Updated: May 22, 2010 at 11:17 PM
West Point graduation ceremony (18 images)
WEST POINT, N.Y., May 22 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama told West Point's graduating class Saturday the country must play a leading role in building international alliances.
"The international order we seek is one that can resolve the challenges of our times," Obama said, including countering violent extremism and insurgency, stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and securing nuclear materials, preventing conflict, helping poor countries feed themselves and care for their sick and fighting global warming.
"If we are successful in these tasks, that will lessen conflicts around the world," the president told about 20,000 people at the academy, on the Hudson River north of New York City. "It will be supportive of our efforts by our military to secure our country. We must pursue a strategy of national renewal and global leadership."
Noting this is the ninth straight wartime West Point graduation, Obama said the threat of global terrorism "is no less important today than it was in those days after 9/11."
He said the war against international terrorism differs from other wars in one key respect: "There will be no simple moment of surrender to mark the journey's end -- no armistice, no banner headline. Though we have had more success in eliminating al-Qaida leaders in recent months than in recent years, they will continue to recruit, and plot, and exploit our open society."
Obama said failed terror plots like the Christmas Day attempt to blow up a U.S.-bound airliner and the failed Times Square car-bombing "show that pressure on networks like al-Qaida is forcing them to rely on terrorists with less time and space to train" them.
Graduating cadets react after their graduation ceremony in Michie Stadium at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York on May 22, 2010. UPI/John Angelillo
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U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hands with the acting base commander as he arrives at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland on May 22, 2010, following his commencement address at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. UPI/Ron Sachs/Pool
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U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hands with the acting base commander as he arrives at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland on May 22, 2010, following his commencement address at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. UPI/Ron Sachs/Pool
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U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hands with the acting base commander as he arrives at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland on May 22, 2010, following his commencement address at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. UPI/Ron Sachs/Pool
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West Point Graduates wait for United States President Barack Obama to speak at a graduation ceremony in Michie Stadium at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York on May 22, 2010. UPI/John Angelillo
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United States President Barack Obama walks out after being introduced before speaking at a graduation ceremony in Michie Stadium at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York on May 22, 2010. UPI/John Angelillo
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United States President Barack Obama walks out after being introduced before speaking at a graduation ceremony in Michie Stadium at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York on May 22, 2010. UPI/John Angelillo
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United States President Barack Obama walks out after being introduced before speaking at a graduation ceremony in Michie Stadium at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York on May 22, 2010. UPI/John Angelillo
