Fort Leavenworth ? One by one, 27 international officers made their way across the stage to be presented with a badge that Fort Leavenworth’s commanding general said represents honor, respect and, above all, responsibility.

“It’s a responsibility to return with the lessons of this past year and improve on the armies of your own countries,” said Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, commanding general of Fort Leavenworth and commandant of U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

He spoke during Thursday’s 43rd International Military Student Badge Ceremony during which international students at the command college are honored with a special medal to wear on their uniforms. The students, who represent 26 countries, will officially graduate with the rest of the command college’s class of 2007-08 in a ceremony today.

Caldwell said in his own graduating class from the command college there were 111 international officers, many of whom went on to be honored by the fort for their military accomplishments. He said that was a testimony of the caliber of students who are sent here by numerous countries to learn.

“You are the best your country has to offer,” he told the soon-to-be graduates.

Giving the senior international student address was Lt. Col. Colin Mitchell of Trinidad and Tobago.

Mitchell reminded his fellow students to cherish the relationships they’ve formed during the year, relationships that will follow them the rest of their lives.

“While we may be separated by oceans, mountains and other waters, we are linked by a spirit of friendship,” he said.

Two students received special honors. Maj. Banit Negi of India received the General Dwight D. Eisenhower Award, and Lt. Col. Andrei Sorochin of Moldova received the Maj. Gen. Hans Schlup Award.