The Thunderbirds fly overhead as cadets celebrate at the conclusion of the Air Force Academy graduation May 30. Photo by Jerilee Bennett (JerileeBennettjerilee.bennett@gazettedev.gazette.comhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a400b0ac348f1407dc2709999dc38d3b?s=100&d=mm&r=g)
Highlights from the Air Force Academy commencement ceremony and visit by President Trump on Thursday, May 30, 2019.
See The Gazette’s full coverage of the graduation and Trump’s speech here.
The Thunderbirds fly overhead as cadets celebrate at the conclusion of the Air Force Academy graduation. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JerileeBennettjerilee.bennett@gazettedev.gazette.comhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a400b0ac348f1407dc2709999dc38d3b?s=100&d=mm&r=g)President Donald Trump arrived at Peterson AFB and was greeted by a cheering crowd and local dignitaries. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)President Donald J. Trump gives the thumps up after arriving at Peterson Air Force Base. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)President Donald Trump arrived at Peterson AFB and was greeted by a cheering crowd and local dignitaries. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)President Donald Trump arrived at Peterson AFB and was greeted by a cheering crowd and local dignitaries. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)President Donald Trump is greeted by Mayor John Suthers at Peterson AFB and was greeted by a cheering crowd and local dignitaries. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)El Paso County Commissioner Mark Waller meets President Donald J. Trump . (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)Citizens line the highway to greet Presidential Donald J. Trump. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)President Donald J. Trump salutes as he walks past a row of cadets while entering the Air Force Academy graduation. The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)Secretary of the Air Force, Heather Wilson takes the field for the last time at the Air Force Academy graduation on Thursday, May 30, 2019. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)
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President Donald Trump speaks during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)
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Air Force cadet Parker Hammond got called up out of the cadets to the stage by President Donald J. Trump. Hammond battled cancer and was still able to graduate at the Air Force Academy. The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)Colin Zavislak and Hunter Ahlquist react after the hat toss of the Air Force Academy graduation. The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)
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The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)About 1,000 cadets graduation from the Air Force Academy at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, May 30, 2019. (ConradSwansonconrad.swanson@gazettedev.gazette.comhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/515a9746c1d78443fc27e66f964a9cd3?s=100&d=mm&r=g)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)The Air Force Academy held their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019. President Donald J. Trump was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)A spectator uses a program to shield himself from the bright sun before the start of the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)President Donald Trump speaks during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)Cadets celebrate at the 2019 Air Force Academy graduation. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JerileeBennettjerilee.bennett@gazettedev.gazette.comhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a400b0ac348f1407dc2709999dc38d3b?s=100&d=mm&r=g)President Trump waves to cadets at the Air Force Academy graduation Thursday, May 30, 2019. (ConradSwansonconrad.swanson@gazettedev.gazette.comhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/515a9746c1d78443fc27e66f964a9cd3?s=100&d=mm&r=g)President Trump at the Air Force Academy graduation Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (ConradSwansonconrad.swanson@gazettedev.gazette.comhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/515a9746c1d78443fc27e66f964a9cd3?s=100&d=mm&r=g)Cadets apply a thick amount of sunscreen before the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)President Donald Trump walks into the stadium at the start of the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)
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The Secretary of the Air Force Heather A. Wilson speaks during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)President Donald Trump speaks during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)President Donald Trump speaks during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)A cadet returns to his seat after receiving his diploma during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the crowd in the east stands during a aerial demonstration after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the crowd in the east stands during an aerial demonstration after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)Children wait at the edge of the field for the hat toss and the chance to grab a cap at the close of the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)Cadets celebrates after receiving their diplomas during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)The Class of 2019 celebrates as the Thunderbirds fly over the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)The Class of 2019 celebrates after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)Graduating cadets Bailey Little, left, Michael Snell and Braxton Stocking help each other pin their 2nd Lt. boards onto their uniform after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)As the weather on Thursday brought sun and 70 degree weather during the Air Force Academy graduation attendees sported sun hats and used posters, programs and other materials to shield themselves from the spring sun. (Parker Seibold)An Air Force Academy staff member walks up the stairs to bring the underclassmen down to the field to prepare for the start of the graduation ceremony. (Parker Seibold)Air Force Academy underclassmen perform a sword demonstration before the start of the graduation ceremony on Thursday afternoon. (Parker Seibold)President Donald Trump waves to an excited crowd as he takes his seat on stage at the Air Force Academy graduation. (Parker Seibold)Graduates holler and smile as they stand in formation at the entrance of Falcon Stadium. (Parker Seibold)Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria provides opening remarks at the 61st Air Force Academy commencement inMay. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette)Cadets look up to the crowd to wave and say thank you to their loved ones for the support they provided during their time at the Air Force Academy. (Parker Seibold)Graduate Parker Hammond stands to wave while his classmates cheer him on as president Trump congratulates Hammond for graduating with his class on time even though he had been battling cancer and invites him on stage. (Parker Seibold)President Donald Trump stands with members of the 2019 graduating class as they give him their class gift. (Parker Seibold)An international cadet holds out their flag and sports a class ring as their name is called during a recognition of each of the international graduates. (Parker Seibold)A cadet holds their hat as they high five a classmate after receiving their diploma. (Parker Seibold)A cadet readjusts her hat as she walks back to her seat after getting her diploma. Graduates often lose their hats as they chest bump and jump in celebration of receiving their diploma. (Parker Seibold)Cadets watch the Thunderbirds perform an air show after the Air Force Academy graduation (Parker Seibold)Attendees hold up signs and celebrate as a cadet receives their diploma. (Parker Seibold)A cadet from Singapore stands and holds his flag after being mentioned during a recognition of international cadets that graduated with the Air Force Academy class of 2019. (Parker Seibold)President Donald Trump’s salute to a cadet is mirrored by two Air Force Academy cadets that received their diplomas at the academy’s 61st commencement. (Parker Seibold)A cadet reaches out from his seat to fist bump a classmate as he walks by after receiving his diploma. (Parker Seibold)Thunderbirds fly overhead as the graduating Air Force Academy cadets throw their hats at the end of the ceremony. (Parker Seibold)President Donald Trump walks into the stadium at the start of the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)The Class of 2019 marches into Falcon Stadium before the start of the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Air Force Academy. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)President Donald Trump stands for the National Anthem during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)The Class of 2019 marches into Falcon Stadium before the start of the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Air Force Academy. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)Graduating cadets celebrate after receiving their diplomas during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)Graduating cadets celebrate after receiving their diplomas during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)Cadet Sonya McLaughlin shows her diploma to the crowd during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)Cadets celebrate after receiving their diplomas during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)A cadets celebrates after receiving their diplomas during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)Cadet Nina Rogers celebrates after receiving their diplomas during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)A cadet waves to the crowd while waiting in line to receive her diploma during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)People in the stands cheer for the cadets during the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)The Class of 2019 celebrate after the conclusion of the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)The Class of 2019 celebrate after the conclusion of the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the crowd during a aerial demonstration after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the crowd during a aerial demonstration after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the crowd during a aerial demonstration after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the crowd during a aerial demonstration after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the crowd during a aerial demonstration after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the crowd during a aerial demonstration after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the crowd during a aerial demonstration after the commencement ceremony for the 61st graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)Members of the class of 2019 at the United States Air Force Academy. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)President Donald Trump arrived at Peterson AFB and was greeted by a cheering crowd and local dignitaries. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)Members of the class of 2019 at the United States Air Force Academy. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)Members of the class of 2019 at the United States Air Force Academy. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)
