Ceremonial Honors and Memorials

Somber events showcasing military ceremonies, wreath-laying, and commemorative gatherings. Highlights the respect and remembrance of service members at significant memorial sites.

Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) participate in the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance Dedication Ceremony in Washington, D.C., July 27, 2022. The Wall of Remembrance will feature the names of more than 36,000 Americans who died supporting the War and over 7,100 Koreans who died while augmenting the Army. Doug Emhoff, The Second Gentleman, Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser, Lee Jong-sup, Minister of Defense of South Korea, Gen. John H. Tilleli (Ret.), Chairman of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, laid a wreath in honor of those who served and gave their lives in the conflict.

Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) provide ceremonial support for the National Memorial Day Observance at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, May 30, 2022. President Joseph R. Biden participated in the Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor wreath-laying ceremony hosted by Maj. Gen. Allan M. Pepin, commanding general, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington.

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and U.S. Army Commanding General Maj. Gen. Omar Jones, salute as the U.S. Army Band performs the National Anthem during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Monday, May 31, 2021, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

The State of Arkansas honored and recognized the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam War veterans and their families in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Arkansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the state capitol grounds, April 29, 2023.Maj. Gen. Jonathan M. Stubbs, Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard, and retired Maj. Gen. Kendall Penn, Secretary, Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, placed the wreath at the memorial as part of the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.The last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam, March 29, 1973.

Service Members from the U.S. Coast Guard, along with family and friends of the victims of the USS Serpens, attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the USS Serpens Memorial in Section 34 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 27, 2023. This year marks the 78th anniversary of the explosion and destruction of the USS Serpens (AK-97). 250 service members lost their lives in this incident. This was the largest single disaster in the history of the Coast Guard.

Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) participate in the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance Dedication Ceremony in Washington, D.C., July 27, 2022. The Wall of Remembrance will feature the names of more than 36,000 Americans who died supporting the War and over 7,100 Koreans who died while augmenting the Army. Doug Emhoff, The Second Gentleman, Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser, Lee Jong-sup, Minister of Defense of South Korea, Gen. John H. Tilleli (Ret.), Chairman of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, laid a wreath in honor of those who served and gave their lives in the conflict.

Yeoman Second Class (YN2) Michael Gallager and Hospital Corpsman First Class (HM1) Vicki L. Fernandez, stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, present a wreath of honor from the Andrews Jackson High School Alumni Veterans during the dedication of the Duval County Veterans Memorial Wall. Base: Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Rabbi Yechezkel Mandelbaum, right, Rabbi of Kingston, Surbiton and District United Synagogue, leads an invocation during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Brookwood American Cemetery, England, May 29, 2022. Memorial Day provides us a solemn opportunity to remember our fallen brothers and sisters in arms, reflect upon their courageous sacrifice, and show gratitude for the freedom they gave their lives to defend. It also affords us the opportunity to pay homage to those families who lost their loved ones in service to the Nation-and continue to feel the full weight of that sacrifice today.

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

Family and friends of 18 Virginia Air National Guard and three Florida Army National Guard members killed in a March 3rd C-23 Sherpa plane crash in Unadilla, Georgia, gather to pay tribute to the men at a memorial service in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The memorial, which took place at Rock Church, was attended by Deputy Secretary of Defense, Paul D. Wolfowitz (not shown) and various other civilian and military dignitaries and over 4000 members of the community. The 18 airmen were assigned to the 203rd Red Horse Flight at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia and were returning from temporary duty at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The three soldiers were assigned .... Complete Scene Caption: Family and friends of 18 Virginia Air National Guard and three Florida Army National Guard members killed in a March 3rd C-23 Sherpa plane crash in Unadilla, Georgia, gather to pay tribute to the men at a memorial service in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The memorial, which to

