Air Force Academy livestreams 2020 Graduation

 

POSTED ON Apr 19, 2020

 

The U.S. Air Force Academy held a graduation ceremony like no other on Saturday, April 18. During a live video of the event, the superintendent gave a nod to the online audience watching via Livestream. “This is a community we would normally welcome to Falcon Stadium but under the circumstances, we are honored to have your support from wherever you may be tuning in,” he said.

According to the Academy, all cadets began distance online learning in March. The base made several moves to keep cadets, staff and their families at the base safe from the effects of the novel coronavirus.

“Today, the 967 exceptional young leaders of the 62nd graduating class of the United States Air Force Academy started their careers as officers, and I am confident that they will take our Air and Space forces and make them their own,” said Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria during the ceremony’s opening remarks. “To the parents, families, friends, loved ones, our local leaders, and community members thank you for your unwavering support,” he said.

Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David Goldfein administered the oath of office for the Air Force officers and Gen. John Raymond, commander of United States Space Command, administered the oath of office to the 86 graduating seniors who are now officers in the Space Force.

In his remarks during the ceremony, Raymond said the new Space Force officers will “fight and win the battle for space superiority.”

“You are our future and I need you to be bold,” he said.

Silveria also thanked the class of 1959, the Academy’s first graduating class for a plaque prepared for the class of 2020 “recognizing the permanent bond between past and future, formally honoring the class of 2020 as one that has further strengthened the proud traditions of this institution.”

Other highlights included the commencement address by Vice President Mike Pence, the Thunderbirds flyover, and new officers hurling their caps into the air.  But before, during and after the ceremony, each cadet marched or sat at least six feet away from their peers. There were also no hugs, handshakes and chest bumps that cadets typically deliver, the Academy said.