First lady Michelle Obama Friday told U.S.
Military Academy graduates and their families the U.S. military is "a force of families."
Speaking at the academy graduation family banquet during her first visit to West Point,Obama told the cadets they "reflect everything we hope to see in ourselves and our country -- firmness of character and strength of heart, a strong body and a ferocious
mind, a devotion to country and to family."
She said West Point cadets "learn that your greatest achievements will never come easily,
and they will never be achieved alone."
"And you learn that there are times when we must stand up to defend our way of life,when we must live out your class motto, 'For Freedom We Fight,'" she said. "We live in such times today."
The first lady said the cadets' journey through West Point "is a testament not just to you as individuals, but also to the families that surround you, because your journey began long before you got that first military haircut and put on white-over-grey."
"And no matter where your career takes you, your families will be there right alongside you," she said. "Because our force is a force of families."
Mrs. Obama said the families of U.S. troops need the support of Americans "because they sacrifice and serve this nation right alongside anyone who wears our uniform."
"But even though people may not always know exactly what you're going through or exactly how to help, I can assure you that they do want to help," she said.