College students from the local Fort Knox community participate in the annual all-schools college graduation ceremony at Fort Knox, Kentucky Nov. 1, 2024. More than 40 students, from 21 different educational institutions, walked the stage and turned their tassels during the annual ceremony.

College students from the local Fort Knox community participate in the annual all-schools college graduation ceremony at Fort Knox, Kentucky Nov. 1, 2024. More than 40 students, from 21 different educational institutions, walked the stage and turned their tassels during the annual ceremony.

College students from the local Fort Knox community participate in the annual all-schools college graduation ceremony at Fort Knox, Kentucky Nov. 1, 2024. More than 40 students, from 21 different educational institutions, walked the stage and turned their tassels during the annual ceremony.

College students from the local Fort Knox community participate in the annual all-schools college graduation ceremony at Fort Knox, Kentucky Nov. 1, 2024. More than 40 students, from 21 different educational institutions, walked the stage and turned their tassels during the annual ceremony.

College students from the local Fort Knox community participate in the annual all-schools college graduation ceremony at Fort Knox, Kentucky Nov. 1, 2024. More than 40 students, from 21 different educational institutions, walked the stage and turned their tassels during the annual ceremony.

College students from the local Fort Knox community participate in the annual all-schools college graduation ceremony at Fort Knox, Kentucky Nov. 1, 2024. More than 40 students, from 21 different educational institutions, walked the stage and turned their tassels during the annual ceremony.

FORT KNOX, Ky. — More than 40 local community members, from 21 different schools, walked the stage during the annual Army Continuing Education Services college graduation ceremony, Nov. 1.

Of the graduates in attendance, many wore red, white and blue tassels representing their military service. Capt. Brandon Barcus, the student speaker, was one of them. During his address to the crowd, he spoke on the sacrifices of his peers and the barriers they have had to face, and will continue to face, on each of their journeys.

“I am filled with humility and pride to be surrounded by men and women who understand selfless service,” said Barcus while addressing his class.

Following a prayer from Garrison Chaplain Col. Matthew Kreider and remarks from Deputy Garrison Commander Jim Bradford, the graduates faced the audience and turned their tassels to the next chapter.

Dr. Wes Smith, director of ACCESS Army University, closed the ceremony with a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. - a quote which many audience members began reciting with him.

“If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; and if you can’t walk, then crawl.”

Editor’s Note: To see view photos from the event click the following link to the official Fort Knox Flickr page, Fort Knox ACES graduates 41 during annual ‘all-schools’ ceremony | Flickr

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