A member of the U.S. Army Third Infantry, the Old Guard, stands by with a dedication wreath beside the base of the Tomb of the Unknowns. Also visible is the Joint Services Color Guard and members of the U.S. Army Band, Pershing's Own. Base: Arlington National Cemetery State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Veterans Day ceremony and aftermath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., where Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivered the opening remarks, and joined participating dignitaries including the former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell, along with Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Founder and President Jan Scruggs, Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation Founder and President Diane Carlson Evans, Mary "Edie" Meeks of the Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation, William Hansen of Lockheed Martin, and William Murdy of Comfort Systems. Ceremony, co-hosted by the Memorial Fund and the National Park Service, highlighted the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

2012 9/11 Memorial Service Held at National Fire Academy in Emmi.. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

Staff Sgt. Michael Drake, infantryman, Delta Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), places the remains of Civil War veteran, Pvt. Lycurgus McCormack, inside of the new Columbarium Court No. 9 in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., May 9. A joint full honors committal service for six unclaimed remains of veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces were the first to be inured at the new site.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. William G. Holt II, Air University vice commander, gives closing remarks after the Khobar Towers survivors monument dedication ceremony at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Alabama, June 24, 2022. Holt thanked the friends, family and guests who attended the ceremony and recognized the servicemembers who lost their lives during the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing while honoring the survivors.

Television news anchor Tom Brokaw speaking at ceremonies at the War Correspondents Memorial, Burkittsville, Maryland, featuring unveiling of plaque honoring four prominent journalists killed during war and war-related coverage in Iraq and Pakistan

A member of the 475th Air Base Wing Honor Guard folds the flag during a wreath laying ceremony honoring the missing-in-action in Southeast Asia. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

General Park Jeong Hwan, Chief of Staff of the Republic of Korea Army lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va, Jan 25, 2023. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Allan M. Pepin, commanding general, Joint Task Force- National Capital Region and U.S. Army Military District of Washington, hosted this Army Full Honor Wreath-Laying Ceremony.

WASHINGTON (Dec. 7, 2012) Rear Adm. Patrick J. Lorge, commandant of Naval District Washington, Former Navy seaman and Pearl Harbor survivor Frank Yanick, and retired reserve Cmdr. Paul Stillwell render honors during a wreath laying ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial commemorating the 71st anniversary of the Dec. 7, 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

U.S. Marines from 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division participate in a private ceremony at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery marking the 104th anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood, May 29, 2022. The Battle of Belleau Wood is remembered for the intensity of the fighting and sustained, as well as for the participation of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments. To this day, Marines assigned to these two regiments wear the French fourragere on the left shoulder of their uniforms as a reminder of their unit's distinguished service during the First World War.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, salutes during Ruffles and Flourishes at the start of Silver Star Medal Ceremony for Master Sgt. Cory Haggett, a special tactics operator with the 23d Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing, May 13, 2022, at Hurlburt Field, Fla. The Silver Star is the third-highest military combat decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces.

Ceremony at Department of Interior South Building marking adoption by Department employees of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division and the 10th Mountain Division as wartime focal points for volunteer activities on behalf of military families

120526-N-LD343-021WASHINGTON (May 26, 2012) Rear Adm. Thomas S. Rowden, the director of Surface Warfare (N96) for the Chief of Naval Operations, and Rolling Thunder Inc. National Veterans Rights Officer Lt. Cmdr. Pete Zaleski (ret.), place a wreath at the Lone Sailor Memorial during the 25th "Ride for Freedom". In addition to active participation in Veterans/POW/MIA affairs, Rolling Thunder Inc. provides financial aid, food, clothing and other essentials to veterans and their families.

Veterans Day ceremony and aftermath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., where Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivered the opening remarks, and joined participating dignitaries including the former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell, along with Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Founder and President Jan Scruggs, Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation Founder and President Diane Carlson Evans, Mary "Edie" Meeks of the Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation, William Hansen of Lockheed Martin, and William Murdy of Comfort Systems. Ceremony, co-hosted by the Memorial Fund and the National Park Service, highlighted the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Yorktown, Virginia to deliver the keynote address at the 225th anniversary celebration of the Battle of Yorktown. Among other dignitaries on hand for the commemorative events were Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen, former U.S. Army Secretary John Marsh, French Ambassador to the U.S. Jean-David Levitte, and French Defense Minister Michelle Alliot-Marie.

