At West Point Commencement, Kamala Harris Says Military’s Strength Lies in Diversity
Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday became the first woman to address a graduating class at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and used the opportunity to extol the diversity of the American armed forces at a time of struggle over the military’s identity.
In an 18-minute speech, Ms. Harris noted that the nation’s military had evolved in the last 75 years from an institution once dominated by white men to one more open to women and minority groups. While she did not mention the significance of her own historic appearance, her presence at the microphone on the field at West Point in New York spoke for itself.
“To the class of 2023 and to all the cadets here today: You stand on the broad shoulders of generations of Americans who have worn the uniform, including many barrier breakers and trailblazers,” Ms. Harris told the graduating cadets in their gray-and-white dress uniforms. “In fact, this year, you celebrate the 75th anniversary of the integration of women in the military, as well as the desegregation of our military.”
“These milestones are a reminder of a fundamental truth: Our military is strongest when it fully reflects the people of America,” she continued.
Source: The New York Times
