Feel The Power Of The Force, Veep Says
Vice President Richard B. Cheney
told more than 900 graduating cadets at the US Air Force Academy in
Colorado Springs, CO, Wednesday that they are taking their places
as commissioned officers of the most powerful air and space force
in the history of mankind.
"Responsibility comes to you in a period of unprecedented
challenge for your country and extraordinary change for the armed
forces," Cheney said. "In these four years that you have studied
and drilled and prepared to become leaders, you have seen changes
in yourself. You have been tested in mind, body and character. You
have felt the pride that comes from striving, succeeding and
becoming the person the Air Force knew you could be, and you have
proven yourself worthy of the honor you receive today."
The vice president said he brought greetings and congratulations
from President Bush.
Cheney noted that members of the cadet wing are drawn from all
regions of the country and two dozen foreign lands. "Taken
together, they represent the future of air and space power and
freedom's cause," he said. "When you see these men and women, and
understand the rigor of the service academy, you can't help but
feel confident in the rising generation of military leaders. The
defense of this nation is in very good hands."
The graduation guest speaker reminded the class of when they
arrived four years ago.
"Some believed that our nation had entered a long period of
relative quiet with few real threats to our security, little reason
to expect danger from abroad and no chance of direct attack,"
Cheney said. "You were here on that day when illusions gave way to
critical, national priorities. All of you remember that Tuesday
morning in 2001 when alarms were sounded when the military was put
on high alert and the gates of this academy were locked."
He said in Colorado Springs and at
the nation's other service academies, men and women knew
immediately that a new mission had come to America and some of the
most vital work would be carried out by your generation.
"The attacks on our country underscored the seriousness of the
profession you had entered and oath you had taken only a few months
earlier," Cheney said. "Many of you shared the same wish that you
could graduate on Sept. 12 and take your place on the first war of
the 21st century. A great deal has happened since that day, but we
have much left to do as a nation. You will be among those who will
lead us to victory against freedom's enemies."
The vice president said the threat continues, demanding "a
unified, effective response" to increase the nation's ability "to
respond to any future attacks, to reduce our vulnerability and,
above all, to hunt down the terrorists before they can hit us
again."
"As leaders in the Air Force, you will be participants in that
transformation to let America meet the challenges of the 21st
century," Cheney told the graduates. "A military that was designed
in the 20th century is becoming lighter, more flexible, more agile
and lethal in action."