One of the most anticipated events every May in Colorado Springs is the Air Force Academy graduation. In preparation for the ceremony, taking place on May 30, 2024, let's dive into some historic AFA facts and reveal the best spots in town to witness the iconic aerial performance by the Thunderbirds.

Historic Air Force Academy Graduation Facts

• The first Air Force Academy graduation occurred on June 13, 1959, at Arnold Hall Theater. Bradley Hosmer, the first graduate, went on to become the Academy's first Rhodes Scholar and, in 1991, its first graduate superintendent. With only 207 graduates, the Class of 1959 remains the smallest in Academy history.

• Class of 1960 was the first class to graduate outdoors, on the Cadet Parade Field (later renamed Stillman Field in 1994).

• The Class of 1962 was the first to have a commencement address delivered by a U.S. vice president, Lyon Johnson.

• The first graduation at Falcon Stadium was held on June 5, 1963. Every subsequent graduation has taken place there.

• In 1963, President John F. Kennedy became the first U.S. president to speak at an Air Force Academy graduation. The limousine he traveled in during his visit to the Academy was the same vehicle he used months later when he was tragically assassinated in Dallas.

• In 1980, the Air Force Academy witnessed a historic moment as the first class with women graduated.

• In 2013, as a result of Pentagon-wide budget cuts, known a sequestration, the Thunderbirds were unable to perform at graduation. Instead, volunteers organized flyovers during graduation week featuring several heritage aircraft, including two P-51s, a B-25, and a P-40.

• The Thunderbirds have been apart of AFA graduations since the beginning. While the Class of 1959 graduated indoors, the Thunderbirds' pilots were present.

• The Thunderbirds connection to AFA traces back to the days of Lowry Air Force Base. Their first Academy-related flight occurred July 9, 1955, at Lowry. The team then flew at the Pikes Peak Air Rodeo the following day and returned to Lowry on July 11, 1955, for the Academy dedication ceremony.

• Captain Nicole Malachowski, a member of the Class of 1996, made history as the first female Thunderbird pilot. She served with Air Force demonstration team from 2005 to 2007.

Best Spots in Town to Watch The Thunderbirds Aerial Performance

• Western Museum of Mining and Industry - 225 Northgate Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
• Overdrive Raceway - 196 Spectrum Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
• Bass Pro Shops, 13012 Bass Pro Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
• Colorado Mountain Brewery - 1110 Interquest Pkwy, CO 80921
• Regal Interquest & RPX Movie Show - 1120 Interquest Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
• Drury Inn and Suite - 1170 Interquest Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80921

Reflecting on the rich history of Air Force Academy graduations revels more than just milestones, it's a testament to dedication, sacrifice, and excellence. From humble beginnings in 1959, to the grand spectacle it is today, each ceremony symbolizes the culmination of hard work and commitment. At The Cutting Edge, Realtors, we eagerly await the upcoming graduation of 2024, along with the incredible aerial performance by the Thunderbirds. If you are curious about other community traditions we celebrate here in Colorado Springs, please reach out to one of our qualified agents! Contact us today and start searching for your dream home in Colorado Springs.