protesters to, quote, provide a bizarre photo op for the elected commander in chief with military leadership standing alongside. milley's comments were part of a commencement address for the national defense university. he spoke forcefully about the right to protest as a bedrock american value. >> few other nations have been able to change for the greater good and that is because of the rights and values imbedded in our constitution. the freedoms guaranteed to us in the constitution allow people to demand change, just as the peaceful protesters are doing all across the country. >> reporter: he urged the graduates to reflect on what they have witnessed over the past two and a half weeks. >> what it means to all of us as americans and what it means to you and i as leaders. >> reporter: milley's apology comes amidst growing calls to rename u.s. army bases that are now named for confederate generals. the president has come out strongly against it, tweeting they have become "part of a great american heritage." but today, the republican-led senate armed services committee