← Military & Defence

Ceremonies and Official Events

Images of military ceremonies featuring speeches and formal gatherings, focusing on leadership and recognition.

General Glen VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, speaks during the USNORTHCOM 20th Anniversary Ceremony Sept. 30, 2022, at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. USNORTHCOM was established Oct. 1, 2002 to provide command and control of Department of Defense homeland defense efforts and to coordinate defense support of civil authorities. (Department of Defense photo by Master Sgt. Benjamin Wiseman)

U.S. Army chaplain Col. Joanne Martindale, Chief of the Chaplains Office, Army Reserve, gives the benediction at the conclusion of Maj. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of New Jersey, promotion ceremony at the National Guard Armory in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Feb. 3, 2024. Hou commands more than 8,400 Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard. As Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Hou leads, directs, and manages the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in the execution of federal and state missions. In addition, she manages all state veterans programs, commissions, and facilities in New Jersey. (New Jersey National Guard

General Glen VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, speaks during the USNORTHCOM 20th Anniversary Ceremony Sept. 30, 2022, at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. USNORTHCOM was established Oct. 1, 2002 to provide command and control of Department of Defense homeland defense efforts and to coordinate defense support of civil authorities. (Department of Defense photo by Master Sgt. Benjamin Wiseman)

U.S. Air Force Cyber Systems Group Change of Leadership ceremony July 27, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

US Air Force Lieutenant General Charles R. Heflebower, 7th Air Force Commander answers question from a simulated local media at the Community Center on Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, during their Operational Readiness Exercise (ORI). Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Coast Guard Personnel - Press Conference - 26-HK-83-9. 930 Press Conf--CAPT Frank Paskewich, SECNOLA CO, at podium. Hurricane Katrina

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks participates in the Suicide Prevention recognition ceremony hosted by William Booth, Director, Defense Human Resources Activity, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 7, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

Col. Tassika Davis speaks to the audience after taking command of the 96th Mission Support Group during the units change of command ceremony July 27 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Davis took the groups reins from Col. Kenneth Black during the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

U.S. Air Force Col. Roxanne T. Toy takes command of the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center on June 1, 2022, during a ceremony on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee. Colonel Toy is TECs 18th commander since its establishment in July 1968. The primary learning center of the Air National Guard, TEC provides enlisted professional military education and professional continuing education for the total U.S. Air Force.

Commander in Chief of the Minnesota National Guard Gov. Tim Pawlenty speaks to Deploying Soldiers, their families and friends during the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Departure Ceremony at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, Minn., Feb. 10, 2009.

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

Mr. David Radcliff, Nellis Support Team (NST) leader, presents Mr. Joe Brown with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the 75th Annual Air Force Ball in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sept. 10, 2022. This first, lifetime achievement award is given to members of the NST that have made great contributions to the Nellis AFB, Creech AFB and Las Vegas communities.

Coast Guard Air Station - Clearwater, Florida - Distinguished Flying Cross - 26-HK-128-1. Hurricane Katrina

Newly promoted Chief Master Sgt. Carmen Daniels, 192nd Force Support Flight senior enlisted leader, gives thanks and acknowledgements during her promotion ceremony June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Daniels became the 176th chief in the Virginia Air National Guard and was celebrated by family, friends and fellow members of the VaANG.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell speaks during the 2022 Navy Week New Orleans Mayoral Welcome, at Gallier Hall, New Orleans, April 19, 2022. Fleet Weeks are a celebration of the sea services wherein service members from visiting U.S. Navy ships make the city a port of call. Fleet Week activities consist of ship visitation, social events, and community relations activities.

Dedication ceremonies, Dulles International Airport, 11:12AM. President John F. Kennedy (at lectern) delivers remarks at the dedication ceremony for Dulles International Airport, named after the late Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles. On speakers platform, left of lectern: Janet Avery Dulles (widow of former Secretary Dulles); Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral George W. Anderson, Jr.; Secretary of State, Dean Rusk; White House Secret Service agent, Floyd Boring; Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Earl Warren; Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA), Lieutenant General Harold W. Grant; Director of the Bureau of National Capital Airports, G. Ward Hobbs (behind lectern). Right of lectern: Governor of Virginia, Albertis S. Harrison, Jr.; Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, General Curtis E. LeMay; Military Aide to the President, General Chester V. Clifton; former president, General Dwight D. Eisenhower; Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA),

Col. Robin Husted, U.S. Africa Command's J-1, or personnel officer, speaks during the 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment graduation Feb. 2. Pfc. Husted joined three generations of his Family to serve at Fort Jackson.