22074-N-MZ836-1020 BREST, France (July 4, 2022) French Navy Sailors stand in formation during an Independence Day Ceremony in Brest, France, July 4, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and Partner interests.

Kiran Ahuja (center), director, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, and Dennis McMahon (left), personnel security specialist, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, participate in a Public Wreath-laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Dec. 1, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jared Curtis, the logistics chief for Headquarters and Service Company, left, and Lance Cpl. Abegail Megan Fang, an administrative specialist, both with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, participate in an annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California, Feb. 6, 2024. This ceremony is an annual event to commemorate the life and legacy of the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan, and is held every year on his birthday by presidential declaration. Marine Corps

Chief of Naval Operations for the Republic of Korea Adm. Yang Yong-mo and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Personnel, Manpower, and Training U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Rick Cheeseman participate in a Navy Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 30, 2024.

Service members with a joint color guard stand at attention during a ceremony commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal at the Guadalcanal American Memorial in the Solomon Islands, Aug. 7, 2022. During the ceremony, military leaders and heads of state from the U.S. and its partner nations honored those who died in the battle and reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a strong relationship with the Solomon Islands and other nations to ensure peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

Visit of United Kingdom's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, to Washington, D.C., with protective detail personnel providing security

Graveside memorial services at Arlington National Cemetery for Michael Hammer, former AFL-CIO labor specialist in San Salvador for the State Department. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Events at the War Correspondents Memorial, Burkittsville, Maryland, honoring four prominent journalists killed during war and war-related coverage in Iraq and Pakistan

Army Cpl. Charles E. Lee, 18, of Cincinnati, killed during the Korean War, was laid to rest on April 11, 2022, at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency accounted for Lee on June 14, 2021.In July 1950, Lee was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on July 20 after his unit was forced to retreat from the vicinity of Taejon, South Korea. He was never found, nor were any remains recovered that could be identified as Lee. He was declared non-recoverable in January 1956.To read more about Lees ID, go to: https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/2663104/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-lee-c/

A sentinel from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) supports a Public Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Oct. 4, 2022. The wreath was laid by U.S. Army Col. (ret.) Gregory Gadson.

U.S. Coast Guard Senior Chief Petty Officer Ruby Zimetbaum places a wreath at the USS Serpens Memorial in Section 34 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 27, 2023. This year marks the 78th anniversary of the explosion and destruction of the USS Serpens (AK-97). 250 service members lost their lives in this incident. This was the largest single disaster in the history of the Coast Guard.

The commune of Amfreville honors the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment and 82nd Airborne Division at the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment Memorial in Picauville, France, June 1, 2022. U.S. Army Col. Richard Taylor of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div., Battalion S3 Maj. Craig Barnhill of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and members of Amfrevilles local legislation provided remarks and laid wreaths in remembrance of the 507ths heroic actions in 1944.

Members of the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" stand at attention at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the annual National Veterans Day Observance Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Nov. 11, 2022.

Ceremony at Department of Interior South Building marking adoption by Department employees of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division and the 10th Mountain Division as wartime focal points for volunteer activities on behalf of military families

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry watches as the Embassy Marine Guards raise the American flag for the first time in 54 years at the newly re-opened U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, on August 14, 2015.

A wreath is committed to the sea during a memorial service honoring the four chaplains who lost their lives when the merchant ship S.S. Dorchester sank during World War II. The ceremony commemorates the 50th anniversary of Dorchester's sailing from Pier 11, Staten Island, N.Y. Base: Naval Station, New York State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

Visit of United Kingdom's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, to Washington, D.C., with protective detail personnel providing security

U.S. Marines with 6th Regiment, 2d Marine Division stand in formation during a ceremony at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, Belleau, France, May 29, 2022. This Memorial Day ceremony was held to commemorate the 104th anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood. The visit is to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their respective countries during World War I.

