May 25, 2024: The world is changing rapidly, and the pace of change is accelerating, said President Joe Biden during his commencement address to the graduating cadets at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York.
Biden highlighted the increasing range of missions undertaken by service members, citing several examples of this evolving landscape:
Support for Ukraine: U.S. forces are aiding Ukraine in its fight for freedom by ensuring a steady flow of munitions and equipment into the country. “We are standing strong with Ukraine, and we will stand with them,” Biden affirmed.
Indo-Pacific Alliances: The U.S. is strengthening alliances with nations in the Indo-Pacific region, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines.
NATO Strength: Biden praised the NATO alliance and welcomed its newest members, Finland and Sweden. “No country has allies like ours,” he said.
Taiwan Strait Stability: The U.S. is committed to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. “I’ve always been willing to use force when required to protect our nation, our allies, our core interests. When anyone targets American troops, we will deliver justice to them,” Biden stated.
He also emphasized the importance of leading by example: “Never forget Americans are strongest when we lead not only by our example of our power, but by the power of our example.”
Biden addressed the issue of safety and respect within the ranks, noting a recent decline in rates of sexual assault and harassment for the first time in nearly a decade. “It’s long past time to end the scourge of sexual violence in the military once and for all, and we can do this,” he said.
He reminded the cadets of their oath to defend the Constitution and urged them to hold fast to values of duty, honor, and country. “Freedom is not free. It requires constant vigilance,” Biden concluded.–By David Vergun