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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.

Members of the USAF Honor Guard Team of Pallbearers pause for a moment of silence, on the flight line at Scott AFB, Illinois after carrying the remains of USAF Lieutenant Michael Blassie. The remains of Lieutenant Blassie are being returned to his family after lying unidentified for fourteen years in the Tomb of the Unknowns. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sgt. 1st Class Christian Flores introduces Tripler's Sgt. Audie Murphy Club inductees.

The Honor Guard parades the colors during the Military Womens Memorial 25th Anniversary Ceremony at the Military Womens Memorial in Arlington, Va., Oct. 15, 2022.

930114-D-9880W-117. Base: Fort Myer State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sgt. Maj. of the U.S. Army Michael A. Grinston, speaks to competitors during the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos. (This photo has been modified to black and white for effect.)

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 331st Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, August 17-18, 2022. Maj. Gen. Michele C. Edmondson, Commander, Second Air Force, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, reviewed the ceremony.

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.

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 323rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, July 20-21, 2022. Col. Lauren A. Courchaine, Commander, 37th Training Wing, reviewed the ceremony.

Airmen from the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill team perform during the 2022 Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Education & Development Symposium, in San Antonio, Aug. 15, 2022. The Air Force Honor Guard is the official ceremonial unit of the U.S. Air Force.

Air force soldiers of the guard battalion, photographed during the final roll call of the Bundeswehr missions MINUSMA and EUTM Mali at the Federal Ministry of Defence in Berlin, 22.02.2024

U.S. Army Soldiers, participating in the U.S. Army Forces Command Best Squad Competition, prepare to enter the squad board on Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 19, 2022. These soldiers represent the best in U.S. Army Forces Command.

Czech Republic, Praque, Guard at entrance gate to Praque Castle

Members of Joint Task Force-Bravo and the Honduran Air Force attend a joint NCO Induction Ceremony at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Feb. 9, 2024. Air Force

Honor Guard member Airman 1st Class Fabiola Davila-Figueroa plays taps atthe 9/11 Memorial Ceremony Sept. 9, 2022, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. TheSept. 11, 2001, attacks were one of the darkest days in U.S. history, withnearly 3,000 people killed.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram engage in a bilateral exchange at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 20, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.; Lt. Gen. Richard Scobee, outgoing AFRC commander; and new Air Force Reserve Command commander Lt. Gen. John Healy; all stand at attention during the national anthem for the AFRC change of command at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Aug. 3, 2022. Healy previously served as the Deputy to the Chief of the Air Force Reserve, Headquarters U.S. Air Force.

US Air Force Major General Kurt Anderson, 19th Air Force Commander, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas (left), Brigadier General John Barry (Middle) and BGEN Carrol Chandler (Right) participate in a Change of Command Ceromony, as BGEN Barry has just taken over command of the 56th Wing, Luke AFB, Arizona. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030212-F-0558K-014. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

General Richard H. Ellis, right, relieves GEN Russell E. Dougherty, center, as commander in cheif of the Strategic Air Command. Attending the change of command ceremony is GEN George S. Brown, left, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of STAFF. Base: Offutt Air Force Base State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Training Center Cape May, N.J., hosts a Independence Day Sunset Parade, July 3, 2022, in honor of the 102nd anniversary of the establishment of the chief petty officer rank. The training center is the home of the Coast Guard's enlisted corps -- it is our nations only Coast Guard enlisted accession point and recruit training center. Led by our chief petty officers nearly 3,000 of America's finest young men and women arrive each year for the first chapter of their Coast Guard career.

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.

Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo (left), chief of staff, Indonesian Air Force, and Maj. Gen. Joel Jackson (right), commander, Air Force District of Washington, walk through the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., May 19, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Airmen assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing present the flags and bear rifles for the singing of the national anthem at the 75th Annual Air Force Ball at the Carolina Skies Club at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Sep. 16, 2022. The 75th Annual Air Force Ball celebrated 75 years of the Air Force since its inception on Sep. 16, 1947.

(From left to right) Gen. Pierre Schill, chief of staff, French Army; Chief of Staff of the Army General James McConville; and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Kevin Admiral, director of force management, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army render honors to the French flag in the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Aug. 23, 2022. While at ANC, Schill participated in an Army Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

040611-F-3050V-004. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 433rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, August 10-11, 2022. Brig. Gen. Brenda P. Cartier, Director of Operations and Communications, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, reviewed the ceremony.

