Ceremonial Military Events and Speeches

Images from military ceremonies featuring speakers and honor guards, showcasing the formality and significance of these patriotic gatherings.

A joint services color guard presents the colors during the change of command ceremony at which ADM Frank B. Kelso II is replaced by ADM Leon A. Edney as Commander in CHIEF, US Atlantic Command. The ceremony is taking place aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67). Kelso will be replacing ADM Carlisle A.H. Trost as CHIEF of Naval Operations. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-10676. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-SC-86-10967. Base: Colorado Springs State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-03732. Base: Seattle State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CHIEF of Naval Operations Adm. Frank B. Kelso II addresses the crew of the guided missile destroyer USS MACDONOUGH (DDG-39) after an awards ceremony. Kelso is visiting the MACDONOUGH as the ship nears Naval Station, Charleston, S.C., following its deployment to the Persian Gulf region for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A joint services color guard presents the colors during the change of command ceremony at which ADM Frank B. Kelso II is replaced by ADM Leon A. Edney as Commander in CHIEF, US Atlantic Command. The ceremony is taking place aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67). Kelso will be replacing ADM Carlisle A.H. Trost as CHIEF of Naval Operations. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-10668. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The colors are presented during the dedication of the newly constructed Pier 1, part of the Navy Fleet Week activities. Base: Naval Station, New York State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crew members disembark from their ship for the last time at the conclusion of the decommissioning ceremony for the guided missile destroyer USS DECATUR (DDG 31). Base: Naval Air Station, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Captain (CAPT) Donald Richmond speaks to the audience after assuming the command from CAPT Norman Campbell at the ceremony. Base: Naval Air Station, Alameda State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-06742. Base: Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Practice Inaugural Parade. US Navy units participate in the inaugural parade rehearsal in front of the Presidential Reviewing stand at the White House. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-SC-86-10943. Base: Colorado Springs State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DA-SC-85-12813. Base: West Point State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An honor guard executes a drill with M14 rifles during the commissioning of the guided missile destroyer USS SCOTT (DDG 995). Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two crewmen salute the colors aboard the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI (SSN-705) during commissioning ceremonies. The ship was built by the Electric Boat Division, General Dynamics Corporation. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Captain (CAPT) Paul P. Aquilino, commander, Naval Surface Group Four, passes between two ranks of sideboys upon his arrival for the commissioning of the guided missile frigate USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG 58). Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-07087. Base: San Francisco State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Admiral James D. Watkins, CHIEF of Naval Operations, speaks during the commissioning ceremony for the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS GEORGIA (SSBN 729). Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An honor guard displays the colors during the commissioning ceremony for the combatant missile (hydrofoil) patrol ship USS ARIES (PGM-5). Base: Bremerton State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-07225. Base: San Francisco State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

President George H. W. Bush watches as GEN. Alfred M. Gray, commandant of the Marine Corps, attaches a battle streamer to the Marine Corps flag during the National Victory Celebration which is being held in honor of the Allied forces' liberation of Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia(DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Former Commandant of the U. S. Marine Corps GEN Wallace M. Greene (second from left), is the guest of honor at a Marine Corps birthday pageant held in the stadium. To his left is LGEN Lewis J. Fields, commanding general. Base: Marine Cd And Ed Com, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Navy nurse officer candidates stand in formation for inspection, part of a 6-week officer indoctrination course at the Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC). An overload of students at Newport, R.I. facilities resulted in the transfer of 81 nurses to Pensacola, despite the fact that Navy indoctrination training for nurses is not normally an NASC function. In addition to providing the basics of officer indoctrination, the command is providing the nurses with a better understanding of naval aviation in general. Base: Naval Air Station, Pensacola State: Florida(FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-01222. Base: New York Harbor State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