(From left) U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Bradley Kezer, Sgt. Tyren Wells, Pfc. JaShawn Brown, Chaplain Capt. Mark McDonald, and Capt. Scott Paterson, all with 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, supporting 4th Infantry Division, pay their respects at the Westerplatte Monument Monument to the Defenders of the Coast following a ceremony commemorating the 84th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II in Gdansk, Poland, Sept. 2. Members of Task Force Ivy and NATO allies from the enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland visited Gdansk to learn about the historical significance of the area during World War II. The 4th Inf. Div.'s mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Navy Musician First Class Ben Hauser plays taps during the interment services for former astronaut Alan Bean, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Selected as an astronaut in 1963, Bean flew in space twice, becoming the fourth human to walk on the Moon on Nov. 19, 1969 and spent 59 days in space as commander of the second Skylab mission in 1973.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg, Mississippi, for touring, participation in events highlighting the restoration project--funded jointly by the National Park Service and the Friends of the Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign, as part of the National Park Centennial Initiative--aimed at replacing interpretive battlefield markers and conserving the array of bronze statuary and stone monuments at the Civil War site. Joining Secretary Kempthorne for the events, including the unveiling of the first group of 22 metal markers identifying the specific locations of various Union and Confederate artillery batteries during the siege and defense of Vicksburg, were National Park Service Director Mary Bomar, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Chairman John Nau III, and country music star Trace Adkins, among other dignitaries.

Members of the Moody Air Force Base honor guard attach the American and 50th Anniversary flags to the halyard during reveille. Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, the founding chair of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, honors her late-husband, space shuttle Challenger's STS-51L Commander Dick Scobee, who gave his life while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. She and others gathered at the foot of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida to honor Scobee and his crewmates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Joseph A. Dinonno, deputy commanding general of the 29th Infantry Division salutes the 1st Infantry Division monument during a 1st ID Signal Monument ceremony at St. Laurent Sur Mer, France, June 5, 2022. The ceremony honored the Soldiers from the 29th and 1st Infantry Divisions who landed at Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

France Vice Chief of Defense Gen. Eric Autellet participates in an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 20, 2023.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he participated in ceremonies commemorating the 144th anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, conversed with National Park Service staff and visitors, and toured the Park, including the construction site for the new Visitors Center

U.S. Marines assigned to the rifle detail with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, stand at parade rest during an annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California, Feb. 6, 2024. This ceremony is an annual event to commemorate the life and legacy of the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan, and is held every year on his birthday by presidential declaration. Marine Corps

Official Imagery from the ceremony honoring the life of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams, Medal of Honor recipient, held at the World War II Memorial, Washington D.C., July 14, 2022. Born in Quiet Dell, West Virginia in 1923, Williams, 98, was awarded the Medal of Honor for "conspicious gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his live above and beyond the call of duty" while he served as a demolition sergeant sewrving with the 21st Marines, third Marine Division while fighting Japanese forces on Iwo Jima on Feb. 23, 1945. At the time of his death on June 29, 2022, he was the last living World War II Medal of honor recipient.

U.S. Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade conduct a ceremonial uncasing of their flag, streamers and colors soon after their arrival to the Grafenwöhr Training Area in Grafenwöhr, Germany, Oct. 6, 2022. After many years, the 101st Airborne Division once again joins the 1st Infantry Division in Europe to work alongside other NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) hosts a ceremony for National POW/MIA Recognition Day at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Sept. 16, 2022. The event is held every year on the third Friday of September, honoring prisoners of war and missing-in-action service members. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

Trip by Federal Minister of Economics and Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck to Ankara from 25-27 October 2023 Visit to the Atatuerk Mausoleum on 26 October 2023, Ankara, Turkey, Asia

021111-F-0148C-012. Base: Tulsa State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Army Brigadier General Virgil Packett (Right), Assistant Division Commander, 101st Airborne Division, Air Assault, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Mrs. Packett (w/umbrella) take a moment of silence to remember the fallen soldiers of Task Force 3rd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, during the Gander Memorial Ceremony on December 12th, 1999, at Fort Campbell. The Memorial commemorates the 248 soldiers lost in a plane crash at Gander, Newfoundland, Canada. Base: Fort Campbell State: Kentucky (KY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The commune of Amfreville honors the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment and 82nd Airborne Division at the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment Memorial in Picauville, France, June 1, 2022. U.S. Army Col. Richard Taylor of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div., Battalion S3 Maj. Craig Barnhill of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and members of Amfrevilles local legislation provided remarks and laid wreaths in remembrance of the 507ths heroic actions in 1944.

