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Military Bands in Ceremonies

Photos of military band performances during ceremonial events, featuring brass instruments and uniformed musicians engaged in traditional performances.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Matthew Cary, a musician with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), performs during the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings at Anzio and Nettuno in Nettuno, Italy, on Jan. 24, 2024. The Sicily-Rome American Cemetery hosted the ceremony to commemorate Operation Shingle, the codename for the Allied landings at Anzio and Nettuno. The ceremony honored the service members who fought and died in the vicinity during World War II.

Members of the Royal Malaysian Air Force play saxophone during a group rehearsal in support of Exercise Pacific Angel at Subang Air Base, Malaysia, Aug. 15, 2022. Bands have played an important role throughout military history worldwide, providing honors and customs, bridging international relations through music, and strengthening public trust and support.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Charly Carreon, a trumpet instrumentalist with the 2d Marine Division Band, plays a bugle at Cité de la Musique et de la Danse de Soissons, France, May 27, 2022. This is an annual formal concert that serves to commemorate American participation in World War I.

U.S. Army Spc. Robert Wormsley, an Army musician and euphoniumist assigned to the 1st Infantry Division Band (1 ID), performs Christmas music for troops during the 1 ID Band holiday tour at Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Dec. 2, 2022. The 1 ID is proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

220629-N-ZW825-0012 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (June 29, 2022) Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Rear Adm. Jennifer Couture speaks with Navy Band Great Lakes musicians during a site visit, June 29. NSTC supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers and enlisted Sailors. This training includes the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) at more than 160 colleges and universities across the country; Officer Training Command (OTC) in Newport, Rhode Island; Recruit Training Command (RTC), the Navys only boot camp; as well as the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) and Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) citizenship development program at more than 600 high schools worldwide.

Reportage: The United States Marine Band participates in the welcome ceremony as Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper hosts Israeli Defense Minister Benjamin Benny Gantz at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 22, 2020.

Members of the 204th Army Band play music June 14, 2022, at McCoys Community Center as part of the Army Birthday Celebration at Fort McCoy, Wis. The breakfast was part of many events coordinated by the Fort McCoy Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to commemorate the 247th birthday of the U.S. Army at Fort McCoy. The day also included a birthday breakfast, a 5k run and walk, free car washes, and more.

221006-N-VX158-1061 SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 6, 2022) Sailors, assigned to Navy Band Southwest, perform songs for a crowd in the Castro district in support of San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW). SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience Americas 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 the city and its surrounding areas.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Meredith Melvin, an instrumentalist with the 566th Air Force Band, Illinois Air National Guard, poses for a portrait at the 182nd Airlift Wing, Peoria, Illinois, May 1, 2022. Also known as the ANG Band of the Midwest, the bands community relations mission is to maintain troop morale and retention, boost recruiting efforts and preserve national heritage.

DF-ST-87-13235. Base: Kaiserslautern Country: West Germany (FRG)

221004-M-BQ292-1088 (October 4, 2022) Sailors, assigned to the U.S. Navy Band Southwest Quintet, pose for a group picture after their musical performance at the San Francisco Zoo during San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience Americas sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service effects, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.

Japanese Ground Self Defense Force Soldiers in the 6th Division Band play during the opening ceremonies welcoming US Marines as they prepare for a live fire exercise at Ojojihara Maneuvering Training Area, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. In coordination with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, 12th Marines from Camp Hansen Okinawa Japan, and 11th Marines India Battery from 29 Palms, California, will conduct live-fire training to sharpen their mission readiness and firing skills with the M198 155mm Medium Towed Howitzer. Base: Ojojihara Training Area State: Miyagi Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ethan Wagner, assigned to the 42nd Infantry Division Band, conducts the band at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY, August 3, 2022. The 42nd Infantry Division Band is the musical ambassador for the 42nd Infantry Division, New York Army National Guard.

United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team demonstrates their skills at the Skeltal Memorial Fitness Center, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

U.S. Army Sgt. Trevor Lundquist, a musician assigned to the 25th Infantry Division Band, performs during a community outreach event by the 25th Infantry Division Tropic Lightning Brass Band as part of Super Garuda Shield 2022 on Aug. 6, 2022 at Taman Tani Merdeka Park, Martapura, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Super Garuda Shield 2022, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. Military and Indonesian National Armed Forces, reinforces U.S. commitments to our allies and regional partners, joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together.

DF-ST-86-12020. Base: Misawa Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

040824-F-4152L-023. Base: North Hampton State: New Hampshire (NH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

110903-N-AQ172-270ANTWERP, Belgium (Sept. 3, 2011) Lt. Cmdr. Kenneth Collins, left, music director of the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band, leads the band in a parade celebrating the liberation of Antwerp during WWII.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Joseph Robert Jr., a pianist, left, and Thomas Lykins, a horn instrumentalist with the 2d Marine Division Band, perform at Cité de la Musique et de la Danse de Soissons, France, May 27, 2022. This is an annual formal concert that serves to commemorate American participation in World War I.

