Ceremonial Military Events

Images from military ceremonies featuring officials and dignitaries during significant events, highlighting traditions and celebrations in formal settings.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks speaks during the U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Change of Command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Feb. 5, 2024. (DoD

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos Ruiz and Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro participate in the commissioning of the USS John L. Canley (ESB 6), Feb. 17. The ship is named for Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. John L. Canley, who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2018 for his actions in 1968 during the battle Hue City, Vietnam.

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.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks speaks during the U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Change of Command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Feb. 5, 2024. (DoD

Rhys Williams, chief deputy cabinet secretary of the office of Governor Gavin Newsom, presents U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, former adjutant general of California, with the Order of California at his retirement ceremony at Mather Field, Sacramento, California, Sept. 28, 2022. Baldwin was first appointed to the position of adjutant general by Governor Edmund Brown Jr. in 2011.

NAVAL BASE CORONADO (Feb. 17, 2024) - Capt. Thomas A. Mays, commanding officer of the expeditionary sea base USS John L. Canley, left, salutes Vice Adm. Brendan McLane, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, during the ship's commissioning ceremony on Naval Base Coronado Feb. 17, 2024. The ship is named for Medal of Honor recipient John Lee Canley, a retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major and Vietnam war veteran. Navy

220428-DC740-N-1019 SAN DIEGO (April 28, 2022) Tim Ruth, Navy 5G-NextG Pilot Initiatives Integrated Product Team Lead, speaks at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 5G-enabled Smart Warehouse. The Smart Warehouse project focuses on trans-shipment between shore facilities and naval units to increase the efficiency and fidelity of naval logistic operations, including identification, recording, organization, storage, retrieval, and transportation of material and supplies. The project also serves as a proving ground for testing, refining, and validating emerging 5G-enabled technologies.

While taps are played, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, airman and special guests remember those who gave their lives for their country, followed by a moment of silence. The ceremony was held at the Dyess Linear Air Park. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

KITTERY, Me. Sept. 30, 2022, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Submarine Maintenance Engineering Planning and Procurement Activity Change of Command Ceremony where Capt. Carey Pantling passes command to Capt. Joseph Meier. Rdml. Jonathan Rucker, Program Executive Officer, Attack Submarines was the presiding officer. The Color Guard from Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit, Portsmouth presents colors as the official party salutes. Pictured (left to right): Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Norman La Fleur; Pastor Andrew Newman; Capt. Pantling; Rdml. Rucker, and Capt. Meier.

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.

Trip to Tennessee and Alabama: Arrival at Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and Address at the 30th Anniversary celebration of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). President John F. Kennedy (far right, at lectern) delivers an address from the speakers platform in front of the Tennessee Valley Authoritys (TVA) Chemical Engineering Building at a celebration commemorating the 30th anniversary of the TVA. Seated on left side of the platform (front row) are, left to right: Representative Albert Rains, Senator John Sparkman, and Senator Lister Hill (all of Alabama); Governor of Alabama George C. Wallace; and Frank E. Smith, member of the TVA Board. Also pictured: Naval Aide to the President Captain Tazewell Shepard; Aubrey J. Red Wagner, Chairman of the TVA Board; Senator Estes Kefauver (Tennessee); and White House Secret Service agents Sam Sulliman and Ernest Ernie Olsson. Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Lt. Gen. David G. Bellon, Commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South, along with distinguished guests, listen to a speech given by Kari Wilkinson, President of Ingalls Shipbuilding, at the christening ceremony of the USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29), at Pascagoula, Miss, June 11, 2022. Wilkinson spoke about the importance of the McCool and the namesake and legacy it will hold.

Trip to Mexico: Ciudad Satellite, Address to the American Society of Mexico, 12:30PM. President John F. Kennedy (at lectern) delivers remarks at a Fourth of July celebration organized by the American Society of Mexico. Behind President Kennedy, standing in first row (L-R): President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, Harold F. Linder (far left); unidentified (back to camera); U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Thomas C. Mann (right of lectern); Governor of the State of Mexico, Dr. Gustavo Baz; President of the American Society of Mexico, Willard D. Andrews; Mexican Ambassador to the United States, Antonio Carrillo Flores. Also pictured: U.S. Senator Mike Mansfield (Montana); General Cristóbal Guzmán Cárdenas; Naval Aide to President Kennedy, Captain Tazewell T. Shepard; U.S. Military Attaché to Mexico, Brigadier General Chester L. Johnson; Military Aide to President Kennedy, General Chester V. Clifton; Air Force Aide to President Kennedy, Brigadier General Godfrey T. McHugh. Ciuda

