WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden said Saturday that the United States can now focus on new global challenges after a long decade of war in an election-year commencement address to jubilant graduates of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
"Winding down these longs wars has enabled us to replace and rebalance our foreign policy," Biden told the Army cadets and their families at the storied academy's football stadium.
Biden's speech echoed some of the themes of military success struck by President Barack Obama in his commencement address at the U.S. Air Force Academy last Wednesday. Biden, like Obama, said U.S. combat troops have returned home from Iraq, the conflict in Afghanistan is winding down and American commandos killed al-Qaida terrorist leader Osama bin Laden in May 2011.
"Those warriors sent a message to the world that if you harm America, we will follow you to the end of the earth," Biden said.
The academy speeches by Obama and Biden counter an assertion from Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney that the president has led from behind in world affairs. Biden said the United States will continue to take charge internationally and focus on Asia, particularly China, which he called "the most critical relationship to get right."
NATO allies this week affirmed that the war in Afghanistan will halt at the end of 2014. The final U.S. troops left Iraq at the end of last year.
The morning sun beating on the stadium was punishing, but the newly commissioned second lieutenants were ecstatic as they tossed their caps into the air. The new officers said they felt prepared to deal with the dangers of duty.
"I'm ready to sacrifice for those I love. I'm ready to go. Send me!" said 23-year-old TeJay Espe of Stanwood, Wash.
"I know this country has given me a lot and I want to give back, I'm willing to give my life, said J.C. Van't Land, 22, of Hull, Iowa.
Biden told the 972 graduates of the class of 2012 that they deserve special praise because they decided to pursue military service fully aware that they could be fighting a war after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"Your generation, the 9/11 generation, is more than worthy of the proud legacy that you will inherit today," Biden said.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:05 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:05:14 GMT
Experts say that teens aren't just leaving Facebook for just Twitter; they're leaving Facebook for numerous other social media sites as well because for them Facebook just isn't as cool anymore. The study
Experts say that teens aren't just leaving Facebook for just Twitter; they're leaving Facebook for numerous other social media sites as well because for them Facebook just isn't as cool anymore. The study
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:53 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:53:47 GMT
(AP Photo Sue Ogrocki)
Rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes.
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots down to bare red earth and claimed 24 lives, including those of nine children.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:50 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:50:15 GMT
A massive tornado devastated parts of Oklahoma on Monday. It destroyed entire neighborhoods, killing dozens of people. If you would like to help those in need, you can donate to relief organizations.
A massive tornado devastated parts of Oklahoma on Monday. It destroyed entire neighborhoods, killing dozens of people. If you would like to help those in need, you can donate to relief organizations.
Monday, May 20 2013 12:19 PM EDT2013-05-20 16:19:47 GMT
The Supreme Court said Monday it will hear a new case on the intersection of religion and government in a dispute over prayers used to open public meetings.
The Supreme Court said Monday it will hear a new case on the intersection of religion and government in a dispute over prayers used to open public meetings.
Sunday, May 19 2013 6:53 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:53:31 GMT
Some lucky person walked into a Publix supermarket in suburban Florida over the past few days and bought a ticket now worth an estimated $590.5 million — the highest Powerball jackpot in history.
Some lucky person walked into a Publix supermarket in suburban Florida over the past few days and bought a ticket now worth an estimated $590.5 million — the highest Powerball jackpot in history.
Saturday, May 18 2013 6:00 PM EDT2013-05-18 22:00:01 GMT
Witnesses in southwestern Virginia said a car drove into a crowd at a parade Saturday and hurt several people, but the nature of their injuries wasn't immediately known.
Witnesses in southwestern Virginia said a car drove into a crowd at a parade Saturday and hurt several people, but the nature of their injuries wasn't immediately known.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:25 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:25:20 GMT
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and St. Regis Mohawk tribal leaders have signed an agreement to ensure the Mohawks keep their exclusive casino territory in northern New York while paying the state $30 million in gambling
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and St. Regis Mohawk tribal leaders have signed an agreement to ensure the Mohawks keep their exclusive casino territory in northern New York while paying the state $30 million in gambling
Tuesday, May 21 2013 1:15 PM EDT2013-05-21 17:15:24 GMT
An NYPD detective is accused of hacking into department computers and obtaining information about dozens of people including co-workers. Edwin Vargas was arrested Tuesday outside his home in Bronxville.
An NYPD detective is accused of hacking into department computers and obtaining information about dozens of people including co-workers.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:58 AM EDT2013-05-20 09:58:10 GMT
The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad released the following information regarding service on the New Haven commuter rail line
The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad released the following information regarding service on the New Haven commuter rail line
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:05:54 GMT
Amtrak announced Sunday night that service remains suspended between New York and New Haven, with limited Amtrak service available between Boston and New Haven.
Amtrak announced Sunday night that service remains suspended between New York and New Haven, with limited Amtrak service available between Boston and New Haven.
Sunday, May 19 2013 6:42 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:42:18 GMT
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced a new legislation to reduce debt on federal loans. Gillibrand is proposing the "Federal Student Loan Refinancing Act"
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced a new legislation to reduce debt on federal loans. Gillibrand is proposing the "Federal Student Loan Refinancing Act"
Friday, May 17 2013 8:28 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:28:27 GMT
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