240105-N-OZ224-2441NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (Jan. 5, 2023) - Thomas Hudner III, son of Capt. Thomas J. Hudner, speaks during a change of command ceremony where Cmdr. Shelby Nikitin, commanding officer, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), was relieved by Cmdr. Cameron Ingram, Jan. 5, 2024. Hudner returned from an eight-month deployment Jan. 4, 2024 as a part of theGerald R.FordCarrier Strike Group(CSG) to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations in support of theater security cooperation efforts and to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

DN-ST-86-07254. Base: San Francisco State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crew members stand in formation at the start of the decommissioning ceremony for the destroyer tender USS PRAIRIE (AD-15). The PRAIRIE had been the oldest ship in naval service and, with its decommissioning, that role will be assumed by the submarine tender USS ORION (AS-18). Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Flag officers salute as the colors are presented during the change of command ceremony at which Admiral Leon A. Edney as Commander in CHIEF, United States Atlantic Command. The ceremony is taking place aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67). Kelso will be replacing Admiral Carlisle A.H. Trost as CHIEF of Naval Operations. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-04311. Base: Avondale State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Trip to Western States: Visit to the Pacific Fleet, President Kennedy aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, 5:00PM. President John F. Kennedy (center, back to camera) and other distinguished guests watch U.S. Pacific Fleet demonstrations from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63), at sea off the coast of San Diego, California. Left to right: Naval Aide to the President, Captain Tazewell T. Shepard, Jr.; unidentified (mostly obscured); Secretary of the Navy, Fred Korth; Senator Clair Engle (California); President Kennedy; Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT), Admiral John H. Sides; Governor of California, Edmund G. Pat Brown; Under Secretary of the Navy, Paul Red Fay.

Memorial Day Stapleton Staten Island New York City USA

DN-ST-89-10368. Base: Sevastopol Country: U.S.S.R. (SUN)

At the MarineLiegkamp Valkenburg (MVKV), the Marine Aviation Service (MLD) receives a banner as appreciation for the performance delivered in the Second World War (WW2). This entails, which is awarded by Prince Bernhard, 4 promotions: Dutch East Indies 1941-'42, Indian Ocean 1942-'45, North Sea 1941-'42 and Normandy 1944. The military Willems-Order 4th class (awarded in 1942). MWO4) has also been confirmed. After the presentation, a parade follows, for which the ticket guard will take its position.

DN-ST-86-01344. Base: Bremerton Naval Shipyard State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-06805. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the delegation from China watch an aerial demonstration. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Standing on the platform during a ceremony in their honor are, from left, LT. Robert Wetzel, LT. Lawrence Slade and LT. Jeffrey Zaun. The three naval aviators had been held by Iraq after being shot down during Operation Desert Storm and were among the first group of ten coalition prisoners released on March 4th. Secretary of the Navy H. Lawrence Garrett III is at right. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-01228. Base: Newport State: Rhode Island (RI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-01335. Base: Bremerton Naval Shipyard State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-02674. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Weekend in Newport, Rhode Island: President Kennedy inspects Marine Honor Guard, Quonset Naval Air Station. President John F. Kennedy reviews the Marine Honor Guard at Quonset Point Naval Air Station, Rhode Island.

Marines from the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (4th MEB) salute during a ceremony on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS IWO JIMA (LPH-2) following the ship's arrival at the pier. The Marines, who were deployed aboard the Iwo Jima in the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, will disembark at Morehead City to return to Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORMDESERT SHIELD Base: Morehead City State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-01119. Base: Seattle State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crew members aboard the amphibious command ship USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC-19) stand at attention as a sailor prepares to lower the colors during the Pearl Harbor 50th Anniversary memorial Service being held aboard the ship. Base: Naval Station, Subic Bay State: Luzon Country: Philippines(PHL)

Army-Navy Football Game, Philadelphia, 1:30PM. President John F. Kennedy watches the Army-Navy Football Game (United States Military Academy Cadets versus United States Naval Academy Midshipmen) from the Navy side of the stands. L-R: Deputy Secretary of Defense, Roswell L. Gilpatric; Myrtle England DiSalle (wife of Governor DiSalle); Governor of Ohio, Mike DiSalle; President Kennedy; Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral George W. Anderson, Jr.; Mary Lee Lamar Anderson (wife of Admiral Anderson); Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson. Municipal Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

LCDR Sherwood, duty officer, salutes the colors aboard the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI (SSN-705) during commissioning ceremonies. The ship was built by the Electric Boat Division, General Dynamics Corporation. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Choir members sing during a sunrise Easter service for the crew of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) on the flight deck. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-87-02495. Base: New York Harbor State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Secretary of Defense Caspar W. Weinberger (center) is escorted to the air terminal building at Arthur W. Radford Field, after his arrival for a visit. Base: Naval Station, Subic Bay State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

U.S. Coast Guard Band members pass the reviewing stand during the Inauguration Day parade for George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States. VIPs observe the parade from behind the glass enclosure. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-01229. Base: Newport State: Rhode Island (RI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-87-11631. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

The Navy and Marine Corps Honor Guard is shown presenting the colors at the opening of the decommissioning ceremony of the aircraft the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60). Base: Naval Station, Mayport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of a Soviet navy honor guard stand at present arms during a welcoming ceremony for Admiral (ADM) Charles R. Larson, left, Commander in CHIEF, United States (US) Pacific Fleet. The guided missile cruiser USS PRINCETON (CG 59) and the guided missile frigate USS REUBEN JAMES (FFG 57) are visiting Vladivostock as part of a US/Soviet goodwill exchange program. Base: Vladivostok State: Siberia Country: U.S.S.R. (SUN)

1970s COLOR GUARD AT MILITARY ACADEMY

Crewmen go aboard the battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) during its recommissioining ceremony. Base: Long Beach Naval Shipyard State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Left to right, LGEN Arnold Braswell, commander in chief, Pacific Air Forces; LGEN William H. Ginn Jr. and LGEN Charles L. Donnelly Jr. during change of command ceremonies. LGEN Ginn is retiring as Fifth Air Force commander and is being relieved by LGEN Donnelly. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

DN-ST-89-03078. Base: New London State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Memorial Day Ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, 10:50AM. President John F. Kennedy and others stand at attention in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, during Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Left to right: President Kennedy; Commanding General of the Military District of Washington, Major General Paul A. Gavan; General Maxwell D. Taylor; Administrator of the Veterans Administration (VA), General John S. Gleason; former United States Ambassador to Ireland, Grant Stockdale; Naval Aide to the President, Captain Tazewell Shepard; unidentified. U.S. Navy seamen stand at left in background.

Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Samuel Hubbard stands ready to ring the ship's bell during the commissioning of the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61) at the Ingalls shipyard. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

American Legion flag bearers on City Hall Plaza, Boston , Flag bearers, Veterans' organizations, American Legion. Department of Massachusetts. Edmund L. Mitchell Collection

Frank B. Lynott, Chairman of the Tacoma Boat Building Company and master of ceremonies, introduces Rear Admiral James W. Lisanby, Deputy Commander, Acquisition and Logistics, Naval Sea Systems Command, during the launching ceremony for the ocean surveillance ship USNS STALWART (T-AGOS 1). Base: Tacoma State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Navy-Marine Corps color guard stands at attention during the commissioning ceremony for Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate USS NICHOLAS (FFG 47) at the Bath Iron Works shipyard. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-06809. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Navy color guard presents the ship's flag during the commissioning ceremony of the guided missile cruiser USS LEYTE GULF (CG-55). Base: Fort Lauderdale State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-06744. Base: Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Practice Inaugural parade. A Joint STAFF leads off the Military Contingent of the Presidential escort during the Inaugural parade rehearsal. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Standing at parade rest below a vice admiral's flag and the commissioning pennant during the commissioning of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS PITTSBURGH (SSN 720) are (left to right): the officer-of-the-day, the master-at-arms and two chief petty officers. Base: Naval Submarine Base, New London State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-89-06710. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-07234. Base: San Francisco State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Vice President George Bush, left, Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger and members of the Joint Chiefs of STAFF, participate in the retirement for GEN David C. Jones, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of STAFF. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-03532. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Chinese delegation from the People's Republic of China, lead by Vice Premier Geng Biao, is honored upon their arrival. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-03731. Base: Seattle State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-06743. Base: Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Navy/Marine Corps color guard stands at attention during a memorial service for Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Charles D. Elliot. Elliot was lost at sea in heavy weather while serving aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Christin C. Hartung, representative, city of Houston, and Edward J. Campbell, president, Newport News Shipbuilding, leads the honored guests as they come aboard the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS HOUSTON (SSN-713) for its commissioning ceremony. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-01701. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Address at Veterans Day Ceremonies, Arlington National Cemetery, 11:01AM. President John F. Kennedy participates in Veterans Day ceremonies. President Kennedy stands with Major General Paul A. Gavan, Commanding General of the Military District of Washington. Standing behind the President (L-R): John S. Gleason, Administrator of Veterans Affairs; Military Aide to the President General Chester V. Clifton; Air Force Aide to the President Colonel Godfrey T. McHugh; Naval Aide to the President Captain Tazewell T. Shepard; and Thomas Stirling, National Commander of the Legion of Valor. Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

Prior to their participation in the 1997 Presidential Inaugural celebration, the Navy Color Guard waits in a Staging Area. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crew members man the rails aboard the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61) as the ship nears its home port of Naval Air Station, North Island, Calif. The RANGER is returning to North Island following its deployment to the Persian Gulf region for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. The civilians at right are guests of some of the crew members. The guests, known as "Tigers," came aboard the RANGER when the ship stopped Hawaii on its way home. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Base: San Diego Bay State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Vice Adm. William H. Rowden, commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, left; Vice Adm. Joseph Metcalf III, deputy chief of naval operations, Surface Warfare, middle, and retired Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr., former chief of naval operations, sit on the speakers platform during the launching of the guided missile cruiser THOMAS S. GATES (CG-51). Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Trip to Western States: Castle Air Force Base, California, 4:55PM. President John F. Kennedy reviews honor guard troops, following his arrival at Castle Air Force Base in Merced County, California.

DN-ST-89-01446. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-07189. Base: San Francisco State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A visitor poses for pictures beneath the barrel of the No. 2 Mk 7 16 in. gun mount aboard the battleship USS IOWA (BB 61) during a dependent's cruise. Base: USS Iowa (BB 61) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DD-ST-89-03987. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-08967. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crew members man the rail aboard the first Aegis guided missile cruiser USS TICONDEROGA (CG-47) during commissioning ceremonies at Ingalls Shipbuilding. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Midshipmen from the US Naval Academy prepare to depart the parade staging area prior to entering the 1993 Inaugural parade. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An officer passes out blankets to the guests attending the commissioning ceremony for the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL (SSN 708) at General Dynamics (Electric Boat). Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

United States Naval Academy Graduation Ceremony, May 26, 1999, Annapolis, Maryland

DF-ST-86-09757. Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: West Germany (FRG)

Rear view of Navy personnel, in working uniforms, standing at attention during an inspection. Base: Naval Air Station, Alameda State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-04701. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Navy and Marine color guard raise the colors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS IWO JIMA (LPH-2) on Memorial Day. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Crewmen and guests participate in a square dance on the after deck of the guided missile cruiser USS LEAHY (CG-16) during the Seattle Sea Fair 1982. Visible in the foreground is one of the two Standard-MR SAM (88) missiles on an Mark 26 Mod launcher. Base: Seattle State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DA-SC-86-09051. Base: Largo State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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