CAPT Michael D. Bradley assumes command of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS BALTIMORE (SSN-704) during the commissioning ceremony. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Brig. Gen. David Manfredi, director of joint staff for the Vermont National Guard, speaks during his retirement ceremony May 26, 2022, at Camp Johnson, Vermont. General Manfredi retired May 26 after more than 30 years of service, including assignments as commander of the 124th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) and commander of the 3-172nd Infantry (Mountain). He deployed to Afghanistan twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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.

Attendees of the Memorial Day ceremony bow their heads as Joe Walts, right, delivers an invocation at the Fort Sam Houston Cemetery on Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, Texas, May 30, 2022. The Memorial Day ceremony was held to honor all fallen military members who died during their service in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Secretary Gale Norton, center, and Office of Personnel Management Director Kay Coles James, with red overcoat to Norton's right, among officials at Department of Interior South Building ceremony marking adoption by Interior employees of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division and the 10th Mountain Divisionas wartime focal points for volunteer activities on behalf of military families

Event honoring the 186th birthday of Ulysses S. Grant, at the General Grant National Memorial, New York City, New York, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivering remarks and joining participating dignitaries incluiding U.S. Army Brigadier General Robert Caslen, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy; Adrian Benepe, New York City Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation; Maria Burks, Commissioner of the National Parks of New York Harbor; and Ulysses Grant Dietz, the great-great grandson of General Grant. Also on hand for the event, featuring a wreath-laying ceremony, were members of the U.S. Military Academy Corps of Cadets Honor Guard.

Event honoring the 186th birthday of Ulysses S. Grant, at the General Grant National Memorial, New York City, New York, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivering remarks and joining participating dignitaries incluiding U.S. Army Brigadier General Robert Caslen, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy; Adrian Benepe, New York City Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation; Maria Burks, Commissioner of the National Parks of New York Harbor; and Ulysses Grant Dietz, the great-great grandson of General Grant. Also on hand for the event, featuring a wreath-laying ceremony, were members of the U.S. Military Academy Corps of Cadets Honor Guard.

061019-F-5586B-222. Base: Miami State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Edgardo Ramirez, commander of the 14th Field Hospital, receives a promotion and reaffirms the Oath of Commisioned Officers during a ceremony at Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Jan. 20, 2023. The 14th Field Hospital was activated on Fort Stewart on Aug. 17, 2021, reflagging from the combat support hospital located at Fort Benning, and its mission is to provide an expeditionary Role 3 health service support, including early-entry hospitalization, rapidly employable resuscitation and surgery to increase personnel survivability.

Former Prisoners of War stand for the singing of the Nation Anthem during the grand opening of the Hanoi Hilton Vietnam Exhibit at The American Heritage Museum, Hudson, Mass., Feb 11. The exhibit featured two original cells from Ha Lò prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton, in North Vietnam.

Lt. Col. Stuart Martin, 908th Maintenance Group commander, speaks highly of Capt. Todrick Burks, incoming 908th Maintenance Squadron commander, at his Assumption of Command ceremony, January 8, 2023, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Burks takes command of the squadron as the wing transitions from a C-130H tactical airlift mission to an MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopter Formal Training Unit.

221110-N-MR124-1013 CORONADO, Calif. (Nov. 10, 2022) The Providers of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 hold a change of command ceremony on board Naval Air Station North Island, Nov. 10, 2022. During the change of command ceremony, Cmdr. James J. Light, a native of Glenville, New York, relieved Cmdr. Jessica E. Caldwell, a native of Chesterland, Ohio as the commanding officer of VRC-30. VRC-30 is one of only two carrier-qualified logistics support squadrons, providing supplies, personnel, and logistics support to Carrier Strike Group 5.

Kelly McNeese, chief of staff, 88th Readiness Division and U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Matthew Baker, commanding general, 416th Theater Engineer Command, and family members applause seconds after The Specialist Ronald D. Rennison plaque was unveiled during The Specialist Ronald D. Rennison Memorialization Ceremony at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Dubuque, Iowa, July 10, 2022.

