Title: The Strength of Diversity in The Military: Vice President Kamala Harris' West Point Commencement Address In a powerful address to the graduates of the US Military Academy, Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the importance of diversity in the military. The speech, which comes at a time when the armed forces are seeking to redefine their identity, highlighted the contributions of women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ community in shaping the strength of the military. Vice President Harris began by commending the graduates for their hard work and sacrifice, acknowledging the challenges they have overcome. She then went on to emphasize that the military's strength lies in its diversity, stating that "our diversity is our strength, and that is exactly what makes us the most powerful, most effective, and most resilient fighting force in the world." The Vice President recalled her own experience as a young Black woman attending college amidst a racially charged atmosphere, drawing parallels between her experience and the challenges faced by military personnel from diverse backgrounds. She stressed that diversity is not just a matter of representation – it's about creating a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to reach their full potential. Vice President Harris also spoke about the need to address systemic issues of inequality and discrimination within the military, including sexual assault and harassment, racial bias, and inadequate support for mental health. She called for a concerted effort to create a more inclusive and just military, stating that "the work of making our military truly reflective of the values and aspirations of all Americans is never done, but it is always worth doing." In conclusion, Vice President Harris reminded the graduates of their responsibility to uphold the values of democracy and freedom, stating that "our military is not just a collection of individuals – it is a reflection of the best of America, a model of what we can achieve when we work together." She urged the graduates to continue to strive for excellence and to embrace their diversity as a source of strength, concluding with the poignant message: "Be proud of who you are, and be proud to serve in a military that values and celebrates the diversity of its members." The vice president's address to graduates of the U.S. Military Academy came as the armed forces have sought to forge a new identity.
![]()
