U.S. Air Force Academy graduates share their excitement post-graduation

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Tears, relief, nostalgia, all that and more were felt at Falcon Stadium following the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony.

This was the first graduation since 2019 where graduates were able to be near each other without any COVID-19 restrictions.

During this class's sophomore year, they were forced to go back home and learn remotely due to the pandemic.

For Air Force Academy graduate Second Lt. Laa Aiu, he had to join classes at 3 a.m. while back home in Hawaii.

Now, two years later, Aiu was able to graduate side-by-side with his classmates.

"Every person I see that’s like one of my dearest friends I just start crying 'cause it just means so much,” said Aiu.

During his keynote speech, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin recognized the uniquely difficult experience the cadets faced. He said the class already passed their first test of leadership by navigating the global pandemic.