There were no celebratory hugs or handshakes but there was a hat toss as U.S. Vice President Mike Pence delivered the commencement address to a field of Air Force Academy cadets seated eight feet (2.4 meters) apart from each other, on Saturday (April 18).
This report produced by Jonah Green.
There were no celebratory hugs or handshakes at this year’s Air Force Academy graduation — but there was a hat toss.
Saturday's ceremony was moved up six weeks and saw cadets seated eight feet apart to main social distance — a stark visual contrast to last year’s celebration.
Relatives and friends of the graduating cadets were not permitted at the event.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence delivered the commencement address: (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE SAYING:" And while we don't quite look like the usual graduation at the Air Force Academy, let me tell you, this is an awesome sight and I wouldn't be anywhere else but with 62nd class of the Air Force Academy, the class of 2020." And while all cadets were provided with masks sewn specifically for the event, none wore them for the ceremony.
But after tossing their hats, many of the new officers, now beaming with pride, put their masks on.
President Donald Trump intends to deliver the commencement address in-person for this year's West Point graduation ceremony...
