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https://www.wvtm13.com/article/biden-naval-academy-graduation-speech-2022/40127056#
Hello Naval Academy. Whoa. Before I begin my speech and thought crossed my mind As I was told, the class of 72 is here. Mhm. I was appointed to the academy In 1965. Bye Senator Who I was running against in 1972. I never planned it that way. I was wasn't old enough to be sworn in. I was only 29 years old when I was running. He was *** fine man. His name is J Caleb boggs. I didn't come to the academy because I wanted to be *** football star and you had *** guy named star back and Bellino here. So I went to Delaware but all kidding decides the best line of the debate was after. It's all over the announcer, the questioner who was *** good guy but supported my opponent who was *** good man as well, I might add. And he said, Senator bob, is there anything else you want to say? And he said yes, just one thing. And he took the microphone, he said, you know, joe if you accept it, my commission to the my appointment of the academy. He said, you'd still have one year and three months active duty and I'd have no problems right now. Yeah. So the class is 72 welcome. You guys must be very proud of all you've seen and done well, midshipman, you made it. You made it. I'll bet there were times you wondered if you'd ever see this day, especially those early days. We had to chop everywhere, memorize every re point to make it through the sea trials. So and maybe even passing chemistry and for God's sake. Well this education has at times pushed the edge of what you thought would be possible in order to develop you morally mentally and physically. And it was worth it. It was worth it all. Because today you stand ready to assume the title you've been working toward for so long. The United States Navy, second Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps, Members of the greatest fighting force in the history of the world. And that's no exaggeration. You have earned it. Congratulations. Mhm. I mean it you really are. I've been in and out of Iraq and Afghanistan over 40 I think 38 times. My son spent *** year in Iraq won the bronze Far Speakers Service Medal. I lost him. But anyway, I've seen you in action. This is the finest military, not *** joke. We have the finest military in the history of the world. And thank you Admiral Admiral buck for the work you and your team have done to put these young men and women in shape when they arrived here four days ago and I day and the officers of the armed services in the United States of America and Secretary Arturo Admiral Dilday General burger, you know better than anyone. How important this these emissions are. We're going to ask these young officers to carry out and looking out of this field is clear to me we're gonna be sending our finest congressman Ruppersberger, it's great to see you here. I'm told you're here. I also want to recognize congressman charlie. Uh, and who and, and congressman Crowley both here today as proud parents commissioning midshipman by the way. And I know you know that all midshipmen here are holding in their hearts the memory of two classmates who tragically did not live to see this day. I hope I'm pronouncing Duke's last name correctly. Carrillo and Michael and Michael Mills, James folks, Mint chip me This is your day. But I want to start by recognizing the people who got you here, Your parents, your family, everyone here. That shows the support to get here. It's their day as well. So michigan stand up and clap for them for them. Where Yeah, I mean it moms and dads and grandparents, thanks for instilling such honor and integrity in these young women and men Class of 2022, you made incredible memories. Please have *** seat during your time in the yard. After all this after all this class holds one of the fastest Herndon climbs in history, Upholding the tradition set by the link in the chain class change 50 years ago. This is *** class that earned *** record number of wins against the army and the end star competition. Oh, I hope my son up in heaven doesn't hear me saying that part. He's armed so many wins and ran out of room on that flagpole man. Look, this is *** class of midshipmen, Diego. Uh Fargo who wasn't expecting that snap in this year's Army Navy game. But once he got the ball, he knew what he would do with it, didn't he? You won the game, you won the game Class of midship and Sarah Skinner 54th Rhodes Scholar, United States Naval Academy 54 and lead the women's rugby team to *** national title. Yeah, stand up. I want you to stand it up. Okay. And now Sarah's on the olympic development team. I can't wait to see you kid. I can't wait to see you when I couldn't play football anymore. I played rugby in law school. I should have spent more time in law school. But anyway, Class of Midshipman 1st Class Andre Roscoe Delta Company. You're class president. I don't know. But somebody told me you may have questions for me. I think only the class understands that one. You've all got so much to be proud of. You really do. By the way, once you're commissioned, remember I'm your commander in chief. So don't ask me too tough *** question. Okay, look, and I know unlike me, well I graduated from University of Delaware, I had *** few. Thank you. I had *** few minor infractions like cozying down