Ceremonial Military Honors

Impressive displays of military precision and respect at ceremonies. Soldiers and Marines in formal attire participate in wreath-laying events and drills, showcasing tradition and honor.

The 104th Fighter Wing welcomes U.S. Air Force Col. David Moon Halasi-Kun as the new wing commander during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Halasi-Kun took command of the wing from Col. William T. Sling Bladen who had served as the commander since June 8, 2020.

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) support 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.

WASHINGTON (October 19, 2022) -- Members of the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Guard Drill Team perform for observers during a Joint Service Drill Team Competition at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. Drill teams from all four branches of the U.S. military and the U.S. Coast Guard performed as part of the event.

Marines from the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. (8th and I) participate in an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 13, 2023. The wreath was laid by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Batttalion, march to the Peatross Parade Deck in their Dress Blues aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, Dec. 9, 2022. These Marines have spent 13 weeks working on close-order drill, marksmanship, and traditions of the Marine Corps

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment Caisson Platoon, and the U.S. Army Band, Pershings Own conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Army Lt. Col. James Megellas, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 2, 2022.Megellas is considered the most decorated officers in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division. His awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and other military honors for his World War II European service. Megellas is being considered for the Medal of Honor for his service and leadership during the Battle of the Bulge, an upgrade of the Silver Star he received for this service.Megellass grandson, James Megellas, received the U.S. flag from his service.

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) support military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Army Gen. Montgomery Meigs in Section 1 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 25, 2022. Meigs served as the head of U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army from 1998 to 2002, where he commanded the NATO peacekeeping force in Bosnia. A 1967 graduate from the U.S. Military Academy, he commanded an armored cavalry unit in Vietnam and the 1st Armored Division in the Persian Gulf War. Meigs was named after his great-great-great granduncle who served during the Civil War as the Armys Quartermaster General and was the architect of Arlington National Cemetery. He is also buried in Section 1. Meigs spouse, Mary Meigs, received the U.S. flag from his service. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser / Arlington National Cemetery / released)

The 104th Fighter Wing welcomes U.S. Air Force Col. David Moon Halasi-Kun as the new wing commander during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Halasi-Kun took command of the wing from Col. William T. Sling Bladen who had served as the commander since June 8, 2020.

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass Band, and the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Cuthbert Pattillo and Lt. Gen. Charles Pattillo in Section 75 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 14, 2022.Twin brothers, Maj. Gen. and Lt. Gen. Pattillo enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in November 1942. During World War II, both flew with the Eighth Air Forces 352nd Fighter Group, protecting bombers and attacking ground targets. Maj. Gen. Pattillo flew 135 combat missions before being shot down and captured by the Germans. He remained a POW until the end of the war.Both were released from active duty following World War II but were later recalled in early 1948, serving with the 31st Fighter Group. Later, both served with the with the 36th Tactical Wing at Furstenfeldbruck Air Base in Germany. While in Europe, both helped form and flew in the U.S

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Republic of Marshall Islands President David Kabua engage in a bilateral exchange at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 27, 2022.

French President Emmanuel Macron (center left) and Maj. Gen. Allan M. Pepin (center right), commanding general, Joint Task Force - National Capital Region and the U.S. Military District of Washington participate 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.

Airman 1st Class Jarod Holley, Air Force Honor Guard, salutes with other Airmen during the National Anthem at the 53rd Annual Explosive Ordnance Disposal Memorial Ceremony, May 7. Names of recent fallen and past EOD technicians are added to the memorial wall and flags presented to their families during a ceremony each year at the Kauffman EOD Training Complex at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The all-service total now stands at 343. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Samuel King Jr.)

Joint Honor Guard members prepare for the honor cordon as Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomes Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren to the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., July 13, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

Service members support an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Aug. 31, 2022. The wreath was laid by Morten Bødskov, minister of defence, Denmark.

