Air Force Academy graduation livestream: Watch video, see highlights, Biden speech, notes and more
Today, 921 new Air Force officers are celebrating their graduation amid a sea of blue and gold traditions at Falcon Stadium. The ceremony, scheduled from 9:30 a.m.- 1:15 p.m. features President Joe Biden as commencement speaker, as well as a performance by the Thunderbirds, the F-16 aerial demonstration team. The Thunderbirds flyover and airshow is set to take place from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m.
After entering the stadium and taking their seats, cadet graduates stood to thank their parents for supporting them through their education.
The class of 2023 picked Leo Thorsness, a Medal of Honor winner, as their exemplar, shouting out Thor during the ceremony.
The cheers from the crowd for the cadets were much more enthusiastic than for Biden as he was seated.
Biden touted the diversity of this year’s graduating class, which is 28% women and 32% minorities. “That’s why we are strong!,” Biden said.
“I have never been more optimistic … in no small because of you,” Biden said. “The decisions we make today will determine what the world looks like years from now. You don’t get to choose what the world you graduate into will look like. You have the chance to change the trajectory of our country.”
Follow along here for updates from the ceremony and stay with gazette.com throughout the day for complete coverage of the ceremony, including stories, video and photos.
Cadet Matthew Thompson’s family was decked out in baseball gear Thursday, June 1, 2023, to support the graduate who played as a left fielder for the Falcons.
Traffic: The Colorado State Patrol reported on Twitter around 8:30 a.m. that the presidential motorcade would be traveling on Interstate 25 through Colorado Spring to the Air Force Academy. Drivers were asked to avoid the interstate until 9 a.m. Drivers took to Twitter to voice complaints about the traffic delays, closed cross streets, and short notice during rush hour. State Patrol says there will be another closure this afternoon as Biden heads to the Colorado Springs Airport.
A crisp morning at the Air Force Academy ahead of graduation Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Weather: Today’s Colorado Springs forecast calls for a 50% chance of rain and thunderstorms, mainly after 11 a.m., according to the National Weather Service in Pueblo. Partly sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 5-10 mph becoming south-southeast 10-15 mph in the afternoon.
6:30 a.m. Gates open to public
7:45-8:00 a.m. Performance by Cadet Honor Guard
8:00-8:45 a.m. Performances by the Cadet Chorale, Sabre Drill & In The Stairwell
9:30am-1:15 p.m. Graduation Ceremony & Thunderbirds (tickets required; entry will not be allowed once the ceremony begins at 9:30am)
Thunderbirds: Flyover and airshow 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Road closures can be expected Thursday from 9 a.m. to approximately 2:30 p.m. Interstate 25 will be closed at times during Biden’s visit, but exact times are unknown
Closures include:
• Stadium Boulevard – Pine Drive to North Gate Boulevard.
• Community Center Drive – Stadium Boulevard to East Douglass Drive
• Academy Drive – Stadium Boulevard to Lot 6
• Santa Fe Trail from Tri-intersection Bridge to Parade Loop
For public safety, drivers are reminded not to stop along Interstate 25 or any roads on the academy to watch the Thunderbirds performances.
President Joe Biden delivers the commencement address at the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on June 1.
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 June 1. Local artist Steve Weed painted the artwork.
President Joe Biden arrives to the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette)
The Thunder Birds perform at the Air Force Academy Graduation at Falcon Stadium on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. (Parker Seibold / The Gazette)
It was a hat-heavy day with the sun out during the Air Force Academy graduation Thursday, June 1, 2023.