in our area. Anyway, I'm sorry. Unfortunately. Uh, there's, we didn't have the same tradition you have here. So before I take care of you, let's not forget, this is also the class that also got rowdy during the Air Force weak and please be here and they're still trying to clean the chocolate syrup off the ceiling and king hall. You lived through Red Beach massacre. And that helps. And that helped the printers earned their jump wings. Okay. Anyone who wants to fess up to getting the printer onto the chapel dome now is your moment. No 1's gonna admit it now. Okay. Because as your commander in chief and keeping with *** long standing tradition, I hereby absolve all those serving restrictions for minor infractions. You are absolved. And as I said, I wish that all my graduation speaker had been able to do that. You all think I'm kidding. I'm not midshipman Above all, the academy has trained you to be leaders. Easy word to throw around. It was hard to accomplish. You didn't take the easier route when you chose the academy and again, when you sign your two for sevens, you chose the life of service and purpose. You chose trial and sacrifice. You chose to be part of *** mission that's greater than any individual. Well, every class in mid shipment is tested. You faced added challenges to maintain *** sense of mission and community and purpose. When the global pandemic forced everything, literally everything to change when you were told not to return after spring break as youngsters. When your second year you weren't allowed to see any other anybody other than *** roommate. I hope to hell you picked right when you had to take your classes over june zoom, I should say setting in your uniforms and mesh shorts. I figured that and then coming back to the yard as first is not only reform but to remember what this place and what this time is supposed to be like to return to the brigade to what it was. Pre covid and rebuild morale. You have the responsibility to right the ship and all of you stepped up. I'm told you came together. You learn the first and most important lesson of leadership. The always, always care for your people to respect everyone's talents to be inclusive and to make sure the United States Navy in the United States Marine Corps draw from the full strength and diversity of this nation. Everybody. Midshipman for the rest of your careers, you're going to face challenges unforeseen. They're gonna have to adapt, be ready to lead your people through whatever lies ahead to state the obvious. No generation of graduates gets to pick what world they're going to live. We're going to graduate into. It's already been formed for you, but you must change it. No officer knows the range of challenges they'll face when they commissioned Class of 2022. You're graduating at an inflection point, not only in american history, but in world history and I mean it the challenge we face. The choices we make or more consequential than ever. things are changing so rapidly That the next 10 years will be the decisive decade of this century because you're gonna shape what the roll looks like and the values that will guide it, not just for the immediate future, but for generations to come. And that is not hyperbole. Over the past few years we've seen how interconnected the world is the deadly pandemic has impacted not just our own schooling, but almost every aspect of our lives, impacts of disruptions in global supply chain, causing significant inflation, accelerating the climate crisis that's leading to rising seas and more severe weather patterns around around the globe and Putin's brutal brutal war in Ukraine. Not only is he trying to take over Ukraine, he's literally trying to wipe out the culture and identity of the Ukrainian people attacking schools, nurseries, hospitals, museums with no other purpose and eliminated culture. *** direct assault On the fundamental 10ets of rule based international order. That's what you're graduating into. That's the world in which enters the Second Lieutenants, *** world that more than ever requires. Strong principle engaged american leadership where America leads not only by the example of its power but the power of its example. Think of why most nations agreed to support us. It's an example is the example, we said you'll learn to crew the most advanced ships in the world. Train. Most elite combat units conduct undetected submarine missions fly the most advanced fighter planes but the most powerful tool that you wield as our unmatched network of global alliances and the strength of our partnerships. But since I got elected, I've been trying to reestablish in detail earlier this week. I returned from my first trip as president. Been there before as president though to the end of pacific region that will be vital to the future of our world. Remember the leaders of Japan, the heads of state of Japan, the republic of Korea are participating in *** meeting of the quad, which I restarted over china's objection, including Australia Japan India and the United States for leading democracies in the indo pacific and I launched together with 13 other countries across the region, the new indo pacific economic framework to help write the rules of the road for the 21st century before I departed Asia. Before I left for Asia, I should say, I got *** phone call from the Prime Minister of Sweden and the President of Finland. Could they come and see me in the oval. They came to ask me whether I would support them joining NATO. The actions taken by Putin or attempt to use my phrase to finda allies oh of europe. Make it all neutral. Instead, he NATO. Ized all of europe, all of this is illustrative of *** foreign policy that was built around the power of working together with allies and partners, two amplifiers trends to solve problems, to project our power beyond what we can do alone and to preserve stability in an uncertain world. This is *** work that will be asked of you. This is not hyperbole. I'm being deadly earnest with you because it will be as sailors and marines, submariners and seals, Navy aviators, surface warfare officers. We're going to look to you to ensure the security of the american people to build connections and strengthen interoperability with our allies and partners around the world. You already started that work here at the academy Where today we're graduating 12 international midship and representing 10 countries who were commissioned as officers and the militaries of other nations graduates, you will be the symbol and strength of your commitment to lead the world. You're gonna stand sentinel often shoulder to shoulder with our allies and partners in critical regions of the world, like the service women and men. I just visited the republican career the troops I spent time with in Poland in March. We're making real our commitment to the security of our NATO allies and then the pacific the maritime theater will be the leading edge of our response to natural humanitarian disasters, showing people throughout the region. The unmatched ability of the United States to be *** force for good. You'll defend the international rules of the road. Underwrite the future of the indo pacific that is free and open, ensure freedom of navigation of the south china sea and beyond to make sure the sea lanes remain open and secure. These longstanding basic maritime principles are the bedrock of *** global economy and global stability. You're going to help get together our allies in europe, with our allies in the indo pacific for the first time. If I can hesitate for *** second. Did anybody think when I call for sanctions against Russia? In addition to NATO that Australia, japan north Korea, some of the Asean countries would stand up and support those sanctions. The world is moving so rapidly. I need not tell you aviators and then the next decade you're gonna be able to circumvent the world in within the atmosphere and *** little less than *** little more than an hour. Things are changing and Putin's brutal assault on Ukraine the spirit of truly global response, not just from europe, from Japan Korea Singapore, new Zealand and more standing with us to impose sanctions on Russia, Australia, sending military aid Germany for the first time, significantly up in their budget Germany Fiji assisting the FBI and seizing the yacht of an oligarch. We're seeing the world aligned, not in terms of geography, east and west pacific and atlantic but in terms of values. Yeah, we're living through *** global struggle between autocracies and democracies and I will know to my count, I've met more with xi Jinping than any other world leader has when he called me to congratulate on election night, he said to me was he said many times before He said democracies cannot be sustained in the 21st century. Autocracies will run the world. Why things are changing so rapidly democracies of our consensus and it takes time and you don't have the time. He's wrong. Each of you as you got in the world, will not only be *** proud member of the armed forces of the United States of America. You'll be representatives and defenders of our democracy. Sounds corny, but literally our democracy. That's why you swear an oath not to me as your commander in chief for any political leader, but to the constitution. Our nation is placing in you great trust and great faith, young man with me today, carrying on top of the football. All the responsibility given to so many of you. So consequential because you chose you chose the honorable path that few before you have done. And you're gonna look to uphold the honor of this institution and *** generation of proud patriots who passed this way before you patriots. Like *** dear friend of mine, john McCain john and I went after each other. Hammer and tong on the Senate floor. We disagreed politically on things. But being here, I can't help thinking, john and how the Naval Academy meant so much to him. He chose these grounds for his final resting place. John was an american hero. Withstood torture years of being held as *** prisoner of war and when he came home, he decided to continue. He wanted to continue to serve. We traveled tens of thousands of miles together as he is staffing me as *** senator. I'm one of the reasons and I used to always be kidded by my democratic friends. I talked him into running. He was *** man of great principle and capacity. He always lived by *** code. The same code that you all have been taught. It's not just words, it's real duty, honor, loyalty. He kept that code throughout his years as *** prisoner of war all the time. He served in the United States Congress. As I said, we often disagreed, but we were close friends, john and I, we