John Sidney McCain IV graduated from the United States Naval Academy today. His parents, Senator John McCain III and Cindy McCain were in the audience to witness the momentous occasion. In closer proximity was President Barack Obama, who hailed the 2009 graduating class in his commencement address in Annapolis, Maryland.
Obama hugged and chatted it up with Jack McCain on stage when the newly commissioned U.S. Navy ensign made his way up to the speakers platform. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Science degree, he grasped it in both hands and raised it over his head as he walked back into the crowd – see video below.
The youngest of four generations of John McCain’s, Jack recalled the advice his father gave him when he first entered the Naval Academy. “My dad told me there is one thing McCains are good at, and that is not giving in to pressure, and honor — keeping our honor regardless of what happens. He then said, ‘Don’t lie, cheat or steal – anything else is fair game.'”
Obama’s Annapolis commencement address was his third of 2009. He was the keynote speaker at Arizona State University and the University of Notre Dame.
More photos and video below. More McCain family photos here.