As 68 Maryland residents graduated from the Naval Academy on Friday afternoon, Vice President Richard Cheney lauded the class of 2006 for serving in a time of war and emphasized that combating terrorism would “define” their careers as military officers.
“You are the first class to enter the academy following the attacks of 9/11,” Cheney said. “And I?m guessing that more than a few of you were inspired to military service by that attack on our country. ”
Before a crowd of about 27,000 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 980 men and women received their diplomas. Most of the graduating midshipman will become ensigns in the Navy, and 203 graduates will become 2nd lieutenants in the Marine Corps.
In his commencement speech, Cheney warned against an enemy that “wears no uniform, has no regard for the rules of warfare, and is unconstrained by any standard of decency or morality.”
He also defended President George W. Bush?s much-criticized wire-tapping program as a vital way to garner intelligence and keep troops safe.
“Gathering the best information and getting into the hands of the war fighter, means that your work is more effective, your maneuvers are more safe and the nation you serve is more secure,” he said.
Graduating midshipman said the day brought mixed emotions ? relief to have completed their studies and anxiety about the unknown.
Second Lt. Zach Embers, 24, of McPherson, Kan., said the day was bittersweet, but that he was “very happy and proud.”
Before the graduation ceremony, Maryland midshipman said they were confident in their decision to serve, despite world politics.
“You can?t say today I am not going to be in the military because there’s a conflict, but tomorrow I want to be in the military because there is peace,” 23-year-old Sheivon Davis, a Baltimore resident who graduated Friday with a mathematics degree.
And though Cheney issued the graduates with a serious task, many said they were thrilled to be moving onto the next phase in their military career.
“It?s the best day of my life,” said 22-year-old Evan Knock, of Orlando, Fla. “It still hasn?t hit me yet.”