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.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, Californias Adjutant General, marks his retirement with a ceremony at Mather Field, Sacramento, California, Sept. 28, 2022. Baldwins wife, children, and colleagues gather to celebrate his achievements and 40 years of service.

Opening ceremony unveiling the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, National Park Service officials including Gettysburg Superintendent John Latschar, representatives of The Gettysburg Foundation, and Civil War movie actor Stephen Lang among the dignitaries delivering remarks

050930-F-6911G-029. Base: Fort Myer, Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: JCS

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

061019-F-5586B-193. Base: Miami State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Event honoring the 186th birthday of Ulysses S. Grant, at the General Grant National Memorial, New York City, New York, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivering remarks and joining participating dignitaries incluiding U.S. Army Brigadier General Robert Caslen, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy; Adrian Benepe, New York City Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation; Maria Burks, Commissioner of the National Parks of New York Harbor; and Ulysses Grant Dietz, the great-great grandson of General Grant. Also on hand for the event, featuring a wreath-laying ceremony, were members of the U.S. Military Academy Corps of Cadets Honor Guard.

Opening ceremony unveiling the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, National Park Service officials including Gettysburg Superintendent John Latschar, representatives of The Gettysburg Foundation, and Civil War movie actor Stephen Lang among the dignitaries delivering remarks

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro speaks during the commissioning of the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. in Charleston, S.C., May 14, 2022. Lt. General Petersen served in Korea and Vietnam during his career and his legacy is carried on today as an American hero and as an outstanding Marine.

DA-SC-88-03508. Base: Fort Belvoir State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Robert B. Blake, 86th Maintenance Group incoming commander, gives a speech during the 86 MXG change of command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 13, 2022. The 86 MXG handles maintenance and sortie generation for 14 assigned C-130J aircraft in addition to five C-21 and three C-37 aircraft that support many mission sets across multiple commands.

Medium shot, left front view, low angle, Brigadier General Steven A. Roser, USAF, the new 60th Air Mobility Wing Commander at Travis Air Force Base, California, gives his welcome speech to Travis Team members during flight line change of command ceremony. In background CHIEF MASTER Sergeant Edward Olesnivich, USAF, SENIOR Enlisted Advisor, 60th Air Mobility Wing holds on to a guidon and Mrs. Linda Roser listens to her husband's speech. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Oregon State Senator, Bill Hansell, addresses guest and other local officials during the renaming ceremony at the Raymond F. Rees Training Center, Umatilla, Oregon, on Sept. 29, 2022. Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Raymond F. Rees is a retired Oregon Guardsman and served as The Adjutant General, Oregon for more than 16 years, retiring from military service in 2013, and later worked as a civilian as the Deputy Secretary of the Army. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

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.

031111-F-5589M-097. Base: Arlington National Cemetery State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Master Chief Petty Officer Heath Jones relieves Master Chief Petty Officer Jason Vanderhaden as Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MPCOCG) during a change of watch ceremony at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., May 19, 2022. The MCPOCG serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the commandant of the Coast Guard for all matters involving the enlisted workforce.

221111-N-OT701-1482 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (Nov. 11, 2022) U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Steven Survance, a chaplain assigned to Pacific Air Forces, offers a benediction during a Veteran's Day ceremony aboard the battleship USS Missouri (BB 63). The USS Missouri Memorial Association hosted the Veteran's Day Sunset Ceremony honoring the 160th anniversary of the Medal of Honor and the legacy of the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye.

021023-M-8719G-014. State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MCB CVIC

Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Darrell J. Guthrie, former commander, 88th Readiness Division, salutes his family and fellow Soldiers and Civilians he served with in his 38 years of service during his retirement ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, Fort McCoy, Wis., July 30. 2022.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, addresses attendees at the 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. During the ceremony, Haggett received the nations third-highest military combat medal for his gallant actions while deployed in 2017 to Southwest Asia.

The U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard present the colors at the U.S. Embassy Ottawa in Canada's U.S. Independence Day celebration during the Ambassador's residence in Ottawa, Canada, on July 4, 2010.

Swearing-in ceremony for U.S. Park Police Chief Salvatore Lauro, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne among the dignitaries on hand

Captain David Webber, Commodore, Navy Recruiting Region West addresses the audience as the guest speaker during a change of command ceremony at the Seattle Yacht Club. NTAG Pacific Northwest oversees Navy recruiting efforts in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Washington.

