And I believe that.Īnd you can’t talk about the service academies without talking about duty, teamwork, service, and excellence. Simply put, you can’t talk about the soul of the nation without talking about our service academies. Well, what is that soul? I believe it is the breath, the life, and the essence of who we are. (Laughter.)īut President Eisenhower said, and I quote, “The basic soul of what you establish now will live on.” End of quote. In a few weeks, I’ll be headed to your home turf for commencement - you’re going to get stuck with me being your commencement speaker - and where 10 of these cadets behind me will officially become officers in the United States Air Force and - and Space Force.Ībout 65 years ago, during the first remarks to the first class of the Air Force Academy, President Eisenhower - I wasn’t there - President - (laughter) - no matter what the press says. It really is an honor to have you here.Īnd, in fact, you’ve been here for this trophy so often I think it’s going to start calling it - the Blue Room - “Long Blue Line” Room trophy. (Laughter.) But I learned so much about teamwork and respect from my coaches and - and just like you fellas did.Īnd, Coach Calhoun, it’s an honor to have you here. You know, I played a little football growing up in high school I wasn’t bad. (Laughter.) You’re looking good, General. (Applause.) When I met the team, I thought he was the middle linebacker. Lieutenant General Richard Clark, Superintendent of the Air Force Academy. Representative Don Davis is here - a proud graduate of the Academy. (Applause.)Īnd the Vice Chief of Space Operations, General Davis Thompson. Charles, stand up so everybody can see you. (Laughter.) And you wouldn’t want to screw around if any of you had your uniform on, I don’t think.īut I’d also like to wel- (laughs) - I’d also like to welcome the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Charles Brown. That includes our Second Gentleman, Doug, and our Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Mark Milley. And it’s great to welcome the Falcons and so many of their fans to the White House for this ceremony. You probably heard we got a ball club here today. THE PRESIDENT: Gentlemen, please have a seat. Get Involved Show submenu for “Get Involved””.The White House Show submenu for “The White House””.Office of the United States Trade Representative.Office of Science and Technology Policy.Executive Offices Show submenu for “Executive Offices””.Administration Show submenu for “Administration””.

Picture letters from commander in chief