CAPE MAY, N.J. - Personnel at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May hold a remembrance ceremony for Petty Officer 1st Class Douglas Munro at his statue on the parade field, Sept. 27, 2022.U.S. Coast Guard men and women carry out a wide variety of diverse missions every day. Protecting people and commerce on the sea, protecting the sea itself, and protecting the country from threats aboard. We focus on present-day operations and readiness and strive to be prepared for tomorrow, but certain times compel us, and all Americans, to reflect on our history and heritage. The 80th anniversary of Munros extraordinarily heroic actions at Guadalcanal is such a day.

Office of Administration - 2nd Annual Veterans Owned Business Conference

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- U.S. Air Force Academy cadets stand in formation on Stillman Field during the Class of 2022 Graduation Parade on May 24, 2022 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

070102-F-0193C-007. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF

U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performs at a U.S. Air Force Band concert at the Air Force Memorial in Washington D.C., Aug. 24, 2012. Throughout the summer months of June, July, and August, the band's performing ensembles present free outdoor concerts at historic venues in our nation's capital for Washington area residents, as well as for visitors from around the world.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III meets with Jordans King Abdullah II at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 12, 2022.

Soldiers with the U.S. Army Drill Team march as part of the Military District of Washington's "Twilight Tattoo" at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. The "Twilight Tattoo" tells the history and story of the U.S. Army through the eyes of those who have served and their families. The show was hosted by Maj. Gen. John Andonie, deputy director of the Army National Guard.

A member of the Maryland Army National Guard Honor Guard team adjusts his cover prior to competing in the military funeral honors event during the 2009 Army National Guard Honor Guard Competition at Fort Myer, Va., Monday, Sept.14, 2009. The competition, which included eight finalists, tested the skills of the team members on their drill and ceremony knowledge, performance of military funeral honors, and attention to detail in wearing the Army uniform.

Eglin Honor Guard present the colors during the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing change of command ceremony July 28 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Col. Joshua Koslov took the wings reins from Col. William Young during the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

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.

January 2, 2007 - The Armed Forces Honor Guard prepares for the arrival of President Gerald R. Ford's body in front of the the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Usa, Virginia, Arlington. Iwo Jima Memorial, Sunset Parade which consists of a performance of 'The Commandant's Own' Drum and Bugle Corps, the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Ottenwess, 14th Operations Group senior enlisted leader, holds the guidon in formation, during a Memorial Day ceremony, May 26, 2022, on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. The 14th Flying Training Wing gathered to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our Armed Forces.

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard stand ready during the interment of fifth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert D. Gaylor, Feb. 10, 2024, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas. Gaylor spent more than seven decades improving the Air Force through its people. He was an active proponent of professional military education and delivered seminars frequently in person and online until his passing. Air Force

Lucy Beckham High School U.S. Coast Guard Junior ROTC members present the colors during the Coast Guard Designation Ceremony for Greater Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 26, 2023. During the Ceremony, Greater Charleston was officially recognized as the 33rd Coast Guard community through a program that honors communities that provide outstanding support to Coast Guard members and their families.

Service members conduct 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 and was hosted by Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director, Army National Military Cemeteries. The wreath was laid by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John H. Phillips, military deputy to the deputy chief of staff, G-6, United States Army Reserve.

010414-N-5100O-019. Subject Operation/Series: VALIANT RETURN Base: Naval Air Station Whidbey Island State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: VQ-1

CAPE MAY, N.J. - Personnel at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May hold a remembrance ceremony for Petty Officer 1st Class Douglas Munro at his statue on the parade field, Sept. 27, 2022.U.S. Coast Guard men and women carry out a wide variety of diverse missions every day. Protecting people and commerce on the sea, protecting the sea itself, and protecting the country from threats aboard. We focus on present-day operations and readiness and strive to be prepared for tomorrow, but certain times compel us, and all Americans, to reflect on our history and heritage. The 80th anniversary of Munros extraordinarily heroic actions at Guadalcanal is such a day.

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, march to the Peatross Parade Deck in their Dress Blues aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, Dec. 9, 2022. These Marines have spent 13 weeks working on close-order drill, marksmanship, and traditions of the Marine Corps

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosts Philippine Officer in Charge of the Department of National Defense Carlito Galvez during a bilateral exchange at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., April 12, 2023.

The honor cordon arrives as Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and U.K. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace hold a bilateral meeting at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 11, 2022.

