Obama to address graduating cadets on 2nd visit to the US Military Academy at West Point
By Darlene Superville, APSaturday, May 22, 2010
Obama to address graduating cadets at West Point
NEWBURGH, N.Y. — President Barack Obama says national defense isn’t the sole responsibility of the U.S. military and that it’s time for the rest of the country to pitch in.
The commander in chief says that while those in uniform are the cornerstone of America’s national defense, “the rest of us must do our part.”
Obama is giving the commencement address Saturday at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. The White House released excerpts of his speech to graduates before the ceremony.
The president says he wants to strengthen old international alliances and build new ones, and promote human rights around the world.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama will talk about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan when he speaks to graduates at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Obama was headed to the storied academy along the Hudson River for commencement ceremonies on Saturday.
The White House says the commander in chief also will speak about his vision for keeping the nation safe and will commend the roughly 1,000 graduates for serving the country.
Nearly the entire 2010 graduating class will become Army second lieutenants, with most expecting to serve eventually in Iraq or Afghanistan.
It will be Obama’s second visit to West Point. He went there last December to announce his decision to send an additional 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan.
Tags: Afghanistan, Asia, Barack Obama, Central Asia, Graduation, New York, Newburgh, North America, Occasions, United States, Us-obama, Washington
