Families watch USAFA graduation virtually despite distance

US AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Because of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, families were forced to watch the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony virtually.

Graduation has been something 2nd Lt. Ryan Ell has been looking forward to for years. But despite the change to the ceremony, his family says his story has always been one of perseverance.

The excitement of seeing their son graduate is best described through their own words.

"Ryan you did it! We love you and we just can't wait to see you. We're just over the moon proud of you. You've done a lot of thing that made me proud over the years and this one is the topper," they said.

For Colleen Ell and her husband David, the ceremony was bittersweet.

"You think about this moment from the time they step foot on the Air Force Academy about graduation and this is not what anything of what we had imagined," David said.

They planned to be there in person, and had already reserved dinner and a place to stay.

"We had the house for like a year and a half reserved," Colleen said.

Instead, the family celebrates from their home in Pennsylvania.

"Super blessed to be able to share this from a distance at least. We weren't sure if we'd have anything, so we're grateful," Colleen said.

Despite watching the ceremony from a screen, they still chose to wear their Falcon blue.

"We feel fortunate because we know many seniors that won't get that this year," David said.

But Ell's time at the academy hasn't come without its challenges.

"I didn't get into the academy the first time I applied and I had to spend a whole extra year getting ready, reapplying," he said.

Even without his family nearby, he didn't feel alone.

"When you look to your left and right, and you see the people that are next to you, eight feet apart, you realize you're not as alone as you think you are," he said.

Instead, feeling more prepared than ever for whatever comes next.