New: Trump Highlights One West Point Grad Whose Father's Ultimate Sacrifice Connects to 2025 Class Rings

As we wrote earlier, President Trump spent the Saturday morning of Memorial Day weekend by speaking to the latest batch of cadets graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

The ceremony began with them marching into the stadium around 9:30 a.m. EDT:

As Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors, I have the privilege of attending this year’s graduation ceremony. Here’s a look at the Class of 2025’s final march. Congratulations to these cadets! pic.twitter.com/eFdNuXcz3F
— Rep. Steve Womack (@rep_stevewomack) May 24, 2025

Then the West Point chaplain gave the invocation:

THE BENEDICTION
Watch today's West Point graduation with RAV! pic.twitter.com/YWsNjmGBD5
— Real America's Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) May 24, 2025

Trump was greeted during his walkout by massive cheers from the assembled graduates, America's newest commissioned US Army officers:

🚨WATCH

West Point Military Academy NY

President Trump’s walkout to mass cheers at today’s @WestPoint_USMA graduation ceremony

These graduates are the newest commissioned officers in the US Army after 4 years of intense and focused training. pic.twitter.com/9SIaCV3R7U
— Mark Naughton (@MarkNaughton9) May 24, 2025

In his commencement speech, the commander in chief lauded the men and women set to follow in the famous footsteps of names like MacArthur, Eisenhower, Patton, and others. And as my colleague Nick Arama wrote, Pres. Trump continued:

“In a few moments, you’ll become graduates of the most elite and storied military academy in human history,” Trump said at the ceremony at Michie Stadium. “And you will become officers of the greatest and most powerful army the world has ever known.

.@POTUS: "As you receive your commissions as Second Lieutenants, each of you continues down the same hallowed path walked by the titans and legends of U.S. Military lore." pic.twitter.com/IHjEOq4L9I
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 24, 2025

There was another segment of his graduation speech at West Point that I wanted to make sure people see. It was when the president highlighted Cadet Ricky McMahon for his family's dedication over many generations to defending our country.

That wasn't all Trump said, as he recounted a unique addition to the Class of 2025's gold rings.

Watch the emotional clip from the speech:

.@POTUS recognizes West Point Cadet Ricky McMahon.

Ricky — whose dad, Lt. Col. Michael McMahon, made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation in Afghanistan in 2004 — forged his class's rings with gold from the 1985 class ring of his father. pic.twitter.com/See1H9BeiU
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 24, 2025

Trump told the story about Ricky McMahon's dad, Lt. Col. Michael McMahon, who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan, and explained the special significance of the 2025 class rings' connection to the fallen. Then the president made an impromptu invitation for McMahon to say a few words to his fellow grads.I can't think of anything more appropriate to honor our heroes as we approach Memorial Day.

My colleague Buzz Patterson shared a stirring image showing mutual respect:

‘Merica! 🇺🇸💪🔥 pic.twitter.com/HXQRe2ckvf
— Buzz Patterson (@BuzzPatterson) May 24, 2025

Watch Pres. Trump's full speech at West Point, below:

.@POTUS delivered an outstanding commencement address at West Point today, congratulating the Class of 2025, calling them “winners,” and vowing to restore respect and strength to the U.S. military. 👏

Here’s to the Golden Age! ⭐️🇺🇸 https://t.co/2eYOXvaXgq
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) May 24, 2025

Have a peaceful Memorial Day, readers.

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