knew one another In March of 2018. I was honored that john asked me because he wasn't physically able to come to the Naval Academy and receive on his behalf the Alumni Association's Distinguished Graduate Award and speak for him. Shortly after that when john was on his deathbed in his home in Arizona, I want to see him. I was leaving after the visit and in *** voice barely above *** whisper, he called me over his bedside. He said joe When you do my eulogy, I said yes, john, literally at the same time, two guys who think they're hard as guys looked at another and said, I love you Class of 2022 John McCain's memorial was one of the first experiences you had in the academy back in 2018. Your class motto, not all of me shall die. I can't help but think must be *** reflection. Some reflection of that moment in your lives, reminder responsibility you've taken on and the legacy you will leave behind. It's *** promise I promise you made each other into this institution because what lives on will be the service you will give to others and the timeless principles that you're willing to sacrifice everything to defend. In this moment, we must steer our nation and our world through this decisive decade. I hope you'll keep the memory of the example of academy graduates like my friend, john McCain, close in your hearts as you embark on your commissions, I cannot promise you the way will be straight. But the Senate will be easy. But I can promise you that you all have the tools needed to navigate any waters you encounter. This great Academy has prepared you to face every challenge and overcome any obstacle You are ready for. My wish to you is fair winds and following seas because I know you will remain always faithful. May God protect you all and may set you on your journey. May God protect all those who wear the uniform of the United States of America. Thank you. Thank you for your service
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10:37 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Hello, Naval Academy! Whoa.
Before I begin my speech, a thought crossed my mind as I was told the Class of ‘72 is here. I was appointed to the Academy in 1965 by a senator who I was running against in 1972. (Laughter.) Never planned it that way. I wasn’t old enough to be sworn in. I was only 29 years old when I was running. He was a fine man, and his name was J. Caleb Boggs.
I didn’t come to the Academy because I wanted to be a football star. And you had a guy named Staubach and Bellino here. So I went to Delaware.
But all kidding aside, the best line of the debate was — after it was all over, the announcer — the questioner who was a good guy but supported my opponent — who was a good man as well, I might add — and he said, “Senator Boggs, you have anything else you want to say?” And he said, “Yes, just one thing.” And he took the microphone. He said, “You know, Joe, if you had accepted my commission to the Aca- — my appointment to the Academy,” he said, “you’d still have one year and three months active duty, and I’d have no problems right now.” (Laughter.)
So, the Class of ’72 — (laughs) — welcome. You guys must be very proud of all you’ve seen and done.
Well, midshipmen, you made it! You made it! (Applause.)
I’ll bet there were times you wondered if you’d ever see this day — (laughter) — especially in those early days when you had to chop everywhere, memorize every Reef Point to make it through the Sea Trials, so — and even — even passing chemistry, for God’s sake. (Laughs.)
Well, this education has at times pushed the edge of what you thought would be possible in order to develop you morally, mentally, and physically.
And it was worth it. It was worth it all because today you stand ready to assume the title you’ve been working toward for so long: Ensign, the United States Navy. Second lieutenant, the United States Marine Corps.
Members of the greatest fighting force in the history of the world. And that’s no exaggeration. You have earned it. Congratulations. (Applause.)
I mean it — you really are. I’ve been in and out of Iraq and Afghanistan over 40 — I think 38 times. My son spent a year in Iraq, won the Bronze Star, Conspicuous Service Medal. I lost him.
But any rate, I’ve seen you in action. This is the finest military — not a joke. We have the finest military in the history of the world.
And thank you, Admiral — Admiral Buck, for the work you and your team have done to put these young men and women in shape, when they arrived here four days [years] ago on I-Day, into officers of the Armed Services of the United States of America.
And, Secretary Del Toro, Admiral Gilday, General Berger, you know better than anyone how important this — these missions are that we’re going to ask these young officers to carry out.
And looking out at this field, it’s clear to me we’re going to be sending our finest.
Congressman Ruppersberger, it’s great to see you here. I’m told you’re here.
I also want to recognize Congressman DesJarlais and — who — and Congressman Crowley, both here today as proud parents of commissioning midshipmen. (Applause.)
And, by the way — and I know — you know that all midshipmen here are holding in their hearts the memory of two classmates who tragically did not live to see this day. I hope I’m pronouncing Duke’s last correctly — Carillo. And Michael — and Michael Myles James.
