Five medical school graduates bound for military service were in dress uniform Thursday on the fantail of the USS Wisconsin for the annual EVMS Military Commissioning Ceremony.

Family and friends were on hand in the shadow of the ship's massive 16-inch guns to applaud the graduates and to help pin on symbols of their military rank.

Keynote speaker James J. Fletcher, DPM, MD, a 2003 EVMS graduate, recounted memories of his own commissioning ceremony aboard the ship and reminded them of the gravity of their commitment.

"It is already a noble thing to be a physician. You have also chosen another noble field. You have chosen to serve your country," he said. "You have dedicated yourself to taking care of those who protect our country. They believe in you to take care of them, they trust in you to take care of their families while they're gone. They trust in you that you will be there for them and that you will give best."

See more images from the event and a full list of graduation-related activities.