020301-F-1166S-001. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Moblility Command

U.S Air Force retired Lt. Gen. L. Scott Catfish Rice, former Air National Guard director, received the Order of the Sword for his unparalleled interest in support of and guidance to the enlisted corps, Dec 9, 2022, at Joint Base Andrews, in Maryland. The Order of the Sword is the highest honor the enlisted force can bestow upon a military officer for providing significant support and contribution toward the development and welfare of the Airmen to whom they serve.

Pat Wilkening speaks during an Oct. 1 ceremony to officially rename Volk Fields lodging and conference center after her late husband, Maj. Gen. Al Wilkening, Wisconsins adjutant general from 2002 to 2008, at Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center. The 205,745 square-foot facility has 1,035 available beds and four conference rooms. In the 2022 fiscal year, Hotel Volk hosted more than 238 units for more than 60,000 bednights.Maj. Gen. Wilkening retired after 38 years of service to this state and nation. He was widely respected for his strategic vision, which combined with his focus and drive laid the foundation for Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center to provide capabilities as the premier Air National Guard training facility in a rapidly evolving global environment. Maj. Gen. Wilkening was highly respected throughout the entire National Guard community and was often a by-name selection to serve on a wide range of councils and committees. Volk Field photo by Kristen Keehan

A retirement ceremony is held for U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker, the eleventh Ohio state command chief, on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Her retirement followed a change of authority ceremony.

020919-F-3431H-008. Base: Bolling Air Force Base State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 11th AW

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks speaks at the National Capital Region ROTC Detachment commencement at Fort Myer, Virginia, May 20, 2022. The class of 2022 had 87 cadets with 14 of them commissioning as Distinguished Military Graduates, the top 20% of cadets in the nation.

220703-N-XB470-1069VO RUNG HARBOR, Vietnam (July 3, 2022) - Mr. Marc Knapper, United States Ambassador to Vietnam, gives remarks during the Pacific Partnership 2022 (PP22) Vietnam closing ceremony aboard USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

040723-N-9288T-173. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Captain Kimberly P. Toone, commanding officer Navy Medicine Operational Training Command (NMOTC) delivers opening remarks for the United States Naval Aerospace Conference (USNAC) Feb. 7. The event was hosted by the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute (NAMI), a detachment of NMOTC and was held at the National Naval Aviation Museum. The conference is intended to share ideas and knowledge in the community of aerospace medicine and is held bi-annually. NMOTC is comprised of six nationwide detachments that offer specialized medical training in the fields of aviation, aviation survival, surface and undersea warfare, expeditionary and special operations medicine. Navy

Royal New Zealand Air Force Warrant Officer Guy Lipsham reads lines from The Ode” in Maori during the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Day 2022 ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, April 25, 2022. ANZAC Day commemorates the sacrifices made by all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions around the world. This date marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australia and New Zealand during World War I and is the 50th year U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific has provided military support to ANZAC Day in Honolulu.

020911-A-2682N-006. Base: Fort Gillem State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks provides remarks during a September 11 Pentagon Staff Memorial Observance in the courtyard of the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 9, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)

930331-D-2987S-024. Base: Patrick Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-86-05719. Base: San Francisco State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PATUXENT RIVER, Maryland (Feb. 22, 2024) - Cmdr. Emily Mooren, commanding officer of Unmanned Carrier-Launched Multi-Role Squadron (VUQ) 10, delivers a speech at the squadrons change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, Feb. 22. VUQ-10 was established on Oct. 1, 2022 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland and is the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) for the MQ-25 Stingray, the Navys first carrier-based unmanned aircraft. Navy

Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) - Marine Safety Office St. Louis - 26-HK-121-120. Hurricane Katrina

Col. Kristen Thompson, 55th Wing commander, speaks during an event celebrating the 20th year of the 170th Group at Offutt Air Force Base, Sept. 10, 2022.