Folks — midshipmen, this is your day. But I want to start by recognizing the people who got you here: your parents, your family — everyone here that shows their support to get you here, it’s their day as well.
So, midshipmen, stand up and clap for them. For them! (Applause.) I mean it.
And, moms and dads and grandparents, thanks for instilling such honor and integrity in these young women and men. (Applause.)
Class of 2022, you’ve made incredible memories — please, have a seat — during your time in the Yard.
After all this — after all this, the class holds one of the fastest Herndon Climbs in history — (applause) — upholding a tradition set by the “link in the chain” — class chain — 50 years ago.
This is a class that earned a record number of wins against the Army in the “N-Star” Competition. (Applause.)
I hope my son up in heaven doesn’t hear me saying that part. (Laughter.) He’s Army.
So many wins, you ran out of room on that flagpole, man. (Laughs.)
Look, this is a class of Midshipman Diego Fagot, who wasn’t expecting that snap in this year’s Army-Navy Game. But once he got the ball, he knew what the hell to do with it, didn’t he? You won the game. You won the game.
The class of Midshipman Sarah Skinner, the 54th Rhodes Scholar from the United States Naval Academy — (applause) — 54th — and led the Women’s Rugby team to a national title. (Applause.) Stand up. I want you standing up. (Applause.) And now Sarah is on the Olympic Development team. I can’t wait to see you, kid. I can’t wait to see you.
When I couldn’t play football anymore, I played rugby in law school. I should’ve spent more time in law school. (Laughter.)
But at any rate, class of Midshipman, First Class, Andre Rascoe, Delta Company — your class president. (Applause.) I don’t know, but somebody told me you may have questions for me. (Laughter.)
I think only the class understands that one.
You’ve all got so much to be proud of. You really do. (Laughter.)
And, by the way, once you’re commissioned, remember: I’m your Commander-in-Chief. (Laughter.) So don’t ask me too tough a question, okay?
Look — and I know, unlike me, when I graduated from the University of Delaware —
AUDIENCE MEMBER: Wooo!
THE PRESIDENT: — I had a few — thank you — I had a few minor infractions, like hosing down an RA in a — anyway. (Laughter.)
Unfortunately, this — we didn’t have the same tradition you have here. So, before I take care of you, let’s not forget: This is also the class that also got rowdy during the Air Force week in plebe year, and they’re still trying to clean the chocolate syrup off the ceiling in King Hall. (Laughter.)
You lived through “Red Beach Massacre.” (Applause.) And that helped — and that helped the printers “earn their jump wings.” (Applause.) If anyone wants to fess up to getting a printer onto the Chapel Dome, now’s your moment. (Laughter.) No one is going to admit it, huh? Okay.
Because as your Commander-in-Chief, in keeping with longstanding tradition, I hereby absolve all those serving restrictions for minor infractions. You are absolved. (Applause.)
And I — as I said, I wished all my graduation speakers would’ve been able to do that. (Laughs.) You all think I’m kidding; I’m not. (Laughter.)
Midshipmen, above all, the Academy has trained you to be leaders. Easy word to throw around, but hard to accomplish. You didn’t take the easier route when you chose the Academy and, again, when you signed your Two for Sevens.
You chose a life of service and purpose. You chose trial and sacrifice. You chose to be part of a mission that is greater than any individual.
While every class of midshipmen is tested, you faced added challenges to maintain a sense of mission and community and purpose when the global pandemic forced everything — literally everything — to change.
When you were told not to return after spring break as “youngsters.”
When in your second year you weren’t allowed to see any other — anybody other than your roommate. Hope to hell you picked right. (Laughter.)
And when you had to take your classes over Joom [sic] — Zoom, I should say, sitting in your uniforms and mesh shorts. (Laughter.) Oh, I figured that.
And then coming back to the Yard as Firsties not only to reform, but to remember what this place and what this time is supposed to be like; to return to the brigade to what it was pre-COVID and rebuild morale.
You had the responsibility to right the ship. And all of you stepped up, I’m told. You came together. You learned the first and most important lesson of leadership: to always, always care for your people, to respect everyone’s talents, to be inclusive, and to make sure that the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps draw from the full strength and diversity of this nation. Everybody.
