a couple of years ago when our nasty and vindictive CiC started shutting down national parks and monuments in a fit of petulance over sequestration, the thunderbirds weren’t allowed to attend the USAFA graduation either. instead, some historic WWII planes showed up (on their own dime IIRC) and did their own flyover for the graduation. it was pretty cool. a couple of them flew by my home on their way out of town and let me tell you... they were LOUD.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK1gvYdpnGo
The WWII aircraft would have been great to see. We’ll have to pay attention to news of air shows and the like down there.