051002-F-7564C-131. Base: Charlotte Ang Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Avery Balaskovitz, member of the Vandenberg Space Force Base Honor Guard team and assigned to the 30th Security Forces Squadron, holds the American flag during the 18th Space Defense Squadrons re-designation ceremony at Vandenberg SFB, Calif., April 13, 2022. The 18 SDS, previously 18th Space Control Squadron, provides standardized, accurate position and velocity information to satellite owners, operators, launch entities, and others, enabling responsible use of space and assisting spacefarers in avoiding collisions.

Members of the 1st Special Operations Wing Honor Guard prepares to render honors for President Mario Abdo Benítez, of the Republic of Paraguay, at Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 30, 2023. Paraguay and the United States have been allies under the Rio Treaty, an agreement signed by several countries in the Americas for defense solidarity, since 1947.

Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) participated in an Army Honor Wreath Ceremony for the Secret Service Washington Field Office at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, June 24, 2022. Special Agent Matthew Stohler, Special Agent in Charge (SES) Washington Field Office, participated in the wreath-laying hosted by Maj. Gen. Allan M. Pepin, commanding general, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington.

030402-M-5834A-117. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: III MEF

The State and Territorial Cordon lines the walkways of the mall leading up to the tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Nov. 30, 2022. The cordon was part of an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony in honor of French President Emmanuel Macrons visit to ANC.

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 320th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, July 7-8, 2022. Col. Catherine Barrington, 90th Missile Wing commander, reviewed the ceremony.

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.

Senior Master Sgt. Carmen Daniels, 192nd Force Support Squadron senior enlisted leader, promotes to the rank of chief master sergeant June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Lt. Col. Fallon Martin, 192nd Support Squadron commander, presided over the ceremony attended by Daniels' family, friends and fellow members of the Virginia Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard by Staff Sgt. Kellyann Elish)

The Indiana National Guard's ceremonial unit helps bring a fallen hero home during an honorable transfer in Indianapolis, Ind., April 5, 2022. An honorable transfer is a tradition that displays honor, dignity and respect during the return of a fallen service member.

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.

Close-up of two soldiers face to face

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performs during Air Force Week 2012 at South Street Seaport in New York City Aug. 21, 2012. The drill team gave several performances at various locations throughout NYC as part of Air Force Week.

The Ramstein Air Base Honor Guard presents the colors at a joint intramural flag football game at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Nov. 28, 2022. Sports directors from Ramstein Air Base and U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder hosted the event, which included organizations from across each base, to boost morale.

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 324th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept 7-8, 2022. Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander, reviewed the ceremony.

The Coast Guard Academy's Corps of Cadets march in formation during a regimental review, Oct. 8, 2022.

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), participate in a Joint Armed Forces Color Guard during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., Feb. 12th, 2024. Laying the wreath in honor of President Lincoln's birthday is Maj. Gen. Trevor J. Bredenkamp, commanding general, Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region. Army

Soldiers with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment stand in formation as part of the Military District of Washington's "Twilight Tattoo" at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. The "Twilight Tattoo" tells the history and story of the U.S. Army through the eyes of those who have served and their families. The show was hosted by Maj. Gen. John Andonie, deputy director of the Army National Guard.

040614-F-5646C-002. Complete Scene Caption: Drill team members simultaneously hurl their 13-pound M1 Garand rifles over and around the Commander, performing a sequence of events unmatched by any other professional military drill team. The US Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, 11th Operations Group (OG), Bolling Air Force Base (AFB), Washington D.C., serves to foster pride and confidence in our evolving air and space expeditionary force, inspires Air Force awareness in the military and civilian community, and encourages young men and women to serve their country. Through its complex drill routines with a fully operational M1 Garand rifle and fixed bayonets, the drill team embodies teamwork, professionalism, and discipline. During its 40-year history, the drill team has performed in every state of the union and many countries abroad. Base: Mildenhall State: Suffolk Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

230324-N-LN782-1727 (Mar. 24, 2023) U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command's Pass in Review in Great Lakes, Illinois, Mar. 24, 2023. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp

DN-ST-85-12714. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

More than 600 Airmen assigned to Flights 169-184, graduated from U.S. Air Force Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, February 21-22, 2024. Colonel Ryan E. Richardson, Commander, 42nd Air Base Wing, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama reviewed the ceremony. Air Force

Members of the Armed Service Color Guard prepare to present the Colors during the 1997 Presidential Inaugural Swearing-in Ceremony. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The 2d Marine Division color guard presents the colors during the 2d MARDIV 247th Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 4, 2022. The birthday ball is a celebration of Marine Corps tradition and the legacy across generations from the past to the future of the warfighting organization.

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) participate in Flags-In, where Soldiers placed U.S. flags at the headstones and niche of service members buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. Over 250,000 flags were planted at the final resting place of our Nation's fallen.

Marines with Delta Company, 1st Marine Training Battalion, march to the Peatross Parade Deck in their Dress Blues aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, Dec. 2, 2022. The Marines have spent the last 13 weeks learning close-order drill, marksmanship, martial arts, and Marine Corp traditions.

01/13/2014 Washington, United States The President of the Government, Mariano Rajoy during his visit to Arlington Cemetery. Photography: Diego Crespo / Moncloa Presidency of the Government ARCHDC.

Service members from all service branches participate in an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Feb. 9, 2023. The wreath was laid by Georgian Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze.

Sentinels from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment conduct the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Oct. 4, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Davis S. Nahom, center, salutes Gen. Glen D. VanHerck during the 11th Air Force change of command ceremony at Hanger 20 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, August 11, 2022. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm turned over command to Lt. Gen. Davis S. Nahom as Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, and Gen. Ken S. Wilsbach, Commander, Pacific Air Forces, officiated before gathered family members, distinguished guests and military personnel.

031111-F-3431H-026. Base: Arlington National Cemetery State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 11WG

070227-M-1726S-214. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 8TH

U.S. Marines from 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division salute at a ceremony at Oise-Aisne 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.

Eglin Honor Guard Airmen bring in the colors during the 96th Operations Group change of command ceremony July 26 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Col. Tucker Hamilton took the group reins from Col. Doug Creviston during the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

An Armed Forces Full Honor Review and Welcoming Ceremony was held for Secretary of Defense Caspar W. Weinberger. The ceremony was hosted by General David C. Jones, Chairman Joint CHIEF of STAFF. Base: Fort Myer, Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

KEY WEST, Fla. (July 15, 2022) U.S. Army General Laura J. Richardson, commander, U.S. Southern Command, departs the change of command ceremony where U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Douglas Fears relinquished command of Joint Interagency Task Force South to U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Mark Fedor at the Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center in Key West, Fla. July 15, 2022. JIATF-South detects and monitors illegal trafficking in the air and on the water, and supports international and interagency operations that stop illegal drug trafficking. It operates in waters covering 42 million square miles of the western hemisphere, predominately with its 20 official partner nations.

The Marines of the U.S. Department of State celebrate their 243rd birthday with a cake cutting ceremony featuring guest speaker Lieutenant General Charles G. Chiarotti on Nov 1, 2018, in Washington, DC.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosts Danish Defense Minister Morten Bodskov for a bilateral exchange meeting at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 1, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - ASSUMPTION OF COMMAND CEREMONY AND RECEPTION

U.S. Army Sergeant Cade Mitchell, an M1 Armor Crewman assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, leads a formation of Soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division participating in the Chicago Thanksgiving parade in Chicago, Illinois, Nov. 24, 2022. Mitchell participated in the parade as one of a select group of 1ID Soldiers that spent the holiday in Chicago to interact with the local community in support of 'Meet Your Army' initiatives.

U.S. Air Force Col. Mary Teeter relinquished command of the 305th Maintenance Group to U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Pendley during a change of command ceremony. U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Wiederholt, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, presided over the ceremony. Teeter led CAN DO Airmen and 305th innovation through both the COVID-19 pandemic as well as Operations Allies Welcome/Refuge.

Representatives from the veterans and military service organizations wait to begin the Parade of Colors through the Memorial Amphitheater as part of the National Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., May 30, 2022.

