Ladies and Gentlemen, I am honored to join you today to commission these young men and women into our armed forces.

Before I administer the oath, I would like to take a moment to talk about service.

Service to our country is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is deeply ingrained in this world class university.

Indeed, it was here on the steps of the Michigan Union, that John F. Kennedy challenged Michigan students to give a few years of their lives to promote understanding between America and the world.

Within weeks, more than a thousand Wolverines had signed a petition calling for the establishment of what would soon become the Peace Corps.

Today, we are honoring a new generation of intrepid Michigan graduates who have made the choice to serve our country in uniform.

They join a proud Wolverine legacy that includes LCDR Gerald Ford, who helped save his ship from sinking during World War II.

By their commitment today, these young Americans inspire all of us to rededicate ourselves to our nation’s service, in all forms.

Here in Michigan, I think of the innovators, the hard-working people who build our ships, our trucks, and all the equipment that will protect these young people as they go forward into harm’s way.

Michigan is the industrial heartland of America. You are the “Arsenal of Democracy.”

The communities of this great state play an indispensable role in our nation’s security—a role that I am committed to growing in the years to come. 

I think also of the educators here today, including Dr. Monica Dus, whom I am incredibly proud to have on my staff as my White House Fellow, and Donald Winter, the 74th Secretary of the Navy.

I think of the graduates of this school’s Naval Architecture program, who design our Navy’s warships.

They, too, have chosen a life of service, supporting the young Americans in uniform I am proud to commission today.

Service is not an obligation. It is a privilege, a chance to be part of something greater than ourselves and to uphold the values that define us as a nation—values embodied in the oath to which you are about to bear witness. 

Every Sailor, Marine, Soldier, Airman, Guardian, and Coast Guardsman and Woman raises their right hand and swears to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

We make a sacred promise to uphold our founding document that binds all of us together as “We, the People.”

I have had the privilege of swearing that oath seven times over the past 44 years, starting with my induction to the Naval Academy in 1979.

To our Veterans and current members of the armed forces: who have bravely raised your right hand and answered the call to serve—please stand to be recognized if you are able. 

And so it is a great honor to be here with you today to administer the oath of office to our graduating Cadets and Midshipmen. 

Cadets and Midshipmen, please rise -

Please raise your right hands and repeat after me.

I, state your name, do solemnly swear

that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic,

that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;

that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion;

and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter;

So help me God.

Congratulations to the newest Second Lieutenants and Ensigns in the United States Military!

You are the best of America.  I have every confidence you’ll do us proud leading our Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and Airmen to success.

Fair Winds, Following Seas—And Go Blue!