WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) — President Joe Biden on Saturday told graduates of the U.S. Military Academy that their class is being called upon to tackle threats across the globe and preserve the country's ideals at home “like none before.”
Biden said the phrase, the class motto, was apt for the sorts of challenges they will take as newly minted Army second lieutenants, from supporting Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion to facilitating humanitarian assistance into Gaza and defending Israel from attacks by Iran.
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WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) — President Joe Biden on Saturday told graduates of the U.S. Military Academy that their class is being called upon to tackle threats across the globe and preserve the country's ideals at home “like none before.”
Graduating cadets bow their heads during a prayer at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
West Point graduates toss their caps into the air at the conclusion of the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Class President Gary T Ward III, right, embraces a fellow graduate at the conclusion of the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
West Point graduates toss their caps into the air at the conclusion of the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduates hug at the conclusion of the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
West Point graduates toss their caps into the air at the conclusion of the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets wait to receive diplomas at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
West Point graduates toss their caps into the air at the conclusion of the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden arrives to the graduation ceremony of the U.S. Military Academy class of 2024 at Michie Stadium on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Graduating cadets stand during the singing of "The Corps" after President Joe Biden spoke to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden, right, and Lt. General Steven W. Gilland, Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy, attend the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden, center, presents diplomas to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony is reflected on the uniform of a graduating cadet, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden, right, is greeted by Lt. General Steve Gillard, left, Superintendent at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets arriving at the commencement ceremonies at the U.S. Military Academy ahead of President Joe Biden's arrival, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets arriving at the commencement ceremonies at the U.S. Military Academy ahead of President Joe Biden's arrival, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden walks to speak to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden salutes as he walks to speak to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden speaks to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets stand during the playing of the national anthem at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets stand during the playing of the national anthem at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden speaks to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
A graduating cadet, right, presents a class gift to President Joe Biden at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets listen as President Joe Biden speaks at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden speaks to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets listen as President Joe Biden speaks at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets wait to receive diplomas at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
A graduating cadet stands during the playing of the national anthem at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden walks to speak to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets walk to the stage to accept a diploma presented by President Joe Biden at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden, center, looks on as Lt. General Steven W. Gilland, Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy, right, congratulates graduating cadet Stevie Gary, left, after Gary is presented as the class "goat," or lowest-ranking class member, at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden, center, looks on as Lt. General Steven W. Gilland, Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy, right, congratulates graduating cadet Stevie Gary, left, after Gary is presented as the class
President Joe Biden, right, and Lt. General Steven W. Gilland, Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy, stand during the playing of the national anthem at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets listen as President Joe Biden speaks at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden speaks to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden walks to speak to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduates attend the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
“There’s never been a time in history when we’ve asked our military to do so many different things in some many different places around the world, all at the same time,” Biden said.
Speaking at sun-swept West Point, Biden reaffirmed that he will not allow American service members on the battlefield in Ukraine, but said their work to equip and train Ukrainian forces has “stepped up and stopped” Russian President Vladimir Putin's “brazen vision” for Europe. Biden praised U.S. forces for helping Israel repel a massive drone and ballistic missile attack last month from Iran and working to deescalate the conflict.
Speaking before the graduating cadets took the their commissioning oaths, Biden reminded them that they were swearing fidelity not to a person or political party, but to the Constitution. As other speakers alluded to partisan rancor and political division across the nation, Biden said, “Hold fast to your values that you learned here at West Point."
“Ideas need defenders to make them real," Biden said. "That’s what you are all about. You must keep us free at this time like none before.”
Biden highlighted that rates of sexual assault and harassment in the military declined for the first time last year in a decade, calling it “long past time,” but said even more work was necessary.
The president stood for more than an hour returning a salute from and shaking the hands of each graduate. Biden, as is customary, also absolved cadets of minor offenses committed during their time at the academy, adding with a laugh, “the superintendent can clarify what minor means.”
Graduating cadets listen while seated at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets bow their heads during a prayer at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
West Point graduates toss their caps into the air at the conclusion of the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Class President Gary T Ward III, right, embraces a fellow graduate at the conclusion of the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
West Point graduates toss their caps into the air at the conclusion of the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduates hug at the conclusion of the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
West Point graduates toss their caps into the air at the conclusion of the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets wait to receive diplomas at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
West Point graduates toss their caps into the air at the conclusion of the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden arrives to the graduation ceremony of the U.S. Military Academy class of 2024 at Michie Stadium on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Graduating cadets stand during the singing of "The Corps" after President Joe Biden spoke to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden, right, and Lt. General Steven W. Gilland, Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy, attend the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden, center, presents diplomas to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony is reflected on the uniform of a graduating cadet, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden, right, is greeted by Lt. General Steve Gillard, left, Superintendent at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets arriving at the commencement ceremonies at the U.S. Military Academy ahead of President Joe Biden's arrival, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets arriving at the commencement ceremonies at the U.S. Military Academy ahead of President Joe Biden's arrival, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden walks to speak to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden salutes as he walks to speak to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden speaks to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets stand during the playing of the national anthem at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets stand during the playing of the national anthem at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden speaks to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
A graduating cadet, right, presents a class gift to President Joe Biden at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets listen as President Joe Biden speaks at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden speaks to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets listen as President Joe Biden speaks at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets wait to receive diplomas at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
A graduating cadet stands during the playing of the national anthem at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden walks to speak to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets walk to the stage to accept a diploma presented by President Joe Biden at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden, center, looks on as Lt. General Steven W. Gilland, Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy, right, congratulates graduating cadet Stevie Gary, left, after Gary is presented as the class "goat," or lowest-ranking class member, at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden, center, looks on as Lt. General Steven W. Gilland, Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy, right, congratulates graduating cadet Stevie Gary, left, after Gary is presented as the class
President Joe Biden, right, and Lt. General Steven W. Gilland, Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy, stand during the playing of the national anthem at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduating cadets listen as President Joe Biden speaks at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden speaks to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Joe Biden walks to speak to graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Graduates attend the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
