{United States Air Force Academy Graduation}

In light of Memorial Day, I thought it would be a perfect day to not only remember those that have lost their lives for our country, but also to celebrate those that are serving today.  

My brother is one of them.

Last week, my entire family had the amazing opportunity to go out to Colorado Springs to witness my brother graduate from the United States Air Force Academy.  

What a trip.

There were so many fun events to celebrate including a parade, a commissioning, the graduation ceremony, the President giving a speech and shaking the hand of every single graduating cadet, and a graduation party to wrap it all up.  We are all so proud of him and are so excited to see his next adventure as he continues on to pilot training for the United States Air Force.  

This picture is from after the parade.  So proud of my little brother!

For the graduation ceremony, all of the graduating cadets marched out to their seats.  It honestly was one of the coolest things I have ever seen.  Here is a sequence of photos that may give you a slight glimpse of what it looked like...

I mean, we totally marched out like that for my graduation too...

Dang fool.

After a few speeches and other fun graduation things (including a speech from the POTUS), President Barack Obama saluted and shook the hand of every single cadet.  No matter where you stand politically, including the cadets, what an honor it would be to shake the hand of the President of the United States of America.  Their Commander in Chief.  Wow.  Absolutely amazing.

That's my brother!

After all one-thousand-and-something names were read allowed, they were then "dismissed."

Here's a video my sister took from her iPhone...

 
Fun fact:  After they are done, the little kids get to run on the field and grab a hat to keep.  Some of the cadets will even put money in it for them, too.  I saw a little boy running around and taking the money out of the hats before the other kids could get to them...ha!

Then we got to see a freaking awesome air show.

It was legit.

And when it was all over, we went to a friends house and celebrated with our 2nd Lieutenant.

This picture is of the original nine: my parents and all seven of us kids (in order).

We love each other.

Congratulations, brother, I am so proud of you and thank you for your service to protect our country.