The ceremony started with a moment of silence to remember the brave men and women of WW2 and Maj. Nil Resident giving a inspirational welcome speech:
"Dear Commanders, Officers, Pilots, Cadets and Aviators, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great honor for me today to hold the Opening Speech. I may not be that good in speeches alone rather than actions, nevertheless I grab the challenge to express my views and points given today's celebration of graduation of the new perspective Officers to be.
I am almost a year now within the big family of Flying Tigers, having experienced fun, challenges, drama even at times, but all in all, like all families, at the end we gather together, stronger and continue, wiser even. Today another group of cadets are completing their Academic training, while others are finishing the preliminary orientation and basic training, entering the last phase of their Academic program.
It is with joy and satisfaction to see younger and older people to express their interest to the Flying Tigers, joining the group, enrolling the Academy and entering the hierarchy. The Flying Tigers' values of LOYALTY - RESPECT - TRUTH - COURAGE - HONOR - JUSTICE - CHARITY - HUMILITY are virtues developed and last through whole human-kind history, and as such there are Core Values of our species distinguish our civilization and culture.
Herewith we honor those that fought for those values throughought the dark ages of our history, focused especially to the contemporary century events of WW2 where Flying Tigers formed and wrote their history and inspired younger generations and definitely our SL theme in here, but also we expand our activities and pay tribute, respect and honor to all flying era from Orville and Wilbur Wright, the two aviation pioneers who invented and built the world's first successful airplane and making the first controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight, on December 17, 1903 up to today's modern state-of-art hi-tech jets and even the space era.
We share our love for open and blue skies, the thrill of flying, the memory of our history and our duty to be prepared. I welcome all of you entering the legendary Flying Tigers, I congratulate all of you for your progress and wish you better days with joy and fulfillment.
Go Tigers Go - HUA!"
After this speech, the FT201 graduates were announced and received their 2ND LT Silver bars! Today's FT201 graduates were:
2ND LT. LEO RAVENHEART
2ND LT. HEATH FIRANELLI
2ND LT ARCTIC SPIRITWEAVER
2ND LT ROGUE WINDSTORM
2ND LT. JOANNEL ENDRIZZI
2ND LT. JIMI XI
2ND LT. KHENAN CABASSOUN
2ND LT. ALLIAN RESIDENT
2ND LT CHARLES GIDE
2ND LT. TIANJINMIN RESIDENT
Brigadier General Vickster Kuhn presented the FT401 graduates and gave a speech on why it was important to participate and belong in such a group as the Flying Tigers. Today's FT401 graduates were:
2ND LT. ELRIK MERLIN
2ND LT. DAVEDORM GAFFER
Brigadier General Kuhn also commended newly appointed 1st Squadron CO, 1ST LT. Frederiko Laval. Flying Tigers' CO Major General Giano swore all graduates in and lead each cadet in the Flying Tigers' Officer Oath. General Giano wrapped up the ceremony with his closing speech, which reminded everyone of why it was important to keep the memory of WW2 alive and how important it is to never forget WW2. Below are photos from the graduation ceremony:
After the ceremony, everyone headed to Amelias' Pilot Lounge for a 90 minute vintage party with DJ Cath! DJ Cath played many popular tunes from the 1920s to 1950s. Below are photos from this event:
