Gates Attends U.S. Military Academy Graduation

Department of Defense Photo Essay

  • Cadets prepare to graduate at the 2009 U.S. Military Academy's Commencement at West Point, N.Y., May 23, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates gives his remarks at the graduation ceremony of the U.S. Army Military Academy's Class of 2009 at West Point, N.Y., May 23, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison
  • A cadet at the graduation ceremony for U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., listens to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' remarks, May 23, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison
  • A cadet at the graduation ceremony for U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., listens to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' remarks, May 23, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison
  • Cadets recite a pledge as they prepare to graduate at U.S. Army Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., May 23, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison
  • Cadets recite a pledge as they prepare to graduate at U.S. Army Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., May 23, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates hands a diploma to an honor graduate at the U.S. Army Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and congratulates him on his accomplishments, May 23, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison
  • After receiving his diploma from Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates a graduate celebrates his achievement at the U.S. Army Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., May 23, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison
  • After receiving his diploma from Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates a graduate celebrates his achievement at the U.S. Army Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., May 23, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison
  • After receiving their diplomas from Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, graduates congratulate each other at the U.S. Army Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., May 23, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison
  • After receiving their diplomas from Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, graduates recite the officer's oath at the U.S. Army Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., May 23, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is saluted by underclassmen at the 2009 U.S. Military Academy's commencement at West Point, N.Y., May 23, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison
  • Family and friends cheer on the 2009 U.S. Military Academy's graduates during the commencement at West Point, N.Y., May 23, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison
  • The second lieutenant bars sit on a table awaiting the U.S. Military Academy's graduates during the commencement at West Point, N.Y., May 23, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison
  • U.S. Military Academy graduates raise their diplomas during the commencement at West Point, N.Y., May 23, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison
  • U.S. Military Academy graduates toss their hats during commencement ceremonies at West Point, N.Y., May 23, 2009. Of the 970 cadets, 144 are women, 63 African Americans, 62 Asian/Pacific Islanders, 74 Hispanics and 15 Native Americans. The majority of the class, which also includes 17 foreign students, were commissioned second lieutenants. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison