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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- "Your generation represents the most powerful, best trained, most courageous warriors America has ever produced, and we need you now more than we ever have," Vice President Joe Biden said on Wednesday.

The vice president sent a strong message to cadets during his commencement speech at this year's Air Force Academy graduation.

A total of 1,046 walked across the stage. Men total 874 and 172 are women, with more than 500 graduates going on to pilot training. They've all become officers by earning the rank of Second Lieutenant.

Before the ceremony began, anticipation grew for the cadets waiting to take their places in history.

"Hands down, best day of my life," said one cadet.

Parents also reveled in the joy of the occasion as one father tried to hold back the tears, so proud of what his daughter has accomplished.

"She's just a little runt and I didn't think she had it in her," one father praised.

"It's one of the proudest moments of my life. It's been a very long road," continued another parent about their son.

Then the wave of blue-and-white filled the stadium field as graduates took their seats to hear some strong words of inspiration, desire and reality from Biden.

"Things are changing whether you like it or not, and they're changing in significant ways. It's a daunting moment, but it's a moment of immense opportunity," said Biden.

The vice president stood strong, sounded strong, but Mother Nature still influenced the best line of day.

"...Only in the thin air of Colorado Springs...(as the teleprompter blew over) and the windy air of Colorado Springs. What am I going to tell the President when I tell him his teleprompter is broken? What will he do then," joked Biden.

After the more than 1,000 graduates got their diplomas, only a few more words would satisfy the newly commissioned Air Force officers.

"Class of 2009. You are dismissed," declared top military officials as the celebration began.

Graduates will now honor their Air Force commitment. Depending on what type of service they pursue, active duty can range from five to 10 years, and FOX21 News wishes them all the best of luck.