Karen Durham-Aguilera (left), executive director, Army National Military Cemeteries and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John H. Phillips (right), military deputy to the deputy chief of staff, G-6, United States Army Reserve, render honors during an Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath-Laying Ceremony at President William H. Tafts Memorial Gravesite in Section 30, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 15, 2022.The wreath-laying ceremony was held to commemorate Taft's 165th birthday.

French President Emmanuel Macron participates in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, Nov. 30, 2022. While at ANC, President Macron and his wife, Brigitte, also placed roses at the gravesite of Pierre Charles LEnfant. Born in Paris in 1754, LEnfant left to fight in the American Revolution. Afterwards, he was appointed by President George Washington to plan the new federal city that would be the new nations capital - Washington, D.C.

Veterans Day ceremony and aftermath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., where Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivered the opening remarks, and joined participating dignitaries including the former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell, along with Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Founder and President Jan Scruggs, Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation Founder and President Diane Carlson Evans, Mary "Edie" Meeks of the Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation, William Hansen of Lockheed Martin, and William Murdy of Comfort Systems. Ceremony, co-hosted by the Memorial Fund and the National Park Service, highlighted the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

U.S. Airmen with the 156th Wing, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, honor the nine Airmen who perished in the Rican 68 C-130 airplane crash in Savannah, Georgia, May 2, 2018, during a remembrance ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, May 2, 2022.

Members of the color guard move July 14, 2022, during the Fort McCoy Garrison change-of-command ceremony at Fort McCoy, Wis. Col. Stephen T. Messenger received the garrison flag from Brenda McCullough, director of Installation Management Command-Readiness signifying Messenger as the new garrison commander. Messenger replaces Col. Michael D. Poss who became the garrison commander June 10, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic in a virtual change-of-command ceremony. Poss moves on to serve in a position at the 88th Readiness Division also at Fort McCoy. Messenger arrives after serving in his prior assignment as the director of engineering and logistics, J4, Joint Task Force Civil Support, Fort Eustis, Va., which was on the front lines of the nations COVID response.

US Air Force (USAF) CHIEF MASTER Sergeant (MSGT) Donald Shelton, Superintendent, 38th Rescue Squadron, receives the folded American Flag from a member of the USAF Honor Guard during the Graveside Funeral Service for USAF SENIOR Airmen (SRA) Jason Cunningham, held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia (VA). SRA Cunningham, a Pararescueman, was killed in action in Afghanistan during Operation ANACONDA. Base: Arlington National Cemetery State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Veterans Day ceremony and aftermath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., where Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivered the opening remarks, and joined participating dignitaries including the former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell, along with Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Founder and President Jan Scruggs, Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation Founder and President Diane Carlson Evans, Mary "Edie" Meeks of the Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation, William Hansen of Lockheed Martin, and William Murdy of Comfort Systems. Ceremony, co-hosted by the Memorial Fund and the National Park Service, highlighted the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

President Bush attends wreath-laying ceremony at the Pentagon, commemorating 5th anniversary of 911 attacks

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Yorktown, Virginia to deliver the keynote address at the 225th anniversary celebration of the Battle of Yorktown. Among other dignitaries on hand for the commemorative events were Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen, former U.S. Army Secretary John Marsh, French Ambassador to the U.S. Jean-David Levitte, and French Defense Minister Michelle Alliot-Marie.

230215-N-FK318-1038ARLINGTON, Va. (Feb. 15, 2023) A guest observes a wreath at the USS Maine Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery Feb. 15, during a commemoration ceremony for the 125th anniversary of the explosion and sinking of Maine. In January 1898, Maine was sent to Havana, Cuba, to protect American interests during the long-standing revolt of the Cubans against the Spanish government. During the evening of Feb. 15, Maine sank when its forward gunpowder magazines exploded, killing nearly three-quarters of the battleship's crew.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William L. Marshall, center right, Operations, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration deputy director and the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and United States Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) Air Operations Center director, prepares to lay a wreath during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Brookwood American Military Cemetery, England, May 29, 2022. Memorial Day provides us a solemn opportunity to remember our fallen brothers and sisters in arms, reflect upon their courageous sacrifice, and show gratitude for the freedom they gave their lives to defend. It also affords us the opportunity to pay homage to those families who lost their loved ones in service to the Nation-and continue to feel the full weight of that sacrifice today.

Ceremony at Department of Interior South Building marking adoption by Department employees of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division and the 10th Mountain Division as wartime focal points for volunteer activities on behalf of military families

Germany, Berlin, 09.05.2023, rally at the Soviet memorial in Treptower Park, honorary tribute, Europe

Oklahoma Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army view the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 29, 2024.

120314-N-WV964-209IWO TO, Japan (March 14, 2012) Retired Marine Lt. Gen. Lawrence Snowden bows in respect after laying a wreath in honor of the men who died during the battle of Iwo Jima. Snowden was a Marine company commander during the battle. Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) and elements of the III Marine Expeditionary Force participated in the Reunion of Honor Ceremony commemorating the 67th anniversary of the battle of Iwo Jima.

Morten Bødskov (center right), minister of defence, Denmark, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Christopher Norrie (center left), commanding general, 7th Training Command, participate in an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Aug. 31, 2022.

US Army Brigadier General Harry B. Axson Jr., US Army Commanding General, Joint Task Force Full Accounting, US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Angela Jimdar, Hickam Honor Guard, Colonel John M. West 15th Air Base Wing, render a salute to a wreath placed at the Missing Man Formation as a part of a POW/MIA ceremony at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Minister for Defense of Latvia, Artis Pabriks, and Latvian Lt. Gen. Leonīds Kalniņš, place wreaths of flowers bearing the colors of the Latvian flag on the Memorial stone in Oskaras Kalpaka Square at Saldus, Latvia during the Restoration of Independence day celebration, May 4, 2022. The stone is there to commemorate the liberation of Saldus, the first Latvian town liberated by Colonel Oskars Kalpaks' battalion on March 10, 1919. Latvia's Day of the Restoration of Independence marks the date in 1990 that the Supreme Council in Latvia adopted the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence, initiating the transition from Soviet rule to complete renewal of independence in the Baltic state. The date is commemorated with a military parade featuring its NATO allies.

DN-ST-89-08573. Base: Nettuno Country: Italy (ITA)

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg, Mississippi, for touring, participation in events highlighting the restoration project--funded jointly by the National Park Service and the Friends of the Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign, as part of the National Park Centennial Initiative--aimed at replacing interpretive battlefield markers and conserving the array of bronze statuary and stone monuments at the Civil War site. Joining Secretary Kempthorne for the events, including the unveiling of the first group of 22 metal markers identifying the specific locations of various Union and Confederate artillery batteries during the siege and defense of Vicksburg, were National Park Service Director Mary Bomar, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Chairman John Nau III, and country music star Trace Adkins, among other dignitaries.

Visit of Secretary Gale Norton, members of the Flight 93 National Memorial Federal Advisory Commission, and other dignitaries to the Flight 93 crash site, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Norton swore in the members of the Commission, planning the permanent memorial honoring passengers and crew of the planehijacked on September 11, 2001

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, joined by Scott Desjardins, Superintendent of the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial in Hamm, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg; U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Frank Pandolfe, Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Luxembourgian Prime Minister Xavier Bettel; and U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg David McKean, walk to the grave of U.S. Army General George S. Patton on July 17, 2016, as they tour the site following two days of bilateral meetings with government officials.

The 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) hold a wreath-laying ceremony at the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy in Section 45 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, Sept. 27, 2022. This ceremony is held yearly to commemorate President Kennedys contributions to the U.S. Army Special Forces, including authorizing the Green Beret as the official headgear for all U.S. Army Special Forces and his uncompromising support to the regiment.

