{"id":35403,"date":"2020-05-24T21:47:44","date_gmt":"2020-05-24T21:47:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/uncategorized\/2020\/05\/24\/naval-academy-holds-its-first-ever-virtual-graduation-event\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T19:32:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T19:32:01","slug":"naval-academy-holds-its-first-ever-virtual-graduation-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/news\/your-marine-corps\/2020\/05\/24\/naval-academy-holds-its-first-ever-virtual-graduation-event\/","title":{"rendered":"Naval Academy holds its first-ever virtual graduation event"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WASHINGTON \u2014 In its first-ever virtual graduation and commissioning ceremony, the U.S. Naval Academy on Friday welcomed a new class of officers into the Navy and Marine Corps as the sea services steer through the coronavirus crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In remarks recorded earlier in the week, Defense Secretary Mark Esper congratulated the 1,017 graduating midshipmen, reminded them of the importance of character, trust and leadership, and pointed to the pandemic as an example of unexpected challenges they will inevitably face in their military careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“While the coronavirus is a daunting and, in some ways, an unprecedented challenge, it is just one of the many trials you’ll experience throughout a lifetime of military service,” Esper said. “As new threats continue to emerge, you must remain ready, vigilant and prepared to defend our country, our people and our way of life.”<\/p>\n\n\n\t