Brian's Graduation and Commissioning!

On Saturday, May 22nd, Brian graduated from West Point as part of the USMA Class of 2010! The day started very, very early; we woke up around 4 a.m. to wait in line at the gates and head over to the stadium. The theme of the whole week was "hurry up and wait," and graduation day was certainly no exception! We got into the stadium around 7:30, and waited for the ceremony to begin. At 9:35 a.m., the graduating class began marching in!

When all of the cadets were seated, we waited for the President's motorcade to arrive so the ceremony could begin.

Obama and a couple of other speakers addressed the graduating cadets, and then they began to cross the stage to receive their diplomas! Brian's company was sitting at the back of the class, so it was almost an hour before we heard his name, watched him cross the stage and salute the Supe, receive his diploma, and shake hands with Obama.

A couple of minutes later, everyone had received their diplomas. After the benediction, the order "Class Dismissed!" was given, and the Class of 2010 did the traditional hat toss! Children line up during the ceremony for the chance to run out onto the field and grab one of the hats. :)

I wish I could put into words how unbelievably proud of Brian I am. It was a long road for him to even get to WP, and everything he has accomplished while there has taken a lot of hard work. I am so lucky to call him my boyfriend!

After graduation, Brian had to run back to his room to change out of his cadet uniform and finish checking out of his room, for good! We had a picnic at Trophy Point and waited for him to join us. When he finally did, he was definitely looking sharp. :)

Brian was commissioned in a small group by his TAC, someone he worked closely with when he was in a leadership position in his company. His parents added his shoulder boards to his uniform...

  ...and I pinned his beret with a gold bar.

Brian then recited the Oath of Office, promising to defend the Constitution of the United States in his new role as second lieutenant in the Army.

Seriously, I could not be prouder of him.

After the commissioning ceremony, Brian and I rushed over to a wedding rehearsal, and then we drove away from WP for (almost) the last time.

Brian and I met everyone at The Stadium. An occasion like this one definitely requires celebration! We got a chance to have dinner with everyone who was there to support Brian on one of the most important days of his life thus far, and just unwind and relax! It was so nice to share this very special day with Brian's family, including his parents, sister, cousin, and aunt, my parents, and Brian's classmates and friends, including his Beast roommate, Pat. Pat just graduated from UNC and lives in Chicago, but he is one of Brian's best friends. I'm so glad he and his mom made the trip to be there, as well.

It was definitely a long day, and a long week, but celebrating all of Brian's accomplishments was definitely worth the early mornings, late nights, and chaotic running around. I know it's one of those things I will look back on fondly and remember forever.