Tomb guards from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) conduct the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., March 28, 2023.

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 323rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept 14-15, 2022. Col. Lauren A. Courchaine, Commander, 37th Training Wing, reviewed the ceremony.

117th Air Refueling Wing Members participate in a 9/11 remembrance at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Sept. 11, 2022. Chaplain (Capt.) Eric Guiffreda led wing members in prayer.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jacquita Melton assumed the role of Command Chief of the Ohio Air National Guard's 178th Wing in Springfield, Ohio during a change of authority ceremony held Dec. 3, 2022. Melton is the ninth command chief master sergeant of the Ohio National Guard's 178th Wing.

Tomb guards from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) conduct the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 12, 2024.

A U.S. Air Force Honor Guardsman assigned to the 35th Force Support Squadron, stands at attention in formation during the Patriot Day Retreat Ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 9, 2022. The ceremony paid special tribute to the victims and families of those lost in New York, Pennsylvania and the Pentagon due to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Usa, Virginia, Arlington. Iwo Jima Memorial, Sunset Parade which consists of a performance of 'The Commandant's Own' Drum and Bugle Corps, the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard.

Service members from all service branches participate in an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Feb. 9, 2023. The wreath was laid by Georgian Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze.

Monaco. Changing of the guard at Palais du Prince

The Base Honor Guard prepares to present the Colors during the Distinguished Flying Cross Ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 4, 2023. Recipients earned their medals for their heroism during the 17-day evacuation of 124,000 people from Afghanistan during Operation Allies Refuge.

The 87th Air Base Wing honor guard present the colors during the national anthem for a change of command ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 24, 2022. Col. Lola Washington assumed command of the 108th Mission Support Group from Col. Bernadette Maldonado who served as the commander since May 2021.

The first two Guardian flights to experience a Space Force ecosystem within Air Force Basic Military Training graduated at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, on June 22-23, 2022. More than 700 Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 326th Training Squadron graduated, and Gen. John "Jay" Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, reviewed the ceremony.

U.S. Marines from 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division salute at a ceremony at Oise-Aisne 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.

051002-F-7564C-125. Base: Charlotte Ang Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass Band, and the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Cuthbert Pattillo and Lt. Gen. Charles Pattillo in Section 75 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 14, 2022.Twin brothers, Maj. Gen. and Lt. Gen. Pattillo enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in November 1942. During World War II, both flew with the Eighth Air Forces 352nd Fighter Group, protecting bombers and attacking ground targets. Maj. Gen. Pattillo flew 135 combat missions before being shot down and captured by the Germans. He remained a POW until the end of the war.Both were released from active duty following World War II but were later recalled in early 1948, serving with the 31st Fighter Group. Later, both served with the with the 36th Tactical Wing at Furstenfeldbruck Air Base in Germany. While in Europe, both helped form and flew in the U.S

U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May holds a Memorial Day Weekend Sunset Parade for Coast Guard Gold Star families, May 29, 2022, in Cape May, N.J. The Coast Guard Gold Star Program is the Coast Guard's official program for providing long-term support to surviving families of Coast Guard members who die while in an Active status.

New U.S. Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, march in formation during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 13, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marines Corps customs and traditions.

U.S. Army Col. Shannon-Mikal Lucas, deputy provost marshal general, Office of the Provost Marshal General; U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Viridiana Lavalle, military working dog program manager, Office of the Provost Marshal General; and others watch the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 27, 2022.

Barracks Marines with Alpha Company fix bayonets during a Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, July 29, 2022. The hosting official for the evening was Lieutenant General Kevin M. Iiams, Commanding General, Training and Education, and the guest of honor was Vice Admiral Jeffrey W. Hughes, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development.

DA-SC-85-12395. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173RD Airborne Brigade, sing the Army song during the NCO Induction ceremony at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, Nov. 30, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, outgoing U.S. Special Operations Command

Tomb guards from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) conduct the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., April 3, 2023.

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 322nd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, July 27-28, 2022. Lt. Gen. Richard W. Scobee, Commander, Air Force Reserve Command, reviewed the ceremony.

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