Civil Rights Ceremonies

Images depict significant ceremonies honoring a historic church associated with the civil rights movement, featuring speakers and an engaged audience.

Church singing, Le Chesnay, Yvelines, France, Europe

Secretary Gale Norton speaking at ceremonies designating the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

Dianne Costlow, technical director of Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division, makes remarks as one of the keynote speakers of the 11th Annual Riverside County Women's Leadership Conference hosted at North Point Church in Corona, California, Aug. 25, 2022. Costlow spoke about, "Moving Forward to your Future," as part of the conference theme, "Take Charge. Unleash Your Superpower."

National Park Service Deputy Director, Don Murphy, speaking at ceremonies marking the designation of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key meeting place during the civil rights movement and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

Church singing, Le Chesnay, Yvelines, France, Europe

National Park Service Deputy Director, Don Murphy, speaking at ceremonies marking the designation of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key meeting place during the civil rights movement and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

Secretary Gale Norton speaking at ceremonies designating the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales speaking at ceremonies designating the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales speaking at ceremonies designating the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

Reverend Laurie Graber and her husband Tom Graber give a presentation May 26, 2022, during the 2022 Memorial Day Prayer Luncheon at Fort McCoy, Wis. Both Grabers discussed their ministry and the importance of Memorial Day. The Grabers were among several participants in the luncheon that included special guest speakers, special prayers provided by other clergy, and music to honor fallen veterans for Memorial Day. Nearly three dozen community members attended the event that also included a free lunch. The event was organized by the Fort McCoy Religious Support Office.

Pastor Roy Karlen addresses those attending Pfc. Merl Holms memorial service at the Woodlawn Christian Church in Lake City, Iowa, on July 9, 2022. The memorial service was a part of Holms repatriation. Holms passed away during World War II and has finally returned home.

Secretary Gale Norton speaking at ceremonies designating the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

Vintage Photograph. Church choir singing during a joyful Easter service.

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales speaking at ceremonies designating the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

Tornado - Pratt City, Ala. , June 7, 2011 Congresswoman Terri Sewell (center) of Alabama speaks at a community meeting held at the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of North Pratt. Congressman Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee (left), was also a speaker. Phil Parr of FEMA was on hand to answer questions about the disaster assistance process. FEMA photo/Tim Burkitt. Alabama Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

Secretary Gale Norton applauded after remarks at ceremonies designating the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

Chaplain (CMDR.) Robert Kincl prepares the eucharistic gifts during Roman Catholic Mass at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 4, 2022) - The 39th annual International Christmas Celebration was held at the Chapel of Hope onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). The celebration was open to all denominations to celebrate the holiday season with fellowship, food, and a Sunday service. For more than 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.

Pastor of the St. Thomas Church of Leipzig, Germany welcomes audience to concert of its famed Boys Choir whose history dates to AD 1212.

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales speaking at ceremonies designating the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

Bishop Michel Aupetit at Catholic Mass in Sainte Genevieve's Cathedral, Nanterre, France, Europe

Secretary Gale Norton speaking at ceremonies designating the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

National Park Service Deputy Director, Don Murphy, speaking at ceremonies marking the designation of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key meeting place during the civil rights movement and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden delivers a tribute during a memorial service celebrating the life of Neil Armstrong, Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, at the Washington National Cathedral. Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon during the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, died Saturday, Aug. 25. He was 82.

Catholic church. Catechism lessons. Vietnam.

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales speaking at ceremonies designating the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

Dr. Lisa Miller, a professor in the clinical psychology program at Teachers College, Columbia University, presents to unit ministry teams (UMT) from America's First Corps as part of the Army's Spiritual Readiness Initiative (SRI) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Sept. 7, 2022. Dr. Miller has conducted longitudinal research that shows people are born 30% spiritually innate and 70% of human spirituality is socialized.

U.S. Marines, sailors and family members celebrate Easter during the Camp Lejeune Easter Sunrise Service in the main side Protestant Chapel on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 9, 2023. The Marine Corps Installations East chaplains host the annual Easter Sunrise Service for Marines, sailors and their family members to celebrate the Easter holiday.

230406-N-EJ241-1011DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory - Lt. Cmdr. Michael J. Monroig, the chaplain aboard U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia, speaks during religious service April 6, 2023. NSF Diego Garcia's mission is to provide critical support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean, while supporting multi-theater forces operating in the CENTCOM, AFRICOM, EUCOM, and PACOM areas of responsibilities in support of overseas contingency operations.

