The West Point Class of 2017 is sworn in as second lieutenants
today
WEST POINT – Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told the West Point graduating
class of 2017 on Saturday that the recent terrorist attack on a concert
hall in Manchester, England points up the need for institutions like the
U.S. Military Academy.
Calling terrorists “maniacs,” Mattis said “we don’t
scare” and with leaders like the new second lieutenants, freedom
will win.
“We, Americans, are not made of cotton candy. You are a U.S. soldier
and you hold the line,” he told the graduates.”
Mattis told the 950 graduates “no one wins on their own. Teams
win battles.” He urged them to “carry West Point’s ethos
everywhere you go.”
