← Military & Defence

Ceremonial Military Events

Images depict vibrant ceremonies involving U.S. Marines and Navy personnel, highlighting patriotism and community engagement through color guard presentations.

United States military vehicle in a 4th of July parade in Cascade, Idaho, USA.
United States military vehicle in a 4th of July parade in Cascade, Idaho, USA.
139 assets in this story
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Soldiers from the 151st Army Band play a variety of Christmas classics during the Governor's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Montgomery, Alabama, December 2, 2022. (Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Jordan Arnold.)
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030525-M-1623M-011. Base: Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jownel Rivera, left, and Cpl. Justin Napier, musicians with III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, wave to Japanese residents during the Fuji Friendship Festival at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Shizuoka, Japan, Oct. 29, 2022. Festival attendees were able to view static displays, listen to live entertainment, and interact with U.S. military and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel. The Fuji Friendship Festival is one of many events Marine Corps Installations Pacific organizes across the Pacific to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance and showcase Marine Corps capabilities to host nation residents.
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Protesters stage a mock protest against Americans during an Anti-terrorism/Force Protection exercise outside the main gate of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE
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The Indiana National Guard supported the 152nd Crown Hill Memorial Service, May 30, 2022 at the Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Ind. The ceremony included keynote speaker, retired Marine Cpl. Josh Bleill, a joint-service color guard, the 38th Infantry Division band, a wreath laying ceremony and a 21-gun Howitzer cannon salute.
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Visitors participate in the first Flowers of Remembrance Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., May 28, 2022. Visitors were given the opportunity to cross the plaza and place a flower in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This event pays homage to the first official Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day, which originally took place at the cemetery in 1868 as a way to honor the sacrifices of those who fought and died in the Civil War.
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011027-F-1166S-003. Complete Scene Caption: Joseph A. McLaughlin, Retired United States Marine Corps, observes a moment of silence at Liberty State Park, New Jersey during the "Support Our Troops" rally for national "Make a Difference Day." Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) and its Ladies Auxiliary, in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs sponsored the rally. The event hosted numerous entertainment acts for the 15,000 attending the three-hour rally. "Americas armed forces are gearing up for a long and arduous war on an invisible, but terrifying enemy," said VFW Commander-in-CHIEF Jim N. Goldsmith. "We are asking a lot from our men and women in the military, which is why it is imperative that we show them our support. The rally also will demonstrate to the world that the actions of September 11 and the recent anthrax exposures have not diminished our resolve, but have actually served to strengthened our unity as a nation." Base: Liberty State Park St
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The Wall that Heals, a three-quarter replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. arrived at Harper Creek High School in Battle Creek, Michigan July 13, 2022. Battle Creek citizens welcomed the semi-truck escorted by over 500 motorcyclists, police and fire personnel. Entry is free to the public 24 hours a day and will be in Battle Creek through Sunday, July 17. Volunteers from all over Michigan are ready to assist in finding names and answering questions. (Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Bethany Rizor)
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Family and friends greet Airmen assigned to the 48th Security Forces Squadron during their homecoming at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 9, 2022. The defenders returned home to their families after a seven month deployment.
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Participants cross the finish line June 14, 2022, in front of Rumpel Fitness Center during the Army Birthday 5k Run and Walk at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 5k was part of many events coordinated by the Fort McCoy Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to commemorate the 247th birthday of the U.S. Army at Fort McCoy. The day also included a birthday lunch, free car washes, and more.
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Annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally "Ride for Freedom"--on behalf of the Prisoners of War-Missing in Action (POW/MIA) cause--through Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne among the participants
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A woman holds a sign after being reunited with her Soldier, who is assigned to the Connecticut National Guard's 1-102nd Infantry Regiment, at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Windsor Locks, Connecticut Jan. 22, 2022. The 1-102nd spent nearly a year deployed to the Horn of Africa in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
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U.S. Air Force Capt. Petrina Hanson, the Thunderbirds executive officer, signs an autograph for a young fan Nov. 14, 2010. The 2010 Aviation Nation Nellis Open House is an opportunity for the Las Vegas community to view aerial demonstrations and static displays of various aircraft from the military. The open house also acts as the final air show of the year for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds.
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011224-F-3961R-020. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM 2001 Base: Mazar-E Sharif State: Kandahar Country: Afghanistan (AFG)
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SAN DIEGO (Nov. 29, 2022) Families and friends welcome Sailors and Marines assigned to amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) as the ship returns home, Nov. 29, 2022. Tripoli returned to Naval Base San Diego following its initial deployment to the U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleets in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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The crowd watches as the Air Combat Command F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team from Langley Air Force Base, Hampton, Va., performs during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 30, 2022. This biennial event hosted by JBER is one of the largest in the state and one of the premier aerial demonstrations in the world. The event features multiple performers to include the JBER Joint Forces Demonstration Team, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, Pacific Air Forces C-17 Demonstration Team and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team.
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The Battle Color Detachment performs in Times Square, New York, May 25, 2022. As a part of Fleet Week New York 22, the Marines of Special Purpose Marine-Air Ground Task Force New York engage in special events throughout New York City and the tristate area showcasing sea service technologies, future innovation, and connecting with citizens. Fleet Week New York brings together more than 2,000 service members from the Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard offering live band performances, military vehicle and equipment displays, and other community relations projects.
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Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and aides to Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii for commemorative events on the 65th anniversary of the Japanese attack
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Sailors from Ships Intermediate Maintenance Facility (SIMA), Mayport, proudly march in the city's annual Veterans Day parade. Base: Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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U.S. Army North senior leadership and other U.S. Armed Forces leadership ride a barge to the Texas Cavaliers River Parade in downtown San Antonio, Texas, April 4, 2022. The Texas Cavaliers River Parade includes more than 45 decorated floats highlighting schools, local businesses, civic organizations and the military. All proceeds and donations from the parade benefit over 70 childrens charities.
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A 52nd Brigade Engineer Battalion Soldier stands in formation ready to donate toys after conducting a Toy Ruck March to Mountain Post Santa's Workshop at Fort Carson Sept. 1st. Soldiers were full of smiles and joy to donate toys to active duty Soldier Families for the holiday season.
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221011-N-XU073-1071YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 11, 2022) Capt. Les Sobol, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), addresses attendees during the National Night Out event onboard CFAY. National Night Out is an annual event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie across thousands of communities in the U.S. and worldwide. For 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of U.S. 7th Fleet's forward deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.
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Indiana National Guardsmen support the Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade, Saturday, May 28, 2022 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Ind. Daniel R. Hokanson, 29th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, and Major General R. Dale Lyles, 59th Adjutant General of Indiana, attended to highlight the National Guard's contributions to the Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade. (Photo by National Guard Sgt. Joshua Syberg)
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U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Mauricio Caceres, right, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Alex Potts, both survey team members with the 21st Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team, New Jersey National Guard, document a simulated crime scene during an Army North-mandated training proficiency evaluation at the Colts Neck Community Church, Colts Neck, New Jersey, Nov. 3, 2022. The 21st WMD-CST passed the training proficiency evaluation. The 21st identifies chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear substances; assesses and advises civil authorities on response measures to man-made or natural disasters. (New Jersey National Guard photo by Mark C. Olsen)
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Folks at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, wait outside to be let into the Secretary of Defense Holiday Tour 2000, in Hangar 3, Ramstein Air Base, on December 17th, 2000. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)
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060520-N-6315W-002. Base: Bremerton State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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060721-N-0000X-020. Base: USS Trenton (LPD 14)
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U.S Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit pose for a photo with children during a Trunk or Treat hosted by Cape Carteret Baptist Church in Cape Carteret, North Carolina, Oct. 31, 2022. The Marines and Sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit displayed a joint light tactical vehicle and handed candy out to children during the event to celebrate Halloween, while building a relationship with the community outside of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Ryan Gnecco, left, sergeant major of Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, stands with retired Sgt. Maj. Yolanda M. Mayo, right, deputy operations officer of Marine Corps Community Services, MCB Camp Lejeune, while handing out Christmas trees to service members and their families during the annual Trees for Troops Christmas tree holiday event at the Paradise Point Golf Club on MCB Camp Lejeune, Dec. 2, 2022. Each year, Trees for Troops visit U.S military bases across all service branches to provide Christmas trees to military families home and abroad. This year, an estimated 15,300 total trees will be given to 84 total bases, donated by Christmas tree farms from around the country.
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040925-F-9927R-002. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Runners drop off red carnations at the All-Wars Memorial during the 35th annual Gate-to-Gate Memorial Day Run May 30 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The run is held to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. More than 800 people participated in the Eglin tradition. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
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Family and friends greet crew members of the guided missile destroyer USS SAMPSON (DDG-10) as they come ashore following their return to port. The Sampson, along with four other ships of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) battle group, has just returned home following deployment in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Station, Mayport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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The daughter of a Soldier assigned to the Connecticut National Guard's 1-102nd Infantry Regiment waits for her loved one's plane pulls into the Army Aviation Support Facility in Windsor Locks, Connecticut Jan. 22, 2022. The 1-102nd spent nearly a year deployed to the Horn of Africa in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
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World War II Re-enactment, Reading, PA
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061218-N-1752H-052. Base: Naval Base Coronad0 State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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From left, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Renee Madison, 73rd Troop Command senior human resources sergeant, Master Sgt. Chris Wysong, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery S-1 noncommissioned officer in charge, 174th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, and Sgt. Kyle Smith, an intelligence analyst with Ohio National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, gather for a group photo holding the Flag of Honor after completing the Columbus 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 11, 2022. They each ascended 24 floors five times in honor of the firefighters who gave their lives during the events of 9/11.
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The Wall that Heals, a three-quarter replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. arrived at Harper Creek High School in Battle Creek, Michigan July 13, 2022. Battle Creek citizens welcomed the semi-truck escorted by over 500 motorcyclists, police and fire personnel. Entry is free to the public 24 hours a day and will be in Battle Creek through Sunday, July 17. Volunteers from all over Michigan are ready to assist in finding names and answering questions. (Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Bethany Rizor)
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(left to right) Cpl. Zachary Gardner, TF 34 HQ Signal Support Specialist of Waite Park, MN, Sgt. Gregory Opoien, TF 34 HQ Network Operations Technician, Spc. Megan Hanft, TF 34 HQ Signal Support Specialists, and Staff Sgt. Jodi Wald, TF 34 HQ Orderly Room NCO of Blaine, MN, dressed up at the HHC 34th CAB's Halloween Party at Joint Base Balad, Iraq on Oct. 31.
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Military and civilian members get a look at Rick Ware Racings NASCAR Cup Series number 51 show car at the Exchange on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, May 5, 2022. The car and racing crew toured JBSA over three days giving service members and their families an up-close look as part of their Military Salutes Program.