President Biden emphasized the importance of global alliances during his commencement address at the Air Force Academy. He stated that rebuilding partnerships with like-minded nations has been crucial in asserting American power abroad against adversaries like Russia and China. Mr. Biden praised the graduates for persevering through four difficult years, including the pandemic, and declared them ready for leadership in the armed forces. He also highlighted the importance of the graduates’ mission in safeguarding the nation’s way of life and praised America’s enduring values. Mr. Biden tripped over a sandbag and fell to the floor on stage but was helped up by Air Force officials and members of the Secret Service. White House officials later confirmed that he was “totally fine.”
During his speech, Mr. Biden emphasized the importance of alliances and partnerships, which he called “one of the greatest assets you will harness throughout your careers.” He did not mention former President Donald J. Trump but appeared to refer to his predecessor by repeating his assertion that relationships with foreign capitals around the world were in need of rebuilding when he came into office in 2021. The president said those partnerships had been crucial in supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia, which has now gone on for more than a year.
“Freedom, sovereignty, democracy, simple dignity,” Mr. Biden said. “Working with a coalition of more than 50 nations, we have delivered historic security assistance that has enabled Ukraine to defend itself.”
This was Mr. Biden’s third military academy graduation address since becoming president. He spoke at the Coast Guard ceremony in 2021 and at the Naval Academy in 2022. He addressed West Point graduates twice as vice president.
The graduates will now become second lieutenants in either the U.S. Air Force or the U.S. Space Force. Mr. Biden told them that they bear the burden of helping to safeguard a nation’s way of life and that their mission is greater than any person or president. He praised them for their excellence and readiness for anything and expressed his optimism about the future of the country.
2023-06-01 17:39:08
Original from www.nytimes.com
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