Catholic Mass, Paris, France, Europe

Secretary Gale Norton speaking at ceremonies designating the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

A memorial for Senior Airman Melanie Locklear, 305th Air Mobility Wing maintainer, is held at the McGuire Air Force Base Chapel on Nov. 30, 2022. The memorial was attended by friends, family, and colleagues where awards and decorations were presented to her spouse by Lt. Col. Matt Ratcliffe, 305th Maintenance Squadron commander.

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales speaking at ceremonies designating the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

Ceremony, attended by Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, fourth from left behind podium, at Old North Church in Boston, marking the announcement of aSave America's Treasures Historic Preservation grant for the Church

Secretary Gale Norton speaking at ceremonies designating the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

Reverend Laurie Graber and her husband Tom Graber give a presentation May 26, 2022, during the 2022 Memorial Day Prayer Luncheon at Fort McCoy, Wis. Both Grabers discussed their ministry and the importance of Memorial Day. The Grabers were among several participants in the luncheon that included special guest speakers, special prayers provided by other clergy, and music to honor fallen veterans for Memorial Day. Nearly three dozen community members attended the event that also included a free lunch. The event was organized by the Fort McCoy Religious Support Office.

Man addressing audience in Great Hall, Faneuil Hall, Boston , Public speaking, Auditoriums, Faneuil Hall Boston, Mass.. Edmund L. Mitchell Collection

Audience during ceremonies designating the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Dr. Jill Biden, and their families attend an inaugural prayer service at St. John's Church in Washington, D.C., Jan. 21, 2013.

Robin Miller and Bill Miller sing a song during a Holocaust remembrance event and education ceremony in the base chapel at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, April 28, 2022.The Holocaust was the systematic killing of over 6 million European Jews and those that defied the Nazis.

Reverend Laurie Graber and her husband Tom Graber give a presentation May 26, 2022, during the 2022 Memorial Day Prayer Luncheon at Fort McCoy, Wis. Both Grabers discussed their ministry and the importance of Memorial Day. The Grabers were among several participants in the luncheon that included special guest speakers, special prayers provided by other clergy, and music to honor fallen veterans for Memorial Day. Nearly three dozen community members attended the event that also included a free lunch. The event was organized by the Fort McCoy Religious Support Office.

Reverend Laurie Graber and her husband Tom Graber give a presentation May 26, 2022, during the 2022 Memorial Day Prayer Luncheon at Fort McCoy, Wis. Both Grabers discussed their ministry and the importance of Memorial Day. The Grabers were among several participants in the luncheon that included special guest speakers, special prayers provided by other clergy, and music to honor fallen veterans for Memorial Day. Nearly three dozen community members attended the event that also included a free lunch. The event was organized by the Fort McCoy Religious Support Office.

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales speaking at ceremonies designating the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

Reverend Laurie Graber and her husband Tom Graber give a presentation May 26, 2022, during the 2022 Memorial Day Prayer Luncheon at Fort McCoy, Wis. Both Grabers discussed their ministry and the importance of Memorial Day. The Grabers were among several participants in the luncheon that included special guest speakers, special prayers provided by other clergy, and music to honor fallen veterans for Memorial Day. Nearly three dozen community members attended the event that also included a free lunch. The event was organized by the Fort McCoy Religious Support Office.

National Park Service Deputy Director, Don Murphy, at ceremonies marking the designation of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key meeting place during the civil rights movement and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales speaking at ceremonies designating the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

Office of the Secretary - Secretary Elaine Chao visits the Southeast Tabernacle Baptist Church in Southeat Washington, DC for Public / Private Ventures Mentoring Event

During the Norwegian Exchange at Camp Ripley, Norwegian and American service members joined together for a joint chapel service, March 30, 2022. The Exchange is the longest-running military exchange and began with a handshake nearly 49 years ago. (Minnesota National Guard Photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 4, 2022) - Rev. Yasuko Shibata, of Musashino Yokosuka Church, delivers the message at the 39th annual International Christmas Celebration held at the Chapel of Hope onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). The celebration was open to all denominations to celebrate the holiday season with fellowship, food, and a Sunday service. For more than 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.

Reverend Laurie Graber and her husband Tom Graber give a presentation May 26, 2022, during the 2022 Memorial Day Prayer Luncheon at Fort McCoy, Wis. Both Grabers discussed their ministry and the importance of Memorial Day. The Grabers were among several participants in the luncheon that included special guest speakers, special prayers provided by other clergy, and music to honor fallen veterans for Memorial Day. Nearly three dozen community members attended the event that also included a free lunch. The event was organized by the Fort McCoy Religious Support Office.