Col. Michael Griesbaum, commander of the 168th Wing speaks at the 168th Wing Dining Out. The 168th Wing hosted a Dining Out event in Fairbanks, Alaska, for Airmen to keep Air Force traditions alive and continue morale-building ceremonies. The Air Force Dining Out event started approximately in the 1930s with Army Air Corps General H. Hap Arnolds Wing Dings. The guest speaker at the 2022 168th WG Dining Out was Gregory D. Gadson, a motivational speaker, retired Colonel in the United States Army, and former commander of the U.S. Army Fort Belvoir Garrison. He is also a bilateral above-the-knee amputee.

Retired Master Chief Petty Officer Kevin Burg, former Command Master Chief of Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, provides comments during a celebration of the 10-Year Anniversary of the grand opening of the current Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton held aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton on Jan. 30, 2024.

221019-N-FK318-1190WASHINGTON NAVY YARD (Oct. 19, 2022) Midshipman Paula Hackbart, President of the U.S. Naval Academys Filipino American Midshipman Club, speaks at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy during a panel discussion commemorating Filipino American History Month. The panel discussion included the family of Fireman 2nd Class Telesforo de la Cruze Trinidad, the only Filipino in the U.S. Navy to receive the Medal of Honor. In May 2022, Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, announced that a future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer will be named in honor of Trinidads bravery and actions.

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

Coast Guard Personnel - Press Conference - 26-HK-83-7. 930 Press Conf--CAPT Frank Paskewich, SECNOLA CO, at podium, with LA state official nearby6. Hurricane Katrina

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

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Shot Glass, the outgoing commander of the 131st Fighter Squadron, addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony for the 131FS June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.

Coast Guard Personnel - Press Conference - 26-HK-83-19. 930 Press Conf--CAPT Frank Paskewich, SECNOLA CO, at podium11. Hurricane Katrina

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks speaks at the National Capital Region ROTC Detachment commencement at Fort Myer, Virginia, May 20, 2022. The class of 2022 had 87 cadets with 14 of them commissioning as Distinguished Military Graduates, the top 20% of cadets in the nation.

Joe Zadrozny, the Charge D Affaires, a.i., to Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, speaks to attendees of a Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) repatriation ceremony as part of an underwater recovery mission at Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Oct. 14, 2022. DPAA personnel arrived to conduct an underwater excavation operation in an effort to find a U.S. aircraft crew lost over Papua New Guinea during World War II. DPAA's mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

U.S. Air Force Col. Keegan Lyons, left, Defense Health Agency Sacramento Market deputy director and 60th Medical Group deputy commander, salutes Col. Melissa Dooley, DHA Sacramento Market director and 60th MDG commander, during the DHA Sacramento Market change of directorship and the 60th MDG change of command ceremony at David Grant USAF Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, California, July 13, 2022. The change of command ceremony is rooted in military history, dating back to the 18th century, where the command flag is passed to the individual assuming command in the presence of the entire unit.

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) David Elicerio addresses the crowd during the Court of Honor Induction Ceremony at Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022.To the friends, family, and Soldiers here today, said Elicerio. Thank you for coming and making this a special day for our honorees. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) - Marine Safety Office St. Louis - 26-HK-121-107. Hurricane Katrina

Interior Secretary Gale Norton speaking, with Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, North Carolina Governor Mike Easley, President George Bush, andactor John Travolta behind, left to right, at events marking the centennial of the first powered flight, Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills,North Carolina

Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Janet Cobb details memories to listeners about various items in the trophy case commemorating her years of dedicated service during a room dedication ceremony at the U.S. Army Reserve Deployment Support Command in Birmingham, Al. May 14, 2022. Cobb gave details of her journey, to include her tenure as the briefing officer for the 314th Public Affairs Detachment. (Press Camp Headquarters).

Ralph Galati, Air Force veteran and former prisoner of war, speaks at a retreat ceremony commemorating National POW/MIA Recognition Day on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Sept. 16, 2022. Galati was shot down over North Vietnam in 1972 and was a POW for 14 months.

LOS ANGELES (May 24, 2022) - Erik Raven, United States Under Secretary of the Navy, speaks to guests while attending a maritime leadership symposium held during Los Angeles Fleet Week. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.

Dr. Lisa Miller, a research scholar on spirituality in psychology, speaks at the Spiritual Readiness Initiative training May 2 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. The SRI was introduced while Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Solhjem, U.S. Army chief of chaplains, and Sgt. Maj. Ralph Martinez, U.S. Army Chaplain Corps regimental sergeant major, conducted their battlefield circulation meetings with Commanders, spouses and UMTs.

Vermont Governor Phil Scott addresses members of the 158th Fighter Wing and their families during a deployment ceremony at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, April 28th, 2022. The ceremony recognizes the sacrifices of Airmen and their families ahead of the 158th fighter wings deployment to Europe.

020227-F-4399J-021. Complete Scene Caption: Captain (CAPT) David Buttrick, USAF, Chaplain, 909th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS), begins with an invocation at a memorial service for MASTER Sergeant (MSGT) William McDaniel II, USAF, and STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) Juan Ridout, USAF, on February 27, 2002. MSGT McDaniel, Special Tactics Para-rescue Flight Superintendent, and SSGT Ridout, Special Tactics Pararescueman, were with the 320th Special Tactics Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The two airmen were on board an Army MH-47 Chinook along with eight Army soldiers. The helicopter crashed in the Bohol Sea near the island of Apo on February 22, 2002 while en route from Basilan Island to Mactan, in the Philippines. They were supporting US efforts to train and advise the Armed Forces of the Philippines in their efforts against global terrorism. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: PACOM

The Vermont National Guard hosted an open house at the Vermont Air National Guard base, in South Burlington, Vermont, Sep 11, 2022. The event was open to all public and highlighted a slew of careers, equipment, and vehicles utilized by both Air and Army Vermont Guardsmen. The event culminated with a memorial to honor the memory of the events that happened on and since 9/11/2001.

Military Womens Memorial President Army Chief Warrant Officer Five (Ret.) Phyllis J. Wilson speaks during the Military Womens Memorial 25th Anniversary Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Oct. 15, 2022

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Yorktown, Virginia to deliver the keynote address at the 225th anniversary celebration of the Battle of Yorktown. Among other dignitaries on hand for the commemorative events were Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen, former U.S. Army Secretary John Marsh, French Ambassador to the U.S. Jean-David Levitte, and French Defense Minister Michelle Alliot-Marie.

070512-A-2955K-005. Base: Camp Atterbury State: Indiana (IN) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030227-F-6449C-007. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

Event, including wreath-laying ceremony, honoring Interior law enforcement personnel killed in the line of duty, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Law Enforcement and Security Larry Parkinson, and other officials on hand to speak, pose with law enforcement staff from respective bureaus

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin lll, left center, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley, right center, host a press conference after the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 8, 2022. Austin and Milley hosted ministers of defense and leaders from 50 countries attended the meeting in person and virtually to discuss support for Ukraine from NATO Allies and partners.

Major Bradley Byington, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Det. 113 commander, gives remarks at the ceremony guard mount to honor fallen Defenders during National Police Week May 26, 2022, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The guard mount was one of many events 75th SFS held to commemorate and honor law enforcement who have given their lives in the line of duty.

HAGÅTÑA, Guam (Sept. 23, 2022) - Guams Governor Lourdes Lou Leon Guerror and Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio hosted a proclamation signing at the Ricardo J. Bordallo Governors Complex, with guests Joint Region Marianas Commander Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, Dr. Marcia L. Gladney, and attending Gold Star Families, declaring Sept. 22 as Gold Star Family Day, and Sept. 25 as Gold Star Mothers Day. (U.S. Navy photos by Randall W. Ramaswamy)

CHANGWON, Republic of Korea - Command Master Chief, U.S. Naval Forces and Navy Region Korea, Darrell Timpa addresses guests at the Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae Navy Ball held Oct. 13 in celebration of the U.S. Navys 247th birthday. The theme of the U.S. Navys 247th birthday was "On Watch - 24/7 for 247 Years," which highlighted the Navy's enduring ability to remain fully ready to respond to and effectively deter emergent threats.

