West Point commencement features President Joe Biden, Michigan cadets

WEST POINT, N.Y. — After four years at the U.S. Military Academy, Dominic Curti got the graduation most cadets hope for: Under a clear blue sky, the Bloomfield Hills cadet listened to the president, his commander-in-chief, deliver the commencement speech.

Then, he received his diploma and, was commissioned as an Army officer, as his family, friends — and even his adoring girlfriend — celebrated the moments with him.

About a couple dozen Michiganders from all over the state graduated along with him.

Yet, in the back of the newly minted second lieutenant's mind — and the minds of many of the other 1,036 graduating cadets and their families during Memorial Day weekend — there was a sense that even though America is at peace again, it could be enmeshed with conflicts and threats around the world, in Ukraine, Gaza and East Asia, conflicts the presidents referenced in his remarks.

"Through your time at West Point, you come to understand the gravity of what you've signed up for," Curti told the Free Press after U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, read him the commissioning oath in a private ceremony after graduation and a cadet, a roommate, gave him his first salute. "This has been the best moment of my life."

In addition to the global conflicts, closer to home, particularly on college campuses, including the University of Michigan, there's much debate — and protests — about America's role in them.

And, in the background, there was no doubt it was an election year, with Biden facing a rematch with his Republican rival, ex-president Donald Trump. Biden did not mention Trump by name, but he seemed to take indirect aim at him with his remarks about the academy's honor code and obligations to defend democracy.

West Point — so named because it is a military fort on a point that juts out into the Hudson River — is the nation’s first service academy and is steeped in tradition, aiming to instill in its cadets a sense of honor and commitment that goes beyond what is required at other educational institutions.

Biden — who entered the stadium Saturday in his signature aviator sunglasses to "Hail to the Chief" and delivered his first commencement address at West Point’s football field, Michie Stadium, as president — told the graduating class that "the world is changing rapidly" and that the U.S. military faces new challenges.

He talked about standing with Ukraine and its war with Russia, recent humanitarian efforts to help those suffering in Gaza, and security agreements and efforts in Asia. And he promised to the future officers that "when anyone targets American troops, we will deliver justice."

Defending democracy

The academy welcomed Biden — who flew in on a helicopter, and, in keeping with tradition, absolved them of any "minor offenses" — with 21-gun salute, a military tradition.

Throughout his address, the president offered some of his folksy Biden-isms, like, "You got it, man!" and bragged that he was appointed to the Naval Academy, a claim he also made in 2022. Instead, Biden said, he decided to attend the University of Delaware.

The president, in an apparent swipe at his rival who is facing criminal charges, also pointedly emphasized the West Point honor code, not to lie, steal or cheat; mentioned that the future officers must be loyal to the Constitution, to the American people, not to a party or a president, and that they have a lifelong duty to defend democracy.

"Members of the Long Gray Line have given their lives for that Constitution," Biden said. "They have fought to defend the freedoms that it protects: The right to vote. They right to worship. The right to raise your voice in protest."

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Biden has been a commencement speaker twice before during his eight years as vice president, and last week, he spoke to the Morehouse men at Morehouse College — an all-male, private historically Black school — in Atlanta. At Morehouse, Biden called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

"I’m also working around the clock for more than just one cease-fire," he said, remarks to which West Point's new and future officers and their families paid close attention. "I’m working to bring the region together. I’m working to build a lasting, durable peace."

Historic academy addresses

Commencement speakers at the service academies generally rotate among the president, vice president, secretary of defense and each respective service branch.

A few have used their addresses to make important statements.

Vice President Kamala Harris made history at West Point last year. The first woman to be vice president, she also was the first woman to ever to deliver the commencement address at West Point. She told the cadets that they stand on the shoulders of trailblazers.

President George W. Bush, after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, used his commencement address to outline a new, preemptive, offensive military strategy for what he called the "war on terror," touting "homeland defense and missile defense" and declaring that "we must take the battle to the enemy."

President John F. Kennedy, in 1962, also a peacetime period in America, thanked cadets for their service. The nation, he said, depends on them and noted that their service "will require a versatility and an adaptability never before required in either war or in peace."

"The fact that the United States is not directly at war," he warned them, "in no way diminishes the skill and the courage that will be required, the service to our country which is rendered, or the pain of the casualties which are suffered."

Looking back, ahead

For Curti — and the many other Michigan families Saturday who had rented the 49er Lodge, a space on the military post so named because it was donated by the West Point Class of 1949 — it was a moment to savor, to reflect on the crucible he endured and to look ahead to whatever the future holds for them.

"It was a moment of one of the greatest feelings of excitement and pride," said Janet Curti, Dom's mother, who was wearing a replica of her son's class ring around her neck. "But, it also was a little scary, too. He's starting the next part of his life."

Trish LaRoche, 52, of Chesterfield, said the day was an overwhelming mix of emotions.

"I am super proud," she said, adding she also felt the uncertainty of what her son, a new officer might face.

"It was surreal," said Alexzandria Goss, 23, of St. Clair Shores, a graduating cadet, who noted it was a long, but rewarding journey to become an Army officer and meeting her commander-in-chief was a bonus. "It (was) exciting to shake the president's hand."

At the end of the ceremonies, the graduates were dismissed as cadets one last time.

That was their cue to toss their white hats in the air, a West Point tradition that started in the 1940s, because they no longer need them: They will get and wear new covers — Army-speak for caps — and new uniforms as second lieutenants.

Some cadets, as they do every year, left notes, photos and even cash in their caps, knowing youngsters — between the ages of 4 and 10 who are accompanied by a parent — will rush onto the field to pick up one to keep and take home.

Nine-year-old Eliana Aley, of Queens, New York, and her 4-year-old brother, Alexander, get a hat each.

One cap, Eliana said, had the cadet's photo, and $20.

Curti — who studied law — worked with James as part of his West Point studies.

A member of the Long Gray Line, James, who represents the state’s 10th District and brought two of his three sons with him. graduated from the academy 20 years ago and served eight years in the Army, including tours as a helicopter pilot.

One of his son's is even named Hudson, and two of James' classmates — Wesley Hunt and Pat Ryan — also are serving in Congress.

Now as one West Point class leaves the academy, it is preparing for a new one to join it.

In a few weeks, the Class of 2028, which will include several appointees from Michigan — will be arriving, and like every class before them, they will get haircuts, uniforms and a new way to think and act. If they make it through four years, they will be transformed — just like this year’s class has been — into officers.

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: West Point commencement features President Joe Biden, Michigan cadets