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., Jan. 13, 2023. The wreath was laid by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

U.S. Park Police promotion ceremony, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne among the dignitaries on hand

021209-F-4476B-198. Complete Scene Caption: US Air Force (USAF) Leaders pose for a group photograph outside the Air Force Doctrine Center, located at Maxwell Air Force Base (AFB), Alabama (AL), marking a conclusion to the Air Force Doctrine Summit. Seated left-to-right are: General (GEN) Lance W. Lord, Air Force Space Command (AFSPC); GEN William J. Bergert, Commander, Pacific Air Forces; GEN John W. Handy, Air Mobility Command (AMC); GEN Lester W. Lyles, Air Force Material Command (AFMC); Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF) The Honorable Dr. James G. Roche; GEN John P. Jumper, Air Force CHIEF-of-STAFF; GEN Gregory S. Martin, Air Force Material Command (AFMC); GEN Hal M. Hornburg, Air Combat Command (ACC); and GEN Donald G. Cook, Air Education and Training Command (AETC). Pictured standing left-to-right are: Major General (MGEN) Craig R. McKinley, Commander, 1ST Air Force; MGEN David F. MacGhee Jr, Commander, Air Force Doctrine Center; Lieutenant General (LGEN) Joseph E. Hurd (Ret), D

Senior Airman Valarie Chalys, Tech. Sgt. Kristy Crespo, Airmen 1st Class Erik Taylor and Shade Bennett, and Senior Airman Carlton Best, Keesler Honor Guard members, place service hats on a prisoner of war/missing in action ceremonial table during a training session June 26, 2013, at the Locker House, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.

Practice Inaugural Parade. The US Navy participates 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)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brandon Susewitt, 375th Civil Engineer Squadron crew chief, stands by a bell during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Sept. 9, 2022. During the ceremony, the bell was rung three times, three times each, to honor first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty, symbolizing the end of their duties.

030212-F-0558K-012. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (April 30, 2022) - Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Portsmouth's Color Guard stands by before the frocking ceremony for Capt. Guido Valdes, April 30, 2022. Naval Medical Forces Atlantic provides well-trained medical experts, operating as high performance teams, to project medical power in support of naval superiority.

U.S. Army Soldiers with Able Company, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard, teach Cub Scouts how to properly fold the American Flag in a military funeral ceremony at Conlon Hall, Bergen Field, New Jersey, Feb. 6, 2024. Teaching the flag folding ceremony to the Cub Scouts of America is believed to teach the youth of Bergenfield the history and traditions involved in rendering honors at a funeral. Army National Guard

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 51st Fighter Wing stand at attention before forming a saber archway during a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Induction Ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 6, 2022. The new Master Sgts. are technical experts who will begin transitioning from first-line supervisors to team leaders with operational competence and overall effectiveness.

U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Filler, left, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, greets Master Sgt. Adam Porter, right, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band sousaphone player, during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Brookwood American Military Cemetery, England, May 29, 2022. Memorial Day provides us a solemn opportunity to remember our fallen brothers and sisters in arms, reflect upon their courageous sacrifice, and show gratitude for the freedom they gave their lives to defend. It also affords us the opportunity to pay homage to those families who lost their loved ones in service to the Nation-and continue to feel the full weight of that sacrifice today.

First Lt. Andrew Forsythe, Honor Guard officer in charge, presents a flag to a family member of the deceased during a funeral March 2, 2019, in Camarillo, Calif. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, a military burial flag is provided to a deceased veteran in order to honor the memory of their service to the country.

9/11 first responders stand for a flag unveiling during an observance ceremony at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial to honor the 184 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attack at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 11, 2022.

Members from law enforcement agencies on Guam prepare to raise the flag during the annual Peace Officers Memorial Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony on May 15, 2022, at the Hagatna Police Precinct, Guam. The ceremony was held to honor all the law enforcement agencies on Guam, as well as those protectors who have fallen in the line of duty.

Team USASOC, representing the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, poses for a photo while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

U.S. Soldiers with both the Nebraska and Pennsylvania National Guard stand in formation to take the special police oath near the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 17, 2021. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from several states have traveled to Washington to provide support to federal and district authorities leading up to the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets cheer on the academys football team, October 1st, 2022, at USAFA Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, Colorado. The falcons played the U.S. Naval Academy, beating them 13-10.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, the Director of the Air National Guard, and Brig. Gen. Rodney Boyd, Assistant Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, salute as the American Flag carried by firmen of the Chicago Fire Department passes by them in the Memorial Day Parade in Chicago, Illinois, May 29, 2022. Loh served as the parades Grand Marshal.

