Earlier today, June 1, 2023, 921 cadets graduated from the Air Force Academy, about five miles south of where we live in Monument, Colorado. It’s a testimony to their discipline and perseverance in a very demanding environment. We had no reason to be in attendance today, but I have been to several of these, and it’s always thrilling.

The most exciting moment is at the end, after they have taken the oath of office, and they’re waiting to be dismissed. It’s so timed that when the Commandant commands, “DISMISSED!” the cadets throw their hats into the air in celebration as the Air Force Thunderbirds fly over. It takes split-second timing, and it’s a marvel. I cry as I write.

Afterward, the Thunderbirds do a 30-minute air show. From where our house is, we can hear ’em, but we can’t see ’em. These pictures of the four-ship with Pikes Peak in the background were made by Jen Thielke and posted on NextDoor.

With all that’s apparently going wrong these days, it’s nice to celebrate excellence.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4.8, NIV