Cadet Staff Sgt. Moranda Hern, Air Force Academy sophomore speaks as Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey; Dr. Jill Biden, the vice-presidents wife; First Lady Michelle Obama; and Tom Brokaw, television journalist, listen at the First Anniversary of Joining Forces ceremony on the south lawn of the White House, April 11, 2012. Hern was one of the 20 finalists in the Joining Forces Community Challenge that recognized citizens, communities and organizations for their efforts in supporting military families. Hern started the Sisterhood of the Traveling BDUs organization that aims to help daughters ages 13-18 of military members connect and build relationships. The challenge was part of the Joining Forces program, pioneered by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, which is a national initiative that mobilizes all sectors of society to support military members and their families.

061025-N-7241L-005. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The 2nd Brigade, 78th Training Division, 84th Training Command recognized Soldiers and their families with a special retirement ceremony, September 17, 2022 at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island. The careers of 69 Soldiers who honorably served their country with duty, selfless service and devotion were celebrated. Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed was a guest speaker among several VIPs at the ceremony.

DULUTH, Minnesota (May 21, 2021) - Cmdr. Alfonza White, commanding officer of USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul, during the commissioning ceremony of USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21) in Duluth, Minnesota. LCS 21 is the second U.S. Navy warship to honor Minneapolis-Saint Paul.

NEWPORT, R.I. (Sept. 1, 2022) Attendees of the Senior Enlisted Academy (SEA) class 254 graduation ceremony on Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport, including Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, Naval Education and Training Command, second from the right, lower their heads for the benediction, Sept. 1, 2022. Garvin visited NAVSTA Newport Aug. 31-Sept. 1 to speak with the staff and students of Center for Service Support, Surface Warfare Schools Command, SEA, Officer Training Command Newport, Naval Chaplaincy School, Naval Leadership and Ethics Center, and Navy Supply Corps School.

Capt. Ioan Dumitrascu, Chaplin at Nellis Air Force Base, gives the invocation at the Clark County Government Center, Sept. 11, 2022. The ceremony was dedicated to the 2,977 people who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 and to the more than 6,000 others who were injured.

Capt. Ioan Dumitrascu, Chaplin at Nellis Air Force Base, gives the invocation at the Clark County Government Center, Sept. 11, 2022. The ceremony was dedicated to the 2,977 people who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 and to the more than 6,000 others who were injured.

Westfield Technical Academy holds a graduation ceremony for the Aviation Maintenance Technology Class of 2022 May 26, 2022, at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport, Westfield, Massachusetts. Col. David 'Moon' Halasi-Kun, 104th Fighter Wing vice-commander, gave the keynote address during the ceremony. Staff Sgt. Christopher Chaves, 104th Maintenance Group maintainer and an instructor for the graduating students, spoke on the students behalf and presented them their certificates. Halasi-Kun, Master Sgt. Glenda Schuster and Staff Sgt. Justin Cousineau, Massachusetts Air National Guard recruiters, conducted the oath of enlistment for James Coach, one of the graduates and future member of the engine shop in the 104MXG, during the ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, center, 18th Air Force commander, presents the Distinguished Flying Cross to recipients at Travis Air Force Base, California, Dec. 9, 2022. Martin recognized 24 Airmen for their heroic actions during Operation Allies Refuge. The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any officer or enlisted person of the U.S. armed forces for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Brooke Millard, commanding officer of USCGC Bear (WMEC 901), addresses distinguished guests at a formal reception aboard the Bear, Nuuk, Greenland, Aug. 13, 2022. The dignitaries were invited to celebrate the success of Operation Nanook, a multinational military exercise in the Arctic region.

U.S. Army Europe and Africa commanding general Gen. Christopher Cavoli addresses the audience during a ceremony at Le Balleuli, Tournieres, France, on June 4, 2022 commemorating the Eisenhower Stele where U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower established the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force headquarters in 1944. The ceremony was part of a week of events remembering the DDay landings of WWII.

The Indiana National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Dale Lyles, of Salem, speaks to soldiers, families and friends in attendance for the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team departure ceremony at Camp Atterbury near Edinburgh, Friday, Sept. 30, 2022. Indiana National Guard photo by Sgt. Jonah Alvarez

Chief Master-At-Arms Lucian King, Ikego Housing Detachment's officer in charge, delivers an opening speech for the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage month event at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) Ikego Housing Detachment. AAPI Heritage month recognizes the contributions and influence of AAPI Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th fleet's forward deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

Romel Mathias, the mother of Maj. Lucas Gruenther, waves as a formation of F-16 Fighting Falcons flies over Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb. 6, 2013. The flyover was part of a memorial service for Gruenther, who lost his life when his F-16 went down during a training mission on Jan. 28.

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Jason Woodworth, the commanding general for Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, delivers a speech during the 80th annual Evening Colors Ceremony at the Santa Margarita Ranch House on Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 15, 2022. The ceremony was held to commemorate the official dedication of Camp Pendleton, which took place in September 1942. The base was named after Maj. Gen. Joseph H. Pendleton, who had long advocated for a West Coast training base to be established. Woodworth is a native of Suffield, Connecticut.

Secretary Gale Norton, rear right, participating in flag ceremony at the temporary memorial, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, honoring the passengers and crew of Flight 93, hijacked on September 11, 2001. Norton visited the site to swear in the members of the Flight 93 National Memorial Federal Advisory Commission

Members of the Flight 93 National Memorial Federal Advisory Commission, on hand for the Commission swearing-in ceremony at the site of the temporary memorial, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, honoring the passengers and crew of the plane hijacked during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001

020913-F-3038W-005. Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

In observance of Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony, soldiers, civilians and community leaders gathered at Katterbach Kaserne, Fire Department to honor the victims of Sept. 11, 2001. Ansbach, Gemany, Sept. 12, 2022. This year marks the 21th anniversary of 9/11.

Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sergeant Salvatore A. Giunta receives a photo and citation from the Secretary of the Army, the Honorable John M. McHugh in the Pentagon Auditorium on 17 November 2010. Looking on are Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (left), SSG Giunta's wife, Jennifer, Chief of Staff of thr Army, General George Casey and Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth Preston. US Army

Vice President Kamala Harris and Executive Director of the Office of Army Cemeteries and Army National Cemeteries Karen Durham-Aguilera stand during the National Veterans Day Observance Ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Amphitheater in Arlington, Va., Nov. 11, 2022.

President George Bush speaks during an observance commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii(HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

Distinguished visitors participate in the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies grand opening ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 11, 2022. This center is the newest of five existing Department of Defense Regional Centers for Security Studies, and its mission is to advance Arctic awareness and DoD Arctic priorities, reinforce the rule-based order in the Arctic, and address the impacts of climate change in the region.

Families, friends and colleagues welcomed home 50 Soldiers with the 1057th Military Police Company (Team One) from their nearly 10-month overseas deployment to the Middle East during a brief ceremony at the Weborg 21 Centre in Gering, Nebraska, Aug. 22, 2022. Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac, Nebraska adjutant general, and Nebraska Lt. Gov. Mike Foley spoke to the Soldiers and their families, thanking them for their service. Team One of the 1057th Military Police Company was deployed to Kuwait and was recently replaced by the other half of the unit.

Rep. Hank Johnson speaks during Academy Day at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga, June 11. 2022. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Rep. Hank Johnson hosted the 2022 Academy Day at Dobbins. High school students met with congressional staffers to learn their service academy nomination process and spoke with representatives from West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and other military accessioning sources throughout the morning.

Mayor Vincent Denby-Wilkes addresses U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, World War II photographer Tony Vaccaro, and Prefect Patrick Strzoda during a ceremony in Saint Briac, France, on June 7, 2014, to honor three Americans who died liberating the community at the end of World War II.

Opening ceremony unveiling the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, National Park Service officials including Gettysburg Superintendent John Latschar, representatives of The Gettysburg Foundation, and Civil War movie actor Stephen Lang among the dignitaries delivering remarks

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

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III speaks during the 154th National Memorial Day Observance in the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., May 30, 2022.

020911-F-2155T-057. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

U.S. Air Force Col. Anthony M. Nance, 86th Maintenance Group outgoing commander, gives a speech during the 86 MXG change of command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 13, 2022. Nance spoke about the many accomplishments by the 86 MXG and how much he enjoyed his tenure at Ramstein.

Jim Tate, a Gold Star Father, speaks during the 2022 Governors Wreath-Laying Ceremony May 27, 2022, at the Ohio Statehouse atrium in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine were joined by Gold Star Families to honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to their country, during the event leading up to Memorial Day.

Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Maryland.. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

061208-D-7203T-013. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Jason Woodworth, the commanding general for Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, gives a speech during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library in Simi Valley, California, Feb. 6, 2023. The ceremony was held in honor of President Reagan as a tribute to his service to the United States, and in celebration of what would have been his 112th birthday.

DF-ST-89-10417. Base: Bergstrom Afb State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220518-N-OH262-0179 WASHINGTON D.C. (May 18, 2022)--Congressman Kevin McCarthy, Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, addresses the audience during the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony held to honor Merchant Mariners of WWII at the U.S. Capital, May 18. During WWII Merchant Mariners put their lives on the line for their country, braving German and Japanese submarines, in their Liberty Ships, as they delivered critical supplies for service members serving in the European and Pacific theaters.

Sixteen local active-duty service members and veterans receive a standing ovation during the Doolittle Raider Goblet Ceremony at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College, Niceville, Florida, April 18, 2022. They were honored to represent the legacy of each of the 16 Doolittle crews and the contributions of an untold number of fellow Airmen to recognize the 75th Anniversary of the Air Force.

060615-D-2987S-029. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen at the 134th Air Refueling Wing, along with members of the local community, retirees and media, celebrate a ribbon-cutting for the new $31 million aircraft hangar at McGhee Tyson ANG Base, Tennessee. The KC-46, from the 157th Air Refueling Wing, New Hampshire, was parked in the hangar during the event as the 134th hopes to aquire the KC-46A Pegasus as a replacement for the aging KC-135R Stratotankers for future missions.

220518-N-OH262-0151 WASHINGTON D.C. (May 18, 2022)--Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer, Commander, Military Sealift Command, addresses the audience during the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony held to honor Merchant Mariners of WWII at the U.S. Capital, May 18. During WWII Merchant Mariners put their lives on the line for their country, braving German and Japanese submarines, in their Liberty Ships, as they delivered critical supplies for service members serving in the European and Pacific theaters.

150902-N-AC887-001 BILLINGS, Mont. (Sept. 2, 2015) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus delivers remarks at a dual ship-naming ceremony for the Navy's newest Littoral Combat Ship, the future USS Billings (LCS 15) and future Virginia-class attack submarine, USS Montana (SSN 794), at Metra Park Rimrock Auto Arena. Mabus thanked the people of Montana for their support and contributions to the Navy and discussed the special bond that exists between a state and its namesake vessel.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Kimberly M. Colloton, outgoing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commanding general, speaks during the change of command ceremony downtown Winchester, Va., July 26, 2022. (Photo by Catherine Carroll, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division Public Affairs Office)

020911-D-4578-004. Base: Fort Dix State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief, National Guard Bureau, delivers remarks during the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve 50th Anniversary Commemoration ceremony in the Pentagon Auditorium, Washington, D.C., June 22, 2022. ESGR is a Department of Defense program that was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between reserve component service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.

220513-N-OA516-1389SAN DIEGO (May 13, 2022) - Capt. Shea Thompson gives remarks during the Surface Development Squadron One change of command ceremony. During the ceremony, Capt. Thompson relieved Capt. Jeffery Heames as Commander, Surface Development Squadron One.

A new helicopter training landing pad at Muir Army Airfield is dedicated to Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew Ruffner and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jarett Yoder during a ceremony in the Aviation Maintenance Instruction Building here.The two pilots were killed April 9, 2013 when the AH-64 Apache helicopter they were flying crashed during a flight mission in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. They were serving on a combat deployment with Bravo Company, 1-104th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 28th Combat Aviation Brigade during Operation Enduring Freedom.

DA-SC-87-07403. Base: Fort Jackson State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A new helicopter training landing pad at Muir Army Airfield is dedicated to Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew Ruffner and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jarett Yoder during a ceremony in the Aviation Maintenance Instruction Building here.The two pilots were killed April 9, 2013 when the AH-64 Apache helicopter they were flying crashed during a flight mission in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. They were serving on a combat deployment with Bravo Company, 1-104th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 28th Combat Aviation Brigade during Operation Enduring Freedom.

A new helicopter training landing pad at Muir Army Airfield is dedicated to Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew Ruffner and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jarett Yoder during a ceremony in the Aviation Maintenance Instruction Building here.The two pilots were killed April 9, 2013 when the AH-64 Apache helicopter they were flying crashed during a flight mission in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. They were serving on a combat deployment with Bravo Company, 1-104th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 28th Combat Aviation Brigade during Operation Enduring Freedom.

of 4