WEBVTT

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This was a graduation of the United

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States Naval Academy where my son , my

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oldest , was commissioned as a 2nd

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Lieutenant of the United States Marine

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Corps . This is the first

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day of your career as a commissioned

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officer . From where we stand , knowing

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both the trials and tribulations , as

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well as the adventures that you'll face

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and enjoy , we couldn't be more excited

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for you . Class of 2026 , you stand on

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the shoulders of giants who went before

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you , but never forget those who helped

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you get there . Whether it's your

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parents , grandparents , aunt , uncle ,

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foster parents , or mentor , they've

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celebrated every milestone and have

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been there for every setback . Remember

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where you came from , because these are

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the people who will love you even when

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it's hard , and miss you the most when

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you're far away from home . 30 years

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after I graduate , my son graduates ,

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and I get to present his commission

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where I signed the commission , so it's

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pretty surreal . It's , it's an honor .

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It makes it a lot more personal ,

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obviously when it's when it's your dad

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signing my commission saying that I was ,

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I was good enough to follow in his

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footsteps . I'm just proud that my son

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chose to serve this great nation .

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Congratulations , class of 2026 . As

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you enter the fleet , know this . I'm

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never above you , never below you . I'm

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always beside you . Semper Fi and who

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you are .