FRIDAY FOTO (April 24, 2020)

The New Normal.

 

(U.S. Air Force photo by Trang Le)

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets wearing face masks listen to opening remarks during the academy’s Class of 2020 graduation ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colorado on April 18, 2020.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s Air Force Academy graduation proceedings were markedly different from previous years: No cheering friends and relatives packed into a football stadium. In fact, almost no one was allowed on campus except the graduates, speakers and some other Air Force and Defense Department dignitaries. The whole event was live-streamed  for friends and family members.

“This is a community we would normally welcome to Falcon Stadium but under the current circumstances we are honored to have your support from wherever you may be tuning in,” Academy Superintendent Lieutenant General Jay Silveria said in his opening remarks at the ceremony, held this year on the landmark massive quadrangle known as The Terrazzo.

There weren’t the usual hugs, handshakes and chest bumps cadets among the cadets  after receiving their diplomas. Each cadet marched or sat at least six feet away from their peers before, during and after the ceremony.

Class of 2019 graduates toss their hats skyward as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds roar overhead during the graduation ceremony at a packed Falcon Stadium on May 30, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by /Trevor Cokley)

However, the 2020 commencement ceremonies weren’t completely spartan.  Vice President Mike Pence gave the commencement address. The Air Force demonstration flying team, the Thunderbirds, made their traditional flyover, and 967 new officers closed-out their four years at the academy by hurling their hats in the air.

Amid the fellow cadets’ tossed hats, a class of 2020 graduate watched the Thunderbirds fly over the April 18, 2020 Air Force Academy graduation ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.T. Armstrong)