Thank you for answering your nation's call," he added. Updated 1438 GMT (2238 HKT) June 14, 2020. Four graduates with Class of 2020 represent the Academy's four leader development programs: Character, Academic, Physical, and Military. Gen. Cindy R. Jebb, dean of the academic board, handed Trump the bag of money and the president handed it to Miller with a big smile. Trump met briefly with Williams before walking over to the stage, to the booming echoes of a 21-gun salute. Are we going to do it?'" On Saturday, about 1,100 cadets are expected to receive their diplomas. This admissions data tells us that most of West Point's admitted students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. Trump acknowledged the day's unusual circumstances. At least 16 graduating cadets from West Point Military Academy have tested positive for the new coronavirus, COVID-19, after returning to campus for graduation … Trump was about a half-hour late arriving from his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. "To the eleven hundred and seven cadets who today become the newest officers in the most exceptional Army ever to take the field of battle, I am here to offer America’s salute," Trump said. Graduates waved with their diplomas in hand. A cadet must successfully complete the course of instruction in the academic, military and physical programs and satisfy the institutional (non-program) requirements. ", "Trump's reckless decision to gather 1,000 Cadets at West Point for a speech puts our future military leaders at increased risk -- all to stroke his own ego," she said in a statement. "I'm thinking about wearing the same flight suit with the same wings on my chest as my peers and then being questioned by another military member: 'Are you a pilot?'". The day was not without protests, though the president flew over them on his way in and out of campus. Williams mentioned Morgan in his welcome to the class, a seat in the front row was held open in his honor, a plaque marking his place. 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The West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) has named the 2020 recipients of the Distinguished Graduate Award. By Audrey McNamara Updated on: April 25, 2020 / 10:00 PM / CBS News "We were all wondering 'Is it going to be canceled? The president also thanked the graduates for their service to the nation. April 22, 2020. Thank you very much.”. While the President did acknowledge that America is facing a "turbulent" moment, he did not address the issue of racism in the same way many of. 2. Every once in a while, classmates did their part, shouting: “Yeah, Kenny!” or “Go, Jordan.”. Published June 12, 2020 Updated Dec. 21, 2020; WASHINGTON — The graduating cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point have … West Point made every effort to keep Saturday's commencement ceremony "as close to normal as possible," Lt. Col. Chris Ophardt told CNN in an interview Friday. It was also notable that Trump did not use his remarks Saturday as an opportunity to issue a direct and clear condemnation of racial injustice, an issue that has dominated the national conversation since Floyd's death at the hands of white police officers in Minneapolis. Like so many schools around the country, West Point's graduation was initially postponed. Vice President Mike, Trump said at the time that he was looking forward to the event, adding that though he doesn't like "the look" of a socially distanced crowd, "eventually, next year, they'll have a commencement like it's been ... nice and tight.". "We will extinguish this plague.". The program included a full page memorial to him. CNN's Kevin Bohn, Nicky Robertson, Donald Judd, Maegan Vazquez, Kevin Liptak, Barbara Starr, Jim Acosta and Nicole Gaouette contributed to this report. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat who's an Iraq War veteran, criticized the President's decision to speak in April, urging him to "evaluate the potential consequences of this vanity speech. Gen. Charles Q. Sign up today for a digital subscription. Kaleth Wright, Pence spoke during the Air Force commencement, students had tested positive for Covid-19, US Military Academy graduates issued a message. The Class of 2020, with the motto "With Vision We Lead," has cadets graduating from all 50 states. All rights reserved. He had delivered commencement addresses at the Naval, Coast Guard and Air Force academies. Miller was summoned to the dais and Brig. He said the pandemic made an in-person graduation no sure thing. more diverse. The title West Point Graduate carries a great deal of weight in this world. Trump also paid tribute to Morgan and addressed some of his remarks to the cadet's father, also named Christopher Morgan, who was in attendance. While much of the speech was congratulatory, the President did strike a more political tone at times, laying out his views on American military intervention and touting his administration's support for the armed forces. Graduates socially distanced 6 feet from one another across the Plain Parade Field to accommodate Covid-19 public health requirements instead of at Michie Stadium, the ceremony's traditional location. Lieutenant Narang is one of nearly 230 women in the 2020 graduating class, which is … 97 cadets from this class are sons or daughters of West Point graduates, and 13 of these have parents who are both graduates. There was some question as to whether, given the restrictions, the goat would get his loot. West Point graduates occupy prominent roles in the Trump administration, including Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Pompeo's two closest aides at the State Department, Brian Bulatao and Ulrich Brechbuhl. Miller is the class “goat,” the cadet graduating lowest in his class, for whom the class, by tradition, raises a collection. ", Speaking to Morgan's father, who is a Secret Service agent, Trump said, "Your son is looking down. It was a day of helicopters, with the president arriving on his Marine One transport, escorted by a second helicopter. They won't shake hands. Many carried placards with critical messages for and about the president, while others bore signs heralding the "Black Lives Matter" movement. When times are turbulent, when the road is rough, what matters most is that which is permanent, timeless, enduring, and eternal," Trump said. There were no traditional handshakes. At one point during the demonstration, participants chanted, "This is what democracy looks like.". And family and friends were not allowed to attend the ceremony but could watch it online. West Point Location Diversity Rank (10 out of 2,525) less diverse. The graduation took place on the campus' historic Plain, which is ringed by statues of Patton and Eisenhower, MacArthur, Grant and Washington. I'm grateful for everybody who made it happen.". It was a different sort of graduation, without friends and family looking on and with cadets wearing masks as they paraded in and took them off as they sat in rows of white folding chairs set 6 feet apart. They will return to those nations for service. The entire community is ensuring that our cadets are being cared for physically, emotionally, and spiritually,” said Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, 60th … Above-average high school or college academic records, and good scores on either the ACT or SAT tests are also expected. WEST POINT, N.Y. – Cadet Christopher J. Morgan, Class of 2020, died due to injuries sustained from a military vehicle accident in the U.S. Military Academy’s training area. Vice President Mike Pence delivered the West Point address last year. Among those graduating Saturday was 2nd Lt. Anmol Narang, from Roswell, Georgia, the first observant Sikh to graduate from West Point. 1,105 cadets expected will receive diplomas; There are 12 international cadets, from: Bosnia, Herzegovina, Georgia, Honduras, South Korea, Kosovo, Moldova, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Tanzania. Early this week, Williams had a town hall-style meeting with the senior class being invited, in which the superintendent allowed them to raise any concerns they had about what was happening in the world, Ophardt said. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 590 and 700, while 25% scored below 590 … He also thanked the National Guard for their contribution to "ensuring peace, safety and the constitutional rule of law on our streets." The cadets, who swore an oath to battle "enemies foreign and domestic," had a different battle on their hands this spring, the president said, calling the pandemic "an invisible enemy ... that came to our shores from a distant land called China. West Point wasn't always a cheerleader for diversity. "This premier military academy produces only the best of the best -- the strongest of the strong -- and the bravest of the brave. "Instead of being handed the diploma, they will render a salute from a small stage that's about 15 feet in front of where the President will be standing," Ophardt said. Graduation guest room reservations require: Four night minimum stay to include all graduation activities ", "I'm thinking about a history of racial issues and my own experiences that didn't always sing of liberty," Brown said. "They're seated at about 8-foot intervals across the parade field, so it's an outdoor ceremony. to meet baseline graduation requirements. The Class of 2020, with the motto "With Vision We Lead," has cadets graduating from all 50 states. "So when their name gets read, instead of getting handed a diploma ... they'll step forward and they'll salute President; President and Lt. Gen. Williams will salute back, and then they'll leave the stage, and that will be their recognition. Those who earn it are given a "golden ticket" and wear a "ring of power" which will certainly carry them to successful careers with doors flung open in the military, in business, even in personal relationships; as so many are seduced by the historic prestige of the United States Military Academy. The United States Military Academy (USMA), also known as West Point, Army, Army West Point, The Academy, or simply The Point, is a four-year federal service academy in West Point, New York.It was originally established as a fort that sits on strategic high ground overlooking the Hudson River with a scenic view, 50 miles (80 km) north of New York City. His helicopter touched down steps from the superintendent's home on The Plain, which includes the West Point Parade Field. Peter D. Kramer can be reached at pkramer@lohud.com or on Twitter at @PeterKramer. Information for graduation is usually posted in January/February preceding the event. ", "We will vanquish the virus," Trump pledged. "We will vanquish the virus, we will extinguish this plague," the President said. Cadets participate in the Class of 2019 Graduation Parade, May 24, 2019, at West Point. Dive Into Nationwide Geographic Diversity. (CNN)President Donald Trump on Saturday addressed 1,107 graduates who gathered at the US Military Academy at West Point for the academy's annual commencement. A native of West Orange, New Jersey, Morgan, 22 — a law and legal studies major and a standout member of the Army wrestling team — was laid to rest at West Point Cemetery. © 2021 www.lohud.com. J.L. Morgan, a member of the Class of 2020 who was killed in a June 6, 2019 training exercise accident when the transport truck in which he was traveling rolled over in the woods west of West Point. Once they reach their seats, they will then take their masks off