dreaded by your enemies, and respected by all throughout the world. Someday, generations of future west point cadets will study your legacy. They will know your deeds. They will celebrate your triumphs, and they will proudly follow your example. To the 1107 cadets who today become the newest officers in the most exceptional army ever to take the field of battle, i am here to offer americas salute. Thank you for answering your nations call. On this special occasion, we are delighted to be joined by congressman steve womack, secretary of the army ryan mccarthy, assistant secretary casey wordinski, and army chief of staff general james mcconville, an old grad from the class of 1981. Lets also express our appreciation to general curtis buzzard, general cindy jep, and all of the wonderful instructors, coaches, and faculty members who are continuing west points two century tradition of unrivaled excellence. To all of the parents, grandparents, and family members watching the ceremony from your beautiful home, even though you could not be here today, we know this day could never have happened without you. Your love and sacrifice have given america these phenomenal men and women. Cadets, please join me in sending your parents and families the heartfelt thanks that they so richly deserve. They are all watching now. Please. [applause] thank you very much. The depth and breadth of the United States militarys contributions to our society are an everlasting inspiration to us all. I want to take this opportunity to thank all members of Americas Armed forces in every branch, active duty, National Guard and reserve who step forward to battle a new enemy, an invisible enemy, a virus that came to our shores from a distant land, called china. We will vanquish the virus. We will extinguish this plague. I want to thank the men and women of our National Guard who respond with precision to so many recent challenges from hurricanes and natural disasters to ensuring peace, safety, and the constitutional rule of law on our streets. We thank every citizen who wears a uniform in Selfless Service to our nation. The members of this class have come from every state in our union. You have come from farms and cities, from states big and small, and from every race, religion, color, and creed. When you entered these grounds, you became part of one team, one family proudly serving one Great American nation. You became brothers and sisters, pledging allegiance to the same timeless principles, joined together in a Common Mission to protect our country. To defend our people. And to carry on the traditions of freedom. Equality. And liberty, that so many gave their lives to secure. You exemplify the power of shared National Purpose to transcend all differences and achieve true unity. Today, you graduate as one class and you embody one noble creed, duty, honor, country. Every graduate on this field could have gone to virtually any Top Ranked University that you wanted. You chose to devote your life to the defense of america. You came to west point because you know the truth, america is the greatest country in human history. And the United States military is the greatest force for peace and justice the world has ever known. The survival of america and the endurance of civilization itself depends on the men and women just like each of you, depends on people who love their country with all their heart and energy and soul. It depends on citizens who build, sustain, nurture, and defend institutions like this one. That is how societies are made and how progress is advanced. What has historically made america unique is the durability of its institutions against the passions and prejudices of the moment. When times are turbulent, when the road is rough, what matters most is that which is permanent, timeless, enduring, and eternal. It was on this soil that american patriots held the most vital fortress in our war for independence. It was this school that gave us the men and women who fought and won the bloody war to extinguish the evil of slavery within the lifetime of our founding. It was the graduates of west point, towering figures like macarthur, patton, eisenhower, and bradley who led america to victory over the sinister nazis and imperial fascists. 75 years ago. It was under the leadership of west point graduates like the legendary general Matthew Ridgeway that the army was at the forefront of ending the terrible injustice of segregation. It was Army Strength that held the line against brutal opposition and oppression from communism. And it has been thanks to patriots like you that america has climbed to new heights of human achievement and national endeavor. This is your history. This is the legacy that each of you inherits. It is the legacy purchased with american blood at the crest of little round top, on the crimson beaches of normandy, in the freezing mud of bastogne, and the dense jungles of vietnam. It is the legacy of courageous, selfless, faithful patriots who fought for every inch of dirt with every ounce of strength and every last scrap of heart and drive and grit they had. And they did it because they believed in the undying principles of our founding. They cherish their homes, their faith, their family, and their flag. And they did it because when they came to this school, they were taught to hold fast to their love of our country, to cherish our heritage, learn from it, and build upon it. That is what Young Americans are taught here at west point. That is the legacy that you Carry Forward as Second Lieutenants in the United States army, and you must never forget it. Through four long years, you have honed your skills, trained your mind and body, overcome every obstacle, and earned your place of pride in the long gray line. You made it through the rigors of r day and beast and intensity of cldt and weeks of training in the blistering heat. You have pushed yourselves far beyond every limit imaginable. Some of you have even pushed the limits a bit too much. So for any cadets who have not finished walking off their hours, as commander in chief, i hereby absolve all cadets on restriction for minor conduct offenses, and that is effective immediately. Congratulations. [applause] thats a nice one, isnt it . Dont you feel better now . [laughter] surviving the 47month experience is never easy. But only the class of 2020 can say it survived 48 months. When it comes to bragging rights, no one can boast louder than the class that brought navys 14year football winning streak to a screeching halt. You did that. I happened to be there. [applause] i happened to be there. Thats right. [applause] that was a big day. I was there. You beat navy and brought the commander in chiefs trophy back to west point for two straight years. So we say, go, army, go [laughter] this graduating class secured more than 1000 victories for the black knights, including three bowl victories, 13 ncaa appearances, and a womans Rugby Championship with the help of somebody that i just met, 2019 mvp sam sullivan, fantastic job. Thank you. Fantastic job. [applause] five cadets won National Boxing championships and adaya queen brought home two. Brendan brown earned the title of Powerlifting National champion. In academics, 38 cadets have earned fellowships to continue their studies, including first captain dane vanderwal who receives one of the most prestigious awards in academia, the rhodes scholarship. Congratulations, dane. It is a great achievement. Congratulations. [applause] great achievement. But no one modeled the values of the soldier scholar quite like lindy moredian. Lindy earned both the highest overall class standing and the highest physical program score. She published Scientific Research in a prominent journal and set five new records on the athletic track. Lindy, incredible job. Where is lindy . Where is lindy . [applause] for somebody that did so well, they didnt give you a very good seat. We have to talk about it. [laughter] congratulations. Right now, America Needs a class of cadets that lives by your motto. With vision we lead. We need you to carry on the spirit of the great general ulysses s. Grant. Soon after assuming overall command, following three years of union setbacks, general grant encountered someone heading north to washington, during the battle of the wilderness. If you see the president , grant said, tell him from me that whatever happens, there will never be no turning back. We need you to be as visionary as patton, who as a young man in 1917, became the first soldier assigned to the army tank corps. One month into the job, he saw the future writing. If resistance is broken and the line is pierced, the tank must and will assume the role of pursuit cavalry and ride the enemy to death. Under pattons leadership, that is exactly what they did. We need you to be as bold and determined as the immortal general douglas macarthur, who knew that the american soldier never, ever quits. After leaving the philippines for australia at a low point of the pacific war in 1942, macarthur famously vowed, i shall return. For two years, he then took great strategic risks, placing himself often in personal danger. On october 20, 1944, macarthur stepped off a landing boat, strode through kneehigh water, and proclaimed, people of the philippines, i have returned. By the grace of god, our great forces stand again on philippi