Air Force Academy Graduation Day dazzles thousands
It’s the day that hundreds of cadets at the Air Force Academy have been looking forward to for years, and even President Donald Trump is stopping by Colorado Springs to give the commencement address at Thursday’s graduation ceremony.
Though it’s starting an hour later than usual, the graduation ceremony will pack Falcon Stadium full of family members, supporters, and people who want to see President Trump in person. The event kicks off at 10:30 a.m.
Highlights:
President Donald Trump arrives at Peterson AFB
Trump’s arrival and the first half of the AFA graduation ceremony
USAF Thunderbirds perform over Falcon Stadium
President Trump landed at about 9:30 a.m. at Peterson Air Force Base, and his motorcade left shortly after. The ceremony began shortly before 11 a.m.
Trump was reported to be making a “big announcement” about the newly announced Space Force, but ultimately his speech didn’t make any specific promises. Click HERE for a recap of the president’s speech.
Trump’s speech finished by about 12:30 p.m. and he opted to shake every cadet’s hand before the iconic hat toss concluding the formal part of the ceremony.
The “Neil Armstrong Class of 2019” will become 2nd Lieutenants by Thursday afternoon — their progression into being military officers will be signaled by a roaring performance by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
The Thunderbirds took to the skies at about 2:30 p.m. after a short delay, finishing the ceremony with an air show.
