More than 1,000 AFA cadets graduate

More than 1,000 cadets earned their diplomas and new ranks on Wednesday.

The 1,024 cadets — 812 men, 212 women — graduated from the Air Force Academy, earning the rank of 2nd lieutenant.

The commencement speaker was Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley. He congratulated the cadets on their four years of hard work. But he also issued them a challenge to live up to their oaths.

With the “scourge” of sexual assault casting a black shadow over the military, Donley told the cadets they each have the responsibility to do what is right.

The secretary also addressed the sequester, telling the cadets that, while they’re entering the military during changing times, the country has faced challenges before and will overcome them again.

But the sequester did lead to one very visible change at Wednesday’s graduation. Instead of the traditional flyover by the Thunderbirds, volunteers flew seven WWII aircraft over the crowd as the cadets tossed their hats in the air.