Sgt. Antoinette Wolliston with the Fort McCoy Religious Support Office provided narration during the 2022 Memorial Day Prayer Luncheon at McCoys Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Reverend Laurie Graber and her husband Tom Graber gave a presentation as guest speakers for the event. Both Grabers discussed their ministry and the importance of Memorial Day. Were several participants in the luncheon that included special guest speakers, special prayers provided by clergy, and music to honor fallen veterans for Memorial Day. Nearly three dozen community members attended the event that also included a free lunch. The event was organized by the Fort McCoy Religious Support Office.

Secretary Gale Norton with Reverend Arthur Price, Jr., Pastor of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, and U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, front left to right, meeting with dignitaries assembled for ceremonies designating the Church as a National Historic Landmark

Ceremony 20th anniversary of the consecration of the New Synagogue Dresden

Minister Preaching

Rabbi Steven Silberman, Ahavas Chesed Congregation rabbi, displays a Torah during a Holocaust Remembrance Days of Remembrance event inside the Bay Breeze Event Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, April 20, 2022. The event was held in memory of the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

Secretary Gale Norton speaking at ceremonies designating the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

A memorial for Senior Airman Melanie Locklear, 305th Air Mobility Wing maintainer, is held at the McGuire Air Force Base Chapel on Nov. 30, 2022. The memorial was attended by friends, family, and colleagues where awards and decorations were presented to her spouse by Lt. Col. Matt Ratcliffe, 305th Maintenance Squadron commander.

Office of the Secretary - Secretary Alexis Herman at National Cathedral, Washington, DC

Department wide Interfaith Memorial Service in Dean Acheson Auditorium

Bill Miller, Jewish Pastor, delivers a sermon about the remembrance of the Holocaust and the importance of not forgetting what happened during that time during a Holocaust remembrance event in the base chapel at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, April 28, 2022.The Holocaust was the systematic killing of over 6 million European Jews and those that defied the Nazis.

Department wide Interfaith Memorial Service in Dean Acheson Auditorium

Detroit, Michigan, Fr. Adalberto Espinoza (Padre Beto) delivers his homily at a mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in support of immigrants around the world. The mass was hosted by Strangers No More, an immigrant-support network in southeast Michigan, ahead of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees

The interior of the United States Naval Academy Chapel during a service. Base: Annapolis State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

ORLEANS, Mass. (May 19, 2021) Northeast area chaplain program officer Lt. Cmdr. Garry Pepper administers the oath of office to Rev. Kai Chur and his spouse, Rev. Grace Chur, at Cape CodÕs Orleans United Methodist Church in Orleans, Massachusetts. As Navy chaplains their jobs will span a broad range of duties to promote spiritual, religious, moral and personal well-being.

Minister Preaching

SPAIN - Urola Costa (district) - BASQUE COUNTRY - Guipuzcoa. Azkoitia; Iglesia de Santa María la Real; organista tocando el organo barroco

Trip to Europe: Germany, Frankfurt: President Kennedy at Paulskirche, 4:35PM. President John F. Kennedy (at lectern) delivers remarks at Paulskirche (St. Paul's Church) in Frankfurt am Main, West Germany (Federal Republic). White spots at left edge and upper right corner are original to the negative.

Worshipping in a choir

Church choir and flutist enhance worship service at a Northern California church. (MR)

Pacific Islands Tour: Visit of Secretary Dirk Kemmpthorne and aides to American Samoa, U.S. Territory

U.S. Navy Lt. Jonathan Shour, a Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST-MCB) Chaplain, speaks during the Camp Lejeune Easter Sunrise Service in the main side Protestant Chapel on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 9, 2023. The MCIEAST-MCB chaplains host the annual Easter Sunrise Service for Marines, sailors and their families to celebrate the Easter holiday.

Secretary Gale Norton with Reverend Arthur Price, Jr., Pastor of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, and U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, front to back, meeting with dignitaries assembled for ceremonies designating the Church as a National Historic Landmark

A chaplain speaks at an Easter sunrise service aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Yoga guru baba ramdev demonstrate pranayam techniques Bombay Mumbai Maharashtra India NOMR Copyright: xAkellaxSrinivas/DinodiaxPhotox

Church choir performs during Christmas Eve services at Northern California church. (MR)

86th Airlift Wing Catholic Chaplain, Father Thomas Doyle, in vestments, with lay people assisting, as part of the Eucharist, presents the "individual hosts" to members of the Kaiserslautern Military Community attending service at the Northside Chapel. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy speaking at Touro Synagogue, Newport, Rhode Island, announcing a Save America's Treasures program grant for the preservation of the Synagogue, the nation's oldest

Reverend Arthur Price, Jr., Pastor of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, speaking at ceremonies marking the designation of the Church, key meeting place during the civil rights movement and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

Department wide Interfaith Memorial Service in Dean Acheson Auditorium

Events marking designation of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key meeting place during civil rights movement and site of 1963 bombing, as National Historic Landmark

Secretary Gale Norton, far left, touring Old North Church in Boston with Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, second from right, and other officials, during visit to the city to announce a Save America's Treasures Historic Preservation grant for the Church

Chaplain (Col.) Matthew Kreider, Office of the Chief of Chaplains Religious Support Operations Center, delivered the days message during the Fort Jackson Easter Sunrise Service April 17, 2022, at Hilton Field. He recounted the Easter story of resurrection of the son of God and talked about faith during a time where physical proof means truth. Hundreds gathered during the service to hear the guest speakers message.

Recruits take the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America during a naturalization ceremony inside the Recruit Memorial Chapel at Recruit Training Command (RTC). More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp.

Secretary Gale Norton speaking at ceremonies designating the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as a National Historic Landmark

Office of the Secretary - Secretary Elaine Chao visits the Southeast Tabernacle Baptist Church in Southeat Washington, DC for Public / Private Ventures Mentoring Event

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Karenlee Hockenberry, U.S. Army North G2 senior enlisted leader, and Fiesta 2022 military ambassador listens to the crowning of Augie Cortez ceremony who is the 2022 El Rey Feo, King Antonio on the second day of Fiesta in San Antonio, Texas, Apr. 1, 2022. El Rey Feos principal function is to raise funds for the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation. During his reign, Rey Feo and his court visit nursing homes, hospitals, orphanages and elementary schools to encourage thousands of young people to stay in school, respect their teachers and parents and be good citizens and challenges them to pursue a higher education. He is considered a good will ambassador in the city throughout the year, and raises scholarship funds to benefit underprivileged youth.

Events marking designation of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key meeting place during civil rights movement and site of 1963 bombing, as National Historic Landmark

Dedication of new memorial at the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York City, New York, with keynote address by Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and presentations by dignitaries including New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New York Senator Charles Schumer, General Services Administrator Lurita Doan, National Park Service Deputy Director for Operations Dan Wenk, African Burial Ground Superintendent Tara Morrison, New York Public Library Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture Director Howard Dodson, poet and novelist Maya Angelou, and actors Sidney Poitier and Avery Brooks. The permanent memorial, constructed to honor the memories of the free and enslaved Africans bured at the original seven-acre Lower Manhattan site in the 17th and 18th Centuries, was opened to the public for the first time.

Office of the Secretary - Secretary Elaine Chao visits the Southeast Tabernacle Baptist Church in Southeat Washington, DC for Public / Private Ventures Mentoring Event

U.S. Air Force Capt. Tarvick Linder, 51st Fighter Wing chaplain, and the praise team lead the congregation in song during Protestant church service at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 15, 2023. As spiritual leaders, chaplains are relied upon for faith and personal guidance. They are also advocates for Airmen and consult with leadership on moral, ethical and quality-of-life issues.

Events marking designation of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, key meeting place during civil rights movement and site of 1963 bombing, as National Historic Landmark

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, far left, with Secretary Gale Norton and Arthur Price, Jr., Pastor of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, at ceremonies designating the Church, key civil rights movement meeting place and site of 1963 bombing, as National Historic Landmark

Madrid, 04/16/2023. Catholic concert in Cibeles. Photo: Isabel Permuy. Archdc.

Office of the Secretary - Secretary Alexis Herman at National Cathedral, Washington, DC

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (Oct. 20, 2022) Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, speaks with local civilian clergy members, along with Oahu-based military chaplains, during an Oahu ministry engagement at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Chapel.

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo delivers remarks at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, on September 20, 2020.

Detroit, Michigan USA, 15 January 2024, A Martin Luther King Day rally for jobs, peace and justice at St. Matthew's & St. Joseph's Episcopal Church

Honorees on stage at the Living Legacy Awards event, recognizing contributions to Native American arts promotion, at Department of Interior headquarters, Washington, D.C.

Dedication of new memorial at the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York City, New York, with keynote address by Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and presentations by dignitaries including New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New York Senator Charles Schumer, General Services Administrator Lurita Doan, National Park Service Deputy Director for Operations Dan Wenk, African Burial Ground Superintendent Tara Morrison, New York Public Library Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture Director Howard Dodson, poet and novelist Maya Angelou, and actors Sidney Poitier and Avery Brooks. The permanent memorial, constructed to honor the memories of the free and enslaved Africans bured at the original seven-acre Lower Manhattan site in the 17th and 18th Centuries, was opened to the public for the first time.

Sanctuary of La Benite Fontaine. Religious assembly participating in an open-air mass. La Roche sur Foron.. France.

St. Andrew´s cathedral choir, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Pacific

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