Yesterday, Vice President Joe Biden thanked the 1,046 newest graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy not only for their dedication and achievement, but for their future service in guaranteeing America’s security. He called on graduates to set their own course for the future in an uncertain and ever-changing world, saying that although these modern challenges are daunting, they present many new opportunities:

This is a moment that requires us to act or face the consequences of our inaction. Other generations have had the luxury of not acting, knowing that the status quo would not in any fundamental way be altered. You don’t have that choice. This is your moment to bend history towards a service of a better day. It’s a moment that will be defined by you and your civilian counterparts – by a generation that I’m convinced has the intellect, the character and the judgment to ensure that America will lead the 21st century as it has the 20th century.

(Vice President Joe Biden shakes hands with Cadets after delivering the commencement address at the United
States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Wednesday, May 27, 2009.
Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)


(Cadets throw their hats in the air as the Thunderbirds fly overhead after Vice President Joe Biden delivered
the commencement address at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado,
Wednesday, May 27, 2009.  Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)