WEST POINT – Vice President Joe Biden told the graduating Class
of 2016 at the US Military Academy on Saturday that they are joining “the
greatest fighting force” in the world.
The graduates, who join the Long Gray Line as second lieutenants includes
23 combat veterans and is comprised of 16 percent women.
Biden said we are fighting a different war than conventional ones and
they, the grads are well equipped to be leaders in the effort.
“We have to keep America safe both home and abroad; we have to protect
the arteries of global commerce, they are the lifeblood of our economy.
WE have to defend universal human rights and stand up for our values against
those who seek to erode democracy around the world. And mindful for all
the sacrifices we honor next week on Memorial Day and the remainder of
every day, we are counting on you to lead America’s sons and daughters
wherever we send them into harm’s way,” he said.
The vice president told the graduates they should “lead with honor,
no matter the circumstances.”