Midshipmen, for the rest of your careers, you’re going to face challenges unforeseen.
You’re going to have to adapt and be ready to lead your people through whatever lies ahead. To state the obvious: No generation of graduates gets to pick what world they’re going live — they’re going to graduate into. It’s already been formed for you. But you must change it.
No officer knows the range of challenges they’ll face when they commission.
And, Class of 2022, you are graduating at an inflection point not only in American history but in world history. And I mean it. The challenge we face and the choices we make are more consequential than ever.
Things are changing so rapidly that the next 10 years will be the decisive decade of this century, because they’re going to shape what our world looks like and the values that will guide it not just for the immediate future, but for generations to come. And that is not hyperbole.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen how interconnected the world is. The deadly pandemic has impacted not just our own schooling, but almost every aspect of our lives — impacts of disruptions to the global supply chain causing significant inflation; accelerating the climate crisis that’s leading to rising seas and more severe weather patterns arou- — around the globe.
And Putin’s brutal, brutal war in Ukraine: Not only is he trying to take over Ukraine, he’s literally trying to wipe out the culture and identity of the Ukrainian people, attacking schools, nurseries, hospitals, museums with no other purpose than to eliminate a culture. A direct assault on the fundamental tenets of rule-based international order.
That’s what you’re graduating into. That’s the world in which ensigns and second lieutenants — a world that more than ever requires strong, principled, engaged American leadership; where America leads not only by the example of its power, but the power of its example.
Think of why most nations agreed to support us. It’s the example — it’s the example we set.
And you’ll learn to crew the most advanced ships in the world, train the most elite combat units, conduct undetected submarine missions, fly the most advanced fighter planes.
But the most powerful tool that you’ll wield is our unmatched network of global alliances and the strength of our partnerships — which, since I got elected, I’ve been trying to re-establish in detail.
Earlier this week, I returned from my first trip as President — been there before — as President though — to the Indo-Pacific, a region that will be vital to the future of our world.
I met with the leaders of Japan — the heads of state of Japan, the Republic of Korea. I participated in a meeting of the Quad, which I restarted over China’s objection — including Australia, Japan, India, and the United States — four leading democracies in the Indo-Pacific.
And I launched, together with 13 other countries across the region, the new Indo-Pacific Economic Framework to help write the rules of the road for the 21st century.
Before I departed Asia — before I left for Asia, I should say, I got a phone call from the Prime Minister of Sweden and the President of Finland — could they come and see me in the Oval. They came to ask me whether I would support them joining NATO. The actions taken by Putin were an attempt to — to use my phrase — to “Findalize” all of Europe — make it all neutral. Instead, he “NATOized” all of Europe.
And all of this is illustrative of a foreign policy that is built around the power of working together with Allies and partners to amplify our strength, to solve problems, to project our power beyond what we can do alone, and to preserve stability in an uncertain world.
This is the work that will be asked of you. This is not hyperbole. I’m being deadly earnest with you, because it will be.
As sailors and Marines, submariners and SEALs, Navy aviators and surface warfare officers, we’re going to look to you to ensure the security of the American people, to build connections and strengthen interoperability of — with our allies and partners around the world.
You’ve already started that work here at the Academy, where today we are graduating 12 international midshipmen, representing 10 countries, who will commission as officers in the militaries of their nations.
Graduates, you will be the symbol and the strength of your commitment to lead the world.
You’re going to stand sentinel, often shoulder-to-shoulder, with our allies and partners in critical regions of the world — like the service women and men I just visited in the Republic of Korea or the troops I spent time with in Poland in March who are making real our commitment to the security of our NATO Allies.
In the Indo-Pacific, a maritime theater, [you] will be the leading edge of our response to natural or humanitarian disasters, showing people throughout the region the unmatched ability of the United States to be a force for good.
You’ll defend the international rules of the road and underwrite the future for the Indo-Pacific that is free and open, ensure freedom of navigation of the South China Sea and beyond, and make sure the sea lanes remain open and secure.
These longstanding, basic maritime principles are the bedrock of a global economy and global stability. And you’re going to help knit together our allies in Europe with our allies in the Indo-Pacific.
