“Today you step into a different world,” President Barack Obama told this year’s Air Force Academy graduates, paying tribute to their dedication and hard work before shaking the hand of every new second lieutenant.

“You are part of the finest, most capable military the world has ever known. No other nation even comes close,” Obama said during his half-hour address. “It’s that fundamental faith — that American optimism — which says no challenge is too great, no mission is too hard. It’s the spirit that guides your class — ‘never falter, never fail.’”

Obama’s speech to cadets was a hopeful one, both retrospective and forward looking. He talked about how the country has rebounded from the recession of the past decade, and said America’s reputation worldwide has simultaneously improved. Obama predicted that the coming years will be an “American century.”

During their time as cadets, the president pointed out, the military situation for the U.S. has changed radically, for the better. He pointed out that when they signed on to the academy in 2008, the Iraq War was still raging, and Osama bin Laden was still at large. The war is over, and bin Laden was captured and is dead, he said.

The commander-in-chief told the cadets that they are natural leaders, but warned that they face an even greater challenge as they move forward.

“Make no mistake, how we’re viewed in the world has consequences — for our national security, for your lives,” the president said.

After his speech, Obama spent more than two hours greeting graduates, while families and friends screamed in applause.

Though applause was tepid through most of Obama’s speech, cadets were delighted that the president was there to congratulate them. The president typically attends the academy graduation every four years.

“It’s good to know the president has our back,” said graduate Nate Christian. “It’s really cool he’d come out and talked to us about what’s going to happen over the next five, 10, 15 years, or however long we serve for.”

Graduate Bryan Stigall said the president’s message was just as important as his presence at the ceremony.

“Power does not come from the biggest gun, but the best leader,” was what Stigall took away from Obama’s speech.

Graduate Jennifer Millis made it simpler.

“He said to us that we’re going to do great things. And I am!” she yelled happily.

Obama’s stop at the academy also comes amid his re-election campaign, which has been ramping up quickly in recent weeks, with Obama trading political jabs with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the presumed Republican candidate. Immediately after the graduation ceremony, Obama headed to Denver for a campaign fundraiser with Democratic supporters.

Congressman Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs, criticized the president prior to the graduation, and said Obama needed to focus more on issues in Washington.

“Mr. President, we need more jobs, not more speeches,” Lamborn said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon, a day before Obama’s address to the cadets. “Your failed economic policies have created an economy where half of our graduating college seniors will either be unemployed or underemployed.”

Obama’s Denver fundraiser reception was at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center.

Then, he’ll fly to California, where he will appear at a dinner at a private residence that will also include a performance by David Crosby and Graham Nash of Crosby, Stills, and Nash. About 60 people are expected at the dinner for $35,800 apiece. 

Obama was expected to finish the day at a fundraiser in Redwood City, Calif. 

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

President Barack Obama shakes hands with a graduate during Air Force Academy graduation Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at Falcon Stadium. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) Photo by

MARK REIS, THE GAZETTEPresident Obama addresses cadets during graduation ceremonies for the Air Force Academy Class of 2012 graduation ceremonies were held Wednesday, May 23, 2012. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazettey

MARK REIS

Newly minted Second Lieutenants toss their hats in the air at the conclusion of Air Force Academy graduation Wednesday, May 23, 2012. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette Photo by