US Air Force SENIOR MASTER Sergeant Julius Ser (left), 52nd Communications Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, is also Commander of VFW Spangdahlem Post 10775, and USAF STAFF Sergeant Traci Beilke, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, DEU, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of Wing Protocol, is also an active member of VFW, lay down a wreath on the memorial stone at the air park in Spangdahlem AB, DEU, during Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony on November 10th, 2000. (U.S. Air Force photo by SrA Esperanza Berrios). Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Taps is played by the Honor Guard after NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and his wife Alexis laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, at Arlington National Cemetery. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration.

220409-N-VP266-1101 WASHINGTON (April 9, 2022) -- U.S. Navy Chaplain Capt. Brian Stamm, U.S. Fleet Forces command chaplain, delivers a prayer at the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony at Navy Memorial in Washington April 9, 2022 . The Blessing of the Fleet is a centuries-old tradition to safeguard crews and ships from the danger of the seas. This years blessing includes water from the Seven Seas and the Great Lakes.

US Air Force (USAF) Major General (MGEN) Franklin Blaisdell, director of Nuclear and Counter-proliferation presents the casket flag of MGEN Howard W. Cannon, USAF (RET) to his daughter during his funeral with full military honors at the Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. MGEN Cannon was a former senator to the state of Nevada. Base: Arlington National Cemetery State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Yorktown, Virginia to deliver the keynote address at the 225th anniversary celebration of the Battle of Yorktown. Among other dignitaries on hand for the commemorative events were Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen, former U.S. Army Secretary John Marsh, French Ambassador to the U.S. Jean-David Levitte, and French Defense Minister Michelle Alliot-Marie.

Acting Secretary P. Lynn Scarlett and other Interior senior officials at wreath-laying ceremony for law enforcement personnel killed in line of duty

Pacific Islands Tour: Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and aides to Guam, U.S. Territory

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov adjust ribbons on a set of wreaths laid by an honor guard on May 12, 2015, at the Zavokzalny War Memorial in Sochi, Russia, built in 1985 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the end of World War II, and where about 4,000 soldiers are buried.

Day of Remembrance. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry delivers remarks at a memorial ceremony in honor of Embassy guard Mustafa Akarsu at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, on March 1, 2013.

220521-N-YD328-0392 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (May 21, 2022) Cmdr. Michael Mosi, executive officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, lays a wreath at the Allied War Cemetery at Souda Bay, Greece, during a ceremony commemorating the Battle of Crete. This year marked the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Crete, which began the morning of May 20, 1941, when Nazi Germany launched an airborne invasion of Crete under the code name Unternehmen Merker (Operation Mercury). Naval Support Activity Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed when they are needed to ensure security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

(Left) Members of the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, and Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (JROTC) from Lakenheath High School prepare to hand the wreath to the (Right) presenters during Madingley Memorial Day Commemorative Service. The presenters will then lay their wreath on the Wall of the Missing to honor the men and women buried at Cambridge American Military Cemetery, and those who's names are engraved on the Wall of the Missing at the Madingley Memorial Day Commemorative Service. The ceremony was held at Cambridge American Military Cemetery, Coton, Cambridge, United Kingdom. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

171103-N-ON707-197PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Nov. 3, 2017) U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) Commander, Adm. Harry Harris, observes President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump as they present a wreath in honor of fallen service members at the USS Arizona Memorial. The President is in Hawaii to receive a briefing from USPACOM prior to traveling to Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines from November 3-14. During the trip the President will underscore his commitment to longstanding U.S. alliances and partnerships, and reaffirm U.S. leadership in promoting a free and open Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Alejandro D. Wolff, Charg d'Affaires of the American Embassy in France, lays a wreath at the tomb of France's unknown soldier on behalf of the American Overseas Memorial Day Association during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. Base: Paris Country: France (FRA)

Veterans Day ceremony and aftermath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., where Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivered the opening remarks, and joined participating dignitaries including the former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell, along with Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Founder and President Jan Scruggs, Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation Founder and President Diane Carlson Evans, Mary "Edie" Meeks of the Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation, William Hansen of Lockheed Martin, and William Murdy of Comfort Systems. Ceremony, co-hosted by the Memorial Fund and the National Park Service, highlighted the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

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