Do West Point cadets have to attend graduation ceremonies?

I'm wondering about the rules for West Point cadets regarding their graduation. Is attending the ceremony mandatory, or can some cadets choose to skip if they have other commitments or personal reasons?

For West Point cadets, the graduation ceremony is considered a significant and mandatory event, marking the culmination of their efforts and achievements during their time at the military academy. While there can be exceptions for extenuating circumstances, these are usually very uncommon and require prior approval. The ceremony is not just a celebratory event, but rather a formal military function, which includes the commissioning of the cadets as officers in the United States Army.

In addition to their standard academic training, cadets at West Point also participate in extensive military leadership development. The graduation and commissioning ceremony bears historical and United States military tradition significance, reinforcing the responsibilities and duties that come with being a newly commissioned officer.

On a side note, if there were indeed a serious reason a cadet couldn't attend the graduation ceremony (such as a medical condition), I'm sure the academy administration would work to make appropriate arrangements. However, in general, attendance is mandatory and is considered an honor and privilege.