020610-N-4374S-040. Base: Naval Support Activity, Bahrain State: Al Manamah Country: Bahrain (BHR)

DF-ST-88-03491. Base: Naval Air Station, Pensacola State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Timothy Barrick, Wargaming Director, Wargaming, Krulak Center for Innovation and Future Warfare, Marine Corps University, gives his remarks during the MCU Wargaming Cloud ribbon cutting ceremony at Warner Hall on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 23, 2022. The Wargaming Cloud enables faculty and students of MCU to access a wide range of commercial and government wargaming tools using their personal devices from anywhere.

Rear Admiral Robert F. Duncan Press Conference - 26-HK-8-3. podium with flags and poster on wall in conference room. Hurricane Katrina

Military Womens Memorial President Army Chief Warrant Officer Five (Ret.) Phyllis J. Wilson speaks during the Military Womens Memorial 25th Anniversary Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Oct. 15, 2022

U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. bars and cadets name tags are displayed on stage during the Valdosta State University Air Force ROTC Detachment 172 cadet awards ceremony at Valdosta, Georgia, April 27, 2022. Sixteen ROTC cadets completed their training and graduated into the operational Air Force.

Secretary Gale Norton at events marking the centennial of the first powered flight, Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 26, 2022) - Dr. Quiana Obeng, assistant principal of Nile C. Kinnick High School, introduces distinguished guests during the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony at Berkey Field onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). For 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., to view Marine Corps Evening Parade, deliver remarks, and attend reception at the site, a National Historic Landmark

National Park Service Northeast Region Director, Marie Rust, speaking at swearing-in ceremony for the 15 members of the Flight 93 National Memorial Federal Advisory Commission. Event was at the temporary memorial, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, honoring passengers and crew of the plane hijacked on September 11, 2001

Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Craig Manson, speaking at Department of Interior South Building ceremony marking adoption by Department employees of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division and the 10th Mountain Division as wartime focal points for volunteer activities on behalf of military families

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

National Park Service Northeast Region Director, Marie Rust, speaking at swearing-in ceremony for the 15 members of the Flight 93 National Memorial Federal Advisory Commission. Event was at the temporary memorial, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, honoring passengers and crew of the plane hijacked on September 11, 2001

Col. David Helfrich, the Illinois National Guard Joint Staffs Strategic Planner, is pinned with his new colonel rank by his family during his promotion ceremony at the Illinois State Military Museum in Springfield, Illinois, on Dec. 15, 2022. Helfrich expressed gratitude for his familys and friends support throughout his military career and is excited to embrace his new rank and responsibilities.

U.S. Air Force Col. Melissa Dooley, Defense Health Agency Sacramento Market director and 60th Medical Group commander, speaks during the DHA Sacramento Market change of directorship and the 60th MDG change of command ceremony at David Grant USAF Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, California, July 13, 2022. The change of command ceremony is rooted in military history, dating back to the 18th century, where the command flag is passed to the individual assuming command in the presence of the entire unit.

Veterans' Employment and Training Service - Veterans Day Salute Awards

Jeffrey Acosta provides some remarks during an unveiling and dedication of a Virginia Historical Marker honoring Filipino Sailors in the U.S. Navy on May 28, 2022. The event occurred at the Philippine Cultural Center of Virginia in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Acosta previously served as the curator of the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, Virginia from 1987 to 1999. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Filipino American National Historical Society and retired from the United States Marine Corps Reserve at the rank of Colonel.

Mitch Mesenburg delivers a speech to Gold Star families at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 25, 2022. The Gold Star symbol is given to families that lost an immediate family member in military service.

221018-N-FK318-1073WASHINGTON NAVY YARD (Oct. 18, 2022) Retired U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Al Konetzni, Navy Museum Development Foundation (NMDF) Board President, speaks to audience members at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy (NMUSN) during a ceremony celebrating the Navys 247th birthday. During the ceremony, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the U.S. Navys preferred location for a new NMUSN, which would be on land adjacent to the Washington Navy Yard that would be acquired either through a land exchange or direct purchase. This would allow the museum to offer the general public unfettered access to U.S. Navy history and heritage.

Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E. Biegun delivers remarks at the Department of State�s 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony, from the National Museum of American Diplomacy, in Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2020.

Cinnamon Warner, a Department of Defense Education Activity teacher, sings the Japanese national anthem during the inaugural Master-at-Arms Ball at CFAS Aug. 26, 2022. The Master-at-Arms Ball is an annual ceremony held to celebrate the MA rates birthday and celebrate its heritage.

National Park Service Northeast Region Director, Marie Rust, speaking at swearing-in ceremony for the 15 members of the Flight 93 National Memorial Federal Advisory Commission. Event was at the temporary memorial, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, honoring passengers and crew of the plane hijacked on September 11, 2001

020302-F-1342G-004. Base: Stewart Ang Base State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

San Pedro, Calif. (May 26, 2022) Carol Parks, general manager for the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department, gives opening remarks for the Defense Support of Civil Authorities Senior Leadership Seminar at the Battleship USS Iowa Museum during Los Angeles Fleet Week (LAFW) in San Pedro, Calif., May 26, 2022. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.

The 10th Mountain Division honors Gold Star Spouses Apr. 05, 2023, on Fort Drum, NY. Gold Star Spouses Day honors surviving spouses of fallen service members, specifically those who died while on active duty. Leadership, garrisons and Guard/Reserve locations plan community events to show appreciation to Gold Star spouses annually on April 5.

Military Womens Memorial President Army Chief Warrant Officer Five (Ret.) Phyllis J. Wilson speaks during the Military Womens Memorial 25th Anniversary Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Oct. 15, 2022

In the continuum of raising awareness of women in service and their corresponding contributions, Sailors at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diego observed Womens Equality Day, Aug. 31. Lt. Cmdr. Leticia Banker, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Branch Clinic department head, delivers remarks as the event's guest speaker. NMRTC San Diego's mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMRTC employs more than 6,000 active duty military personnel, civilians and contractors in Southern California to provide patients with world-class care anytime, anywhere.

Mr. Brian Lisko Office of International Affairs and Foreign Policy Advisor, U.S. Coast Guard speaks at the Naval Infantry Leadership Symposium - Africa (NILS-A) 2022 in Dakar, Senegal, July 6, 2022. NILS -A is a multinational, Africa-focused forum, designed to bring together partner nations with marine forces and naval infantries to develop interoperability, crisis response capabilities, and foster relationships which will improve Africas maritime domain security.

Army Col. (Ret.) Lucretia M. McClenney speaks during the Military Womens Memorial 25th Anniversary Ceremony at the Military Womens Memorial in Arlington, Va., Oct. 15, 2022.

040414-M-9656F-002. Base: Camp H.M. Smith State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Col. Dennison Segui, outgoing commander of the 187th Medical Battalion, addresses the audience in his parting remarks during the 187th MED BN change of command ceremony held at the Fort Sam Houston Post Theater, on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, June 21, 2022. The change of command ceremony recognized the change of leadership from Lt. Col. Segui, outgoing commander, to the incoming commander Lt. Col. Sean Riley.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes General William Arnulfo López Chay, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of National Defense of Guatemala and other dignitaries to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 28, 2022. During the visit, General López attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, spoke with Class 62 students and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III presents the Medal of Honor flag to Ashley Aczon-Skjelstad, the daughter of the late Medal of Honor recipient Army Staff Sgt. Edward N. Kaneshiro, in a ceremony where Kaneshiro and five other Medal of Honor recipients were inducted into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., July 6, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston hosts a reception for International Military Student Officers on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Arlington, Va., March 13, 2023. The reception was meant to foster fellowship among international service members.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Yorktown, Virginia to deliver the keynote address at the 225th anniversary celebration of the Battle of Yorktown. Among other dignitaries on hand for the commemorative events were Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen, former U.S. Army Secretary John Marsh, French Ambassador to the U.S. Jean-David Levitte, and French Defense Minister Michelle Alliot-Marie.

Georgia Air National Guard service members present the colors for the playing of the National Anthem during the Lockheed Martin First C-130J Super Hercules delivery to the Georgia Air National Guard at Lockheed Martin in Marietta, Georgia, Jan. 22, 2024.

Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, speaks at the Summer U.S. Air Force Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps Flight Academy Graduation on July 29, 2022, at the Fairmont State Aviation Center of Excellence Fairmont, West Virginia. The Air Force sponsored program targets High School Juniors, JROTC members, and Air Force Academy cadets, teaching them to fly in about six and a half weeks and awarding them private pilot certifications. Preece spoke about his journey as an Air Force Aviator and pinned the wings on the graduates.

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