The Thunderbirds soar over Falcon Stadium during the hat toss at the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Gabi Broekema)
More than 900 Air Force Academy cadets became officers Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Falcon Stadium. The graduation ceremony included a speech from President Joe Biden.
The Thunderbirds soar over Falcon Stadium during the hat toss at the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Gabi Broekema)President Joe Biden recieves a gift and becomes and honorary member of the Air Force Academy class of 2023 during the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)The Falcon Stadium is lined with chairs and water bottles early in the morning before the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Gabi Broekema)Haley Deome hugs her little sister after the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium . (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Air Force Academy cadet family and friends cheer during the Academy’s graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Air Force Academy cadets salute as the National Anthem plays at the beginning of the Academy’s commencement ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Graduates embrace after receiving their diplomas during the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Adam Laubenthal pins second lieutenant stripes on Hayden Isenhart following the Air Force Academy commencement address at Falcon Stadium where over 900 cadets became officers on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)The Thunderbirds perform an airshow following the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Raindrops fall on a graduating cadet’s hat during during the graduation address by President Joe Biden at the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. During President Biden’s speech, a short sprinkle of rain foreshadowed the storm and hail that fell soon after the hat toss. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)President Joe Biden prepares to give the graduation address at the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)A graduating cadet waves to friends and family in the crowd during the graduation address by President Joe Biden at the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. President Joe Biden told cadets to stand up and take a moment to thank their families. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)The Us.S. Air Force Academy faculty lines up for their precession before the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Graduating Cadets gain a new stripe at the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The graduation featured special guest speaker US President Joe Biden and a flyover by the Blue Angels alongside the special day for 919 graduating cadets. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Graduating cadets stashed phones, sun screen and water beside their stripes under their chairs at the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)International graduating cadets held up their country’s flags during the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)The Umholtz family looks around the Falcon Stadium before finding their seats at the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. They are there for the father of the family who was graduation lead and also teacher in Russian History at the Air Force Academy. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Graduating cadets salute during the playing of the national anthem at the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Graduating Air Force cadets gain their first stripe at the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The graduation featured guest speaker for the graduation address President Joe Biden and a flyover by the Thunderbirds alongside the special day for 921 graduating cadets. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)President Joe Biden gives the graduation address at the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Graduating cadets fist bumped and hugged their fellow cadets after receiving their diplomas during the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Graduating cadets fist bumped and hugged their fellow cadets after receiving their diplomas during the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)President Joe Biden gives the graduation address at the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Graduating cadets wear their class rings at the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Graduating cadets take a moment to look back to find their friends and family at the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Graduating cadets fist bumped and hugged their fellow cadets after receiving their diplomas during the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Graduating cadets fist bumped and hugged their fellow cadets after receiving their diplomas during the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Graduating cadets’ friends and families file into Falcon Stadium and get ready for the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Graduating cadets’ friends and families file into Falcon Stadium and get ready for the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Graduating cadets gain a new stripe and rise to second lieutenant during the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The graduation featured President Joe Biden giving the graduation address and a flyover by the Thunderbirds alongside the special day for 921 graduating cadets. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Graduating cadets cheer to friends and family in the crowd during the graduation address by President Joe Biden at the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. President Joe Biden told cadets to stand up and take a moment to thank their families. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Graduating cadets take a moment to look back to find their friends and family at the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Graduating cadets Zachary Marien and Wala Mannai friends in the same squad pin their new stripes to each others shoulder after the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Now graduated cadets cheer together after the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Two graduated cadets’ hats are left behind after the hat toss for the children to find at the end of the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 Graduation at Falcon Stadium on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs, Co., on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (GabiBroekemaPhoto [email protected]://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9aa2a13da1acfaa50410cb37bf21fdb1?d=mm&r=g)Air Force Academy graduate Joseph Hughes gives a hug and a kiss to his little brother Mathew after the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Cadets raise their hands as the oath of office is read at the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, Gazette file)A cadet holds his diploma up for the crowd to see at the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Family of an Air Force Academy graduate celebrate after their name is called during the Air Force Academy commencement ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)A cadet skips down the isle after receiving her diploma at the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)President Joe Biden salutes cadets as they receive their diplomas and cross the stage during the Air Force Academy commencement ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)President Joe Biden shakes the hand of a cadet as she crosses the stage during the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Cadets embrace after receiving their diplomas during the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Presley Davis, a young aviation fan, looks out from the stands at the Falcon Stadium before the start of the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)A cadet helps a fellow airman pin their second lieutenant stripes on following the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)A cadet celebrates receiving her diploma during the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)A cadet from Romania holds the Romanian flag as international students are recognized during the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)The cadet honor guard drill team performs before the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)060123-news-AFA Graduation 16.PSDThe cadet honor guard drill team performs before the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)The cadet honor guard drill team performs before the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Moments from the 2023 Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium where more than 900 cadets became officers on Thursday, June 1. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Moments from the 2023 Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium where more than 900 cadets became officers on Thursday, June 1. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Moments from the 2023 Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium where more than 900 cadets became officers on Thursday, June 1. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Moments from the 2023 Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium where more than 900 cadets became officers on Thursday, June 1. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Moments from the 2023 Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium where more than 900 cadets became officers on Thursday, June 1. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Moments from the 2023 Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium where more than 900 cadets became officers on Thursday, June 1. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Moments from the 2023 Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium where more than 900 cadets became officers on Thursday, June 1. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Moments from the 2023 Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium where more than 900 cadets became officers on Thursday, June 1. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Moments from the 2023 Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium where more than 900 cadets became officers on Thursday, June 1. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Moments from the 2023 Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium where more than 900 cadets became officers on Thursday, June 1. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Moments from the 2023 Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium where more than 900 cadets became officers on Thursday, June 1. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Moments from the 2023 Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium where more than 900 cadets became officers on Thursday, June 1. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)Moments from the 2023 Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium where more than 900 cadets became officers on Thursday, June 1. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette) (Parker Seibold)