ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Good morning. Secretary Austin, Secretary Del Toro, Admiral Davids
Admiral Franchetti and I are proud to join you in congratulating the Naval Academy class of 2024 as they commission today.
To the families, the moms, dads, brothers, sisters, and everyone who played a role in getting these midshipmen where they are today.
Be proud of these young Americans.
They chose to do something most people can’t or won’t do.
They chose service and committed themselves to a cause greater than any one of us.
To the class of 2024 – you have a right to be proud as well.
It’s a long four years to get you to these seats, in this stadium.
Do not forget this moment.
Because in a few minutes, you will walk across that stage and receive your diploma.
You will take a moment to celebrate, a moment to pack your things and say your goodbyes.
And then some of you will go to TBS, some to flight school, or even directly to your first ship.
But no matter where you start these next few months… you will take your place in the fleet.
That is where we need you – that’s where I need you – leading sailors and Marines, far from here, on the sea or on distant shores so that Americans here at home can remain prosperous, safe, and free.
I know that you are ready for the challenge.
To the Marines – Moments from now you will swear an oath.
And it is different than the one you will swear the rest of your career.
Not in substance, but in the way you swear it.
Because today, you aren’t going to say your name.
You are going to stand with the other Marines and say two words.
You are going to say, “I do,” not just as an individual, but as a Marine, surrounded by the Marines around you.
Because from this day onward, you are one of us.
39th Commandant, Gen. Smith, Speaks at Naval Academy Graduation
Photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Dornfeld
U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen toss their covers in celebration at the conclusion of the Academy's Class of 2024 graduation ceremony at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland, May 24, 2024. The Oath of Office was administered during the ceremony and each received their rank insignia afterward from the Naval Academy class of 1974. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Dornfeld)
You share in everything we have accomplished in our 249 years of existence – and bear the responsibility of everything we will achieve in the years to come.
Look around you at the names etched into stone around the stadium, battles like Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, Inchon – and distant places like Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
They are your legacy now, as much as they are mine.
It is up to you to bring us victory the next time a name is added to that list.
You have proven that you have what it takes to join our team.
Now you need to earn it every day.
Your Marines are already out there, in the fleet, training and preparing for the fights that are to come.
They want to fight, they want to win, and they want you at your absolute best to lead them.
You must use every opportunity, from now until the moment you set foot in front of that first formation, to prepare your body, mind, and soul for what is required.
Your Marines will expect nothing less, and I expect nothing less.
Welcome to the team, I look forward to everything you will accomplish for our Corps in the years to come.
Semper Fidelis.
Graduates to be commissioned in the United States Marine Corps, rise.
Raise your right hand.
Having been appointed a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps to rank from 24 May 2024;
Do you hereby accept such appointment and do you solemnly swear that you will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic;
That you will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;
That you take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion;
And that you will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which you are about to enter;
So help you God?