Vice President Mike Pence told the 2019 graduating class of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point they must be prepared to lead troops into combat across the globe.
“In the last two years, we’ve taken decisive action to rebuild our military and restore the arsenal of democracy. This president has actually signed into law the largest investment in our national defense since the days of Ronald Reagan,” Pence said.
“It is a virtual certainty that you will fight on a battlefield for America at some point in your life,” Pence said. “You will lead soldiers in combat, it will happen.”
Pence told the new officers they could fight anywhere from the Middle East against radical Islamic terrorism to the Pacific region against North Korea or to Europe to stand against Russian aggression.
Pence also assured the graduating class they have no better friend than in President Trump: “I promise you, your commander in chief will have your back.”
[Also read: Students walk out of Pence commencement speech: ‘Not consistent with the Christian ethic of love’]
Men and women of the @WestPoint_USA Class of 2019, you did it! I know in the years ahead you will do your part to ensure for ourselves and our posterity that “Freedom Will Reign.” May God bless you & protect you—and all our Armed Forces. And may God bless the USA. pic.twitter.com/q7AeOoH7iu
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) May 25, 2019
