Caption Obama at the Naval Academy Graduation

[Lucky9teen]

A Midshipman graduate reacts after receiving his diploma and shaking hands with U.S. President Barack Obama (background) while attending the 2009 U.S. Naval Academy graduation in Annapolis, Maryland, May 22, 2009


President Barack Obama congratulates Jack McCain, son of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., as he graduates at the United States Naval Academy during a ceremony in Annapolis, Md., Friday, May 22, 2009


U.S. President Barack Obama gets a chest bump from a graduating midshipmen during the graduation and commissioning ceremonies at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis May 22, 2009.

[exit82]

A big affirmative on that observation. Accept the diploma, render a salute and, if offered, a handshake. Step back, about face and smartly leave the podium.

Seems simple and respectful enough, doesn't it?

[exit82]

Thank you for your service to America. I’m just a few years older than you, and got to that age no doubt thanks in part to your service in keeping me and my family safe.

I’m all for youthful exuberance. Somedays, I can even remember what that felt like.

But there are appropriate behaviors for officers, even to a non military person to me, and a respect for tradition, that says the CinC is not someone you do the Hustle with on stage at a service academy graduation.

[Aurorales]

Your welcome. And thank you for your nice comments.

[Ipberg]

I can walk! I can run! I've been healed by The One!