COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was in the Columbus area Thursday morning and visited Fort Benning to speak at Officer Candidate School Graduation.

Hegseth was the guest speaker at the graduation for Class 501-25.

He told the 77 total graduates, who became 2nd Lieutenants, that they gave the entire nation hope and assured them that President Donald Trump stands behind them.

The graduation ceremony included a presentation of a special gift from Hegseth.

"Raise that right hand to defend the Constitution and defend our nation and our citizens. We don't exist, unless we have people like you," said Hegseth. "You give me hope."

The new lieutenants will now head to basic officer leaders courses across the country.

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