For the first time — if I can hesitate for a second here — did anybody think, when I called for sanctions against Russia, that in addition to NATO, that Australia, Japan, North [South] Korea, some of the ASEAN countries, would stand up and support those sanctions? The world is moving so rapidly. I need not tell you aviators. Within the next decade, you’re going to be able to circumvent the world in — within the atmosphere in a little less than — a little more than an hour.
Things are changing.
And Putin’s brutal assault on Ukraine has spurred a truly global response not just from Europe, but from Japan, Korea, Singapore, New Zealand, and more — standing with us to impose sanctions on Russia.
Australia, sending military aid.
Germany, for the first time, significantly upping their budget. Germany.
Fiji, assisting the FBI in seizing the yacht of an oligarch.
We’re seeing the world align not in terms of geography — East and West, Pacific and Atlantic — but in terms of values.
We’re living through a global struggle between autocracies and democracies. And I will note — and my co- — I’ve met more with Xi Jinping than any other world leader has. When he called me to congratulate me on election night, he said to me what he said many times before. He said, “Democracies cannot be sustained in the 21st century. Autocracies will run the world. Why? Things are changing so rapidly. Democracies require a consensus, and it takes time, and you don’t have the time.”
He’s wrong.
Each of you, as you go out into the world, will not only be a proud member of the Armed Forces of the United States of America, you’ll be representatives and defenders of our democracy. It sounds corny but, literally, our democracy.
That’s why you swear an oath not to me as your Commander-in-Chief or to any political leader, but to the Constitution.
Our nation is placing in you great trust and great faith. A young we- — man with me today, carrying in town the football. All the responsibility given to so many of you, so consequential. Because you’ve chose — you’ve chosen the honorable path that few before you have done.
And you’re going to look to uphold the honor of this institution and the generation of proud patriots who’ve passed this way before you. Patriots like a dear friend of mine, John McCain.
John and I went after each other hammer and tong on the Senate floor. We disagreed politically on things. But being here, I can’t help think of John and how the Naval Academy meant so much to him. He chose these grounds for his final resting place.
John was an American hero who withstood torture, years of being held as a prisoner of war. And when he came home, he decided to continue — he wanted to continue to serve. We traveled tens of thousands of miles together as he — staffing me as a senator.
I’m one of the reasons — and I used to always get kidded by my Democratic friends — I talked him into running.
He was a man of great principle and capacity. He always lived by a code — the same code that you all have been taught. It’s not just words, it’s real: duty, honor, loyalty.
He kept that code throughout his years as a prisoner of war, all the time he served in the United States Congress. As I said, we often disagreed, but we were close friends. John and I, we knew one another.
In March of 2018, I was honored that John asked me — because he wasn’t physically able — to come to the Naval Academy and receive on his behalf the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Graduate Award and speak for him.
Shortly after that, when John was on his deathbed in his home in Arizona, I went to see him.
I was leaving, after the visit, and in a voice barely above a whisper, he called me over to his bedside. He said, “Joe, will you do my eulogy?” I said, “Yes, John.” And literally at the same time, two guys who think they’re hardass guys looked to one another and said, “I love you.”
Class of 2022, John McCain’s memorial was one of the first
experiences you had at the Academy back in 2018.
Your class motto, “Not all of me shall die,” I can’t help but think must be a reflection — some reflection of that moment in your lives, a reminder of the responsibilities you have taken on and the legacy you will leave behind.
It’s a promise — a promise you made to each other and to this institution, because what lives on will be the service you will give to others and the timeless principles that you’re willing to sacrifice everything to defend.
In this moment, we must steer our nation and our world through this decisive decade. I hope you’ll keep the memory of the example of Academy graduates, like my friend John McCain, close in your hearts as you embark on your commissions.
I cannot promise you the way will be straight or the sailing will be easy, but I can promise you that you all have the tools needed to navigate any waters you encounter.
This great academy has prepared you to face every challenge and overcome any obstacle. You are ready.
For my wish to you is fair winds and following seas, because I know you will remain always faithful.
May God protect you all and may He set you on your journey. And may God protect all those who wear the uniform of the United States of America.
Thank you. Thank you for your service. (Applause.)
11:01 A.M. EDT
