Nearly 1,000 cadets graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point on Saturday.

Defense Secretary James Mattis served as the commencement speaker. He spoke about the Manchester bombing and the importance of the military academy.

Many who graduated say it has a been a lifelong dream to be in the military.

"Since I was 5, I watched “Black Hawk Down” and was really inspired to join army infantry and serve our country," said Charles O'Hagan, of Staten Island.

The cadets will have a couple of days off before training for the infantry and then going to assignments all over the world.