for the rest of the ceremony because they will be practicing social distancing and they're outside, and they've all tested negative," Ophardt said. Even the tradition of honoring the last in the class will undergo a change. "It is not the duty of the US troops to solve ancient conflicts in far away lands that many people have never even heard of," he told the graduates. Since the 1960s, graduations have been held in Michie Stadium, where Army plays its football games, at the top of the mountainside campus overlooking the Hudson River. The West Point Class of 2020 is one of the most diverse in the academy's history. Next month, the tradition continues, as the incoming freshman class — the plebes — arrive for "R-Day" on July 12 to 14, to register and begin their West Point careers. Christopher, I want you to know that we will carry C.J.’s blessed memory in our hearts forever. West Point is a universal symbol of American gallantry, loyalty, devotion, discipline, and skill," Trump began his address, reading from a teleprompter. West Point to bring back 1,000 cadets for graduation, Trump commencement address. In a moving, deeply personal video, Brown said he was "full with emotion" for "the many African Americans that have suffered the same fate as George Floyd. The 2020 … The Historic Thayer Hotel at West Point is currently sold out for Graduation Day, if you'd like to be added to our wait-list, please contact Timothy Falk, Director of Front Office, or Erin Norman, Reservations Manager, at 845-446-4731, extension 1. "It was not a reaction to any request for -- to move the graduation or anything like that. “We are ending the era of endless wars," Trump told the 1,107 cadets who had returned to a West Point campus that been virtually shut down since March 6 by the COVID-19 pandemic. Elected Republican who supports Biden's bill speaks out (CNN) President Donald Trump on Saturday addressed 1,107 graduates who gathered at the … Thank you! At least 15 West Point cadets from the Class of 2020, whose members have been brought back to campus for graduation, have reportedly tested positive for … Outside the academy's Thayer gate, several hundred demonstrators gathered during the ceremony to protest Trump's presence. 1,105 … "Already you have known the crushing pain of losing a brother in arms," Trump told the graduates. You're signed out. ", The move has not come without controversy. Morgan’s classmates applauded with gloved hands. "Today we remember an extraordinary cadet who made the supreme sacrifice, in an accident last year, C.J. Still, the ceremony, while it marked the major milestone, was missing that spontaneous joy a crowd offers: that aunt who screams too loud, the grandmother being prodded as her cadet granddaughter approaches the big moment. SUBJECT: Classes of 2019 - 2020 Graduation Requirements 1. A formation of Army helicopters later flew above The Plain, the academy's historic parade grounds where the ceremony was held, as the Class of 2020 was dismissed — and the newly-minted second lieutenants tossed their cadet caps in the air. “I wanted to try as many things as I could because West Point has literally so many things to offer.” West Point will conduct their graduation on June 13. It was Trump's first commencement speech at West Point. "When we fight, from now on, we will only fight to win.". "And when we fight from now on, we will only fight to win," Trump said before praising his administration for increasing funding to the armed forces and the establishment of the Space Force. "We're definitely very happy we were able to do it this way. The ceremony was a made-for-the-cameras event: for families who weren't permitted to attend and had to watch the livestream from home, and, undoubtedly, for voters in the fall campaign, who will see images of the president saluting the young “American patriots” packaged in TV ads. “Cadet Morgan was a valued member of the Corps of Cadets and will be missed by all. Later, a formation of helicopters accompanied the day's ultimate celebration: the tossing of the caps into the air. "Our troops need stable, consistent leadership during volatile times like these, not a Commander-in-Chief who values his own photo ops and TV ratings over their health and safety.". While the ceremony might have lacked a raucous feeling, it certainly tugged at the heartstrings from the outset. Though the families weren't part of Saturday's in-person event, the cheering went on, without a doubt, in living rooms in all 50 states and in the 12 nations that sent cadets to West Point. who was killed in a June 6, 2019 training exercise accident. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. "I'm thinking about the pressure I felt to perform error-free, especially for supervisors I perceived had expected less of me as an African American. WEST POINT, NEW YORK (WBRE/WYOU) — Despite being closed to the Class of 2020 for months, cadets graduated Saturday from West Point Military … David Urban, another 1986 West Point graduate, has gone on to become a senior adviser to Trump's presidential campaign and a member of the Trump 2020 … The ceremony looked very different from those in years past. Several cadets brought back for graduation at West Point test positive for Covid-19 By Barbara Starr and Chandelis Duster, CNN 6/1/2020. An Army official said those students have now rejoined their classmates and were expected to graduate on Saturday with the others. Morgan. This puts West Point's level of geographic diversity well above the national average and gives it a national geographic diversity ranking of #10. On the walk, the president stopped at a statue honoring Gen. Douglas MacArthur who, along with Ulysses Grant and George S. Patton, found their way into the president's speech, held up as men of action who did not shrink from battle. West Point Class of 2020 by the numbers. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump attended the 2020 commencement ceremony at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., Saturday, despite concerns that his visit would put cadets and other people at risk due to the coronavirus as well as recent criticism from retired military leaders over Trump's response to the protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd. The West Point superintendent, Army Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams, told NBC's "Today" show in a segment Friday morning that "we're happy that (Trump's) coming. ", "We've been planning for the celebration for a year," he added. Through these programs, cadets learn to live honorably, lead honorably, and demonstrate excellence. "To the 1,107 who today become the newest officers in the most exceptional Army ever to take the field of battle, I am here to offer America's salute. Although the academy was established in 1802, it didn't graduate its first black cadet until Henry O. Flipper in 1877. Tap to unmute. The Cumulative Quality Point Average (CQPA) minimum value cannot be waived. Afterward, the graduates, clutching the cardboard tubes holding their diplomas, strode back to their seats, their sabers clinking against their left legs. His younger brother, Colin, is a member of the West Point Class of 2023. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Brown, who was confirmed by the Senate this week as the first black service member to lead an American military branch, has also spoken out. WEST POINT — Addressing the United States Military Academy's Class of 2020 in an election-year graduation speech that at times sounded like it belonged at a campaign rally, President Donald Trump said the nation's long-fought wars in Iraq and Afghanistan would be coming to an end. West Point Association of Graduates | 698 Mills Road, West Point, NY 10996 | 845.446.1500 | ©2013 westpoint.edu he said. The exception came early in the listing of the 1,113 names (six cadets did not attend), when Chase Miller, of Princeton Junction, NJ, was announced. He went on to say that "we are not the policemen of the world," but warned "enemies" of the United States to "be on notice.". Kyle Rempfer. A short time later, Trump departed the academy in Marine One, the helicopter circling the academy grounds as it departed. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. Graduation Dates: Class of 2020 - June 13, 2020 Class of 2021 - May 22, 2021 Class of 2022 - May 21, 2022 Class of 2023 - May 27, 2023. This annual award has been bestowed upon those West Point graduates whose character, distinguished service and stature draw wholesome comparison to the qualities for which West Point strives, in keeping with its motto: “Duty, Honor, Country.” The awards will be presented in a ceremony at West Point on May 19, 2020. But on April 17, Trump announced he would go ahead with delivering the address. When their diplomas were conferred, cadets approached the dais in pairs, stood on a field-level platform and saluted the president and Williams, who returned salutes. West Point cadets must be unmarried, not pregnant, and not under obligation to support any children. The National Guard's role in the Washington, DC, protests after George Floyd's death has come under scrutiny and is under review by the Department of Defense. For planning purposes, please use the prior year information. several hundred demonstrators gathered during the ceremony to protest Trump's presence. ", Traditionally, the students would have their commissioning ceremony the day they graduated, but due to, Trump announced in April, surprising many, that he would speak at an in-person graduation ceremony despite the pandemic. 2nd Lt. Samuel Pool, of Greensboro, North Carolina, looked relieved after the ceremony was over. "Thank you for answering your nation’s call.". I've made four years of memories with them. Trump gave the cadets a chance to thank their parents; they rose in unison for an extended standing ovation. I'm thinking about having to represent by working twice as hard to prove their expectations and perceptions of African Americans were invalid," he added. Trump addresses a socially distanced West Point graduation, Americans can expect stimulus payments as soon as this weekend, Biden signs $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief bill into law, Keilar: GOP senator touted provision in bill he voted against, Former US Presidents urge Americans to get vaccinated in PSA, Michael Cohen met with Manhattan DA 7 times in Trump probe, 'No numbers were changed': Gov. Students attending West Point hail from all 50 states and Washington D.C. To be able to say good-bye to them, and have that closure, is very special. Read his latest stories. West Point has a barracks named for Robert E Lee, the most famous Confederate general. "What has historically made America unique is the durability of its institutions against the passions and prejudices of the moment. But after Miller’s name was read, a flutter of recognition went through the class, who sprung to their feet and whooped and hollered. As of June 12, almost 19,000 members of the National Guard are still activated to help with social unrest across the country. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to West Point scored between 570 and 680, while 25% scored below 570 and 25% scored above 680. A video segment shown at the start of the ceremony paid tribute to Cadet Christopher "C.J." Later in his remarks, Trump thanked all of the branches of the military for their help to fight Covid-19 and calling the pandemic the "invisible enemy."
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