and of ensign thomas martineau of the class of 2023.d of christopher and kelly, who will be commissioned today as ensigns. that is an outstanding military family. so is every other family here today. you cafeel the pride in the sailors and marines. that's because of the thousands of loved ones and sponsors here today.alues guided you. their encouragement fuel due and their love sustained you. so, your day is also their day. class of 2024, please stand up. face youmia round of applause. [applause] okay, take seats. this is a great day and a proud day. reflection and remembrance. i know that two of your own are no longer with us. so i would ask that we take a moment to remember midshipmen luke byrd and midshipman mason halsey. we are all deeply grateful that the byrd and halsey families are here with us today. i want to say a few words about the challenges facing america's newest lieutenants and ensigns. you have lived by your class motto " from victory." during a once in a generation pandemic, that's exactly what you showed. for weeks, y