040318-O-0000M-008. Base: Panama City Country: Panama (PAN)

Karen Durham-Aguilera (right), executive director, Army National Military Cemeteries and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John H. Phillips (left), military deputy to the deputy chief of staff, G-6, United States Army Reserve, participate in 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.

Karen Durham-Aguilera (right), executive director, Army National Military Cemeteries and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John H. Phillips (left), military deputy to the deputy chief of staff, G-6, United States Army Reserve, participate in 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.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, the Director of the Air National Guard, and Brig. Gen. Rodney Boyd, Assistant Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, look on as parade participants pass by them in the Memorial Day Parade in Chicago, Illinois, May 29, 2022. Loh served as the parades Grand Marshal.

Members of the San Juan Guard of Theodore Roosevelt High School display enthusiasm during their armed exhibition performance at the All-Service Nationals on April 16, 2022 in Daytona Beach, Fla. The All-Service drill competition was a two-day event featuring high school JROTC programs from all military services showcasing their skills in both armed and unarmed events. | Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

NAVAL BASE GUAM (Oct. 7, 2022) - Joint Region Marianas (JRM) Fire and Emergency Services (FES) hosted the Fire Academy Class 2022-01 Graduation Ceremony at Naval Base Guam Chapel, Oct. 7. JRM FES graduated nine new firefighters who will serve the community.

Presentation of a royal award during Queen's Day on April 28, 1989 by the commander of analysis and tactics (Antac, part of the operational school) Captain-Ter-Zee C.D. José (1940-2010, at the front left).

154th Force Support Squadron Airmen assemble for a uniform inspection Sept. 10, 2022, as a full moon descends behind the formation at Joint Base Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Force Support Airmen offer services such as personnel assistance, family support, training continuity, fitness assessments and providing freshly cooked meals throughout regularly scheduled drills.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosts an honor cordon welcoming Japan's Minister of Defense Yasukazu Hamada to the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 14, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosts an honor cordon welcoming Japan's Minister of Defense Yasukazu Hamada to the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 14, 2022.

Capt. Michael Ariola, Public Affairs Officer (left), 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command, and Lt. Col. Arturo Napolitano, Commander, 318th Theater Public Affairs Support Element, pause for a photo with Ron Onesti, (center) President, Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, during the Chicago Columbus Day Parade, October 10, 2022. The parade celebrated Italian American culture, along with a range of diverse cultures throughout the parade.

Staff Sgt. Emily Williams, 66th Security Forces Squadron unit training manager, carries the U.S. Flag off the field following the playing of the anthem at Fenway Park in Boston, April 18.

More than 700 Airmen assigned to Flights 91-106, graduated from U.S. Air Force Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, January 10-11, 2024. Brig. Gen. Akshai M. Gandhi, Chief of Staff, South Carolina Air National Guard, reviewed the ceremony.

A tomb guard from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) walks the mat during snowfall at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 19, 2024.

Cadets Marching in Formation, West Point Military Academy, West Point, New York

230329-N-PG545-1109, Prescott, Arizona (March 29, 2023) U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters perform at Yavapai College Performing Arts Center as part of their 2023 national tour. The Sea Chanters performed 19 concerts over 22 days, covering 2800 ground miles throughout Washington, Oregon, California and Arizona. National tours allow the band to connect with communities in areas of the country that do not have opportunities to see the Navys premier musical ensembles on a regular basis, and to honor those who have served and continue to serve in the military.

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

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

Maj. Gen. Allan M. Pepin, commanding general of Joint Task Force - National Capital Region and U.S. Army Military District of Washington, delivers a speech during a commemoration of the 104th anniversary of the 3rd Infantry Divisions stand on the Marne River at the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, July 15, 2022. During World War I, the division earned the name Rock of the Marne during the Second Battle of the Marne at the Marne River near Chateau-Thierry, France, on July 15, 1918. This was the last major German offensive of the war. The Germans planned to march up the Marne River and carry on to Paris but failed when they met 3rd ID. When the German units retreated and the French Allies pulled back their troops, the then Commanding General of the 3rd ID, Maj. Gen. Joseph Dickman, told the French Allies Nous resterons la, translated to English, this means We will stay here. The 3rd IDs heroism during this battle was a turning point in

U.S. Air Force chief master sergeants selectees pose for a photo at a ceremony at the Arctic Warrior Events Center on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Feb. 9, 2024. Chief master sergeants hold strategic leadership positions with tremendous influence at all levels of the Air Force, and continue to develop personal leadership and management skills. Air Force

Checkpoint Charlie, Kreuzberg quarter, Mitte district, Berlin, Germany, Europe

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