DN-ST-86-02903. Base: Annapolis State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Flemming, a tuba instrumentalist with the 2d Marine Division Band performs at Chateau-Thierry, France, May 26, 2022. The Marines performed at Chateau-Thierry to commemorate the battles that Marines and American service members fought in the surrounding area during World War I.

The Royal Australian Regiment 3rd Battalion band plays a sendoff for a United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) contingent of Royal Australian Engineers during operation ELECTION DISTRICT. UNTAG will perform peacekeeping duties and monitor the November 1989 elections and independence of Namibia. Subject Operation/Series: ELECTION DISTRICT Base: Raaf Richmond Country: Australia (AUS)

U.S. Marine Corps GySgt. Kevin Dalton, a musician with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, rehearses with students during a workshop at Vaskivuori High School, in Vantaa, Finland, Jan. 30, 2024. The event included a workshop and culminated in a performance aimed at fostering interaction and mentorship between the service members and the school's students.

040805-F-9891G-013. Base: Omaha State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Battle Color Detachment performs in Times Square, New York, May 25, 2022. As a part of Fleet Week New York 22, the Marines of Special Purpose Marine-Air Ground Task Force New York engage in special events throughout New York City and the tristate area showcasing sea service technologies, future innovation, and connecting with citizens. Fleet Week New York brings together more than 2,000 service members from the Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard offering live band performances, military vehicle and equipment displays, and other community relations projects.

221201-N-TR141-1412 SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (Dec. 1, 2022) Musician 2nd Class Cesar Pimentel Ortiz, from Caguas, Puerto Rico, assigned to U.S. Fleet Forces Band, attached to hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) for Continuing Promise 2022, practices music at the Mauricio Baez Cultural Center with students from the National Conservatory of Music and the National System of Free Schools in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Dec. 1, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

030224-A-9157N-005. Base: Managua Country: Nicaragua (NIC)

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wisc. (May 3, 2022) A color guard from the Wisconsin Rapids Veterans of Foreign Wars post presents the Colors during a United States Navy Band Sea Chanters chorus concert at the Wisconsin Rapids Performing Arts Center. The Sea Chanters performed in seven states during its 13-city, 2,000-mile tour, connecting communities across the nation to their Navy.

110615-N-CI293-483 DAVENPORT, Iowa (June 15, 2011) A child at the Sturgis on the River Motorcycle Rally leads the U.S. Navy Band Great Lakes, Ceremonial Band, in patriotic music at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds on the first day of Quad Cities Navy Week. Quad Cities Navy Week is one of 21 Navy Weeks planned across America for 2011 designed to showcase the investment Americans have made in their Navy as a global force for good and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

220401-N-PN850-1007 WASHINGTON (Apr. 1, 2022) Drum Major Chief Musician James Anderson leads the Navy Band during the Chief Petty Officer Birthday Celebration

Representatives of the 15 Estonian counties stand with their torches during the Victory Day parade at Kuressaare, Saaremaa, Estonia, June 23, 2022. Victory Day is an Estonian national holiday commemorating their victory over Baltic-German forces at the Battle of Vonnu in 1919, marking a turning point in the Estonian War of Independence.

U.S. Marines with the 2d Marine Division Band perform at the Knox Landing Community Center on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 8, 2022. The purpose of this concert was to bring the community together for holiday celebrations.

England, Dorset, Bridport, Bridport Market, Military Brass Band

230407-N-LN782-1172 (Apr. 07, 2023) A performance division enters Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall during a pass-in-review graduation ceremony at Recruit Training Command. Boot camp is approximately 10 weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes five warfighting competencies of firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding, and small arms handling and marksmanship along with physical fitness and lessons in Navy heritage and core values, Warrior Toughness, Life Skills, teamwork and discipline. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navys only boot camp.

A member with the Celtic Kula Pipe Band of Hawaii plays a bagpipe during the 34th Annual Memorial Day Observance at the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii, May 29, 2022. The ceremony is held annually to honor Hawaiis fallen service members and pay special tribute to the 10,000 Hawaiians who volunteered for service in World War I, more than 100 of which made the ultimate sacrifice. This years commemoration was held a day prior to the official observance of Memorial Day.

220505-N-VD554-1024 BRISBANE, Australia (May 5, 2022) - Musician 3rd Class Eric M. Vazquez, from Denton, Texas, a member of the U.S. 7th Fleet Band, speaks with students at Saint Peters Lutheran College in Brisbane, Australia. Under Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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.

Soldiers and Airmen from the Idaho National Guard had the privilege and honor of leading at the front of the Boise Holiday Parade on Dec. 3, 2022. The Idaho National Guards joint honor guard guided the parade with the U.S. and state flags followed by the Idaho Army National Guard 25th Army Band who filled the streets of downtown Boise with Christmas music.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Fowler, U.S. Air Force Band of the West, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, plays the trumpet and provides call to dinner at the beginning of the U.S. Air Force 75th Ball at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas, Sept. 17, 2022. The theme of this year's Air Force Ball was "Proud Past, Promising Future," and allowed participants to connect, engage and boost morale among the active duty, reservists, civilians, and private sector partners to foster an ongoing kinship within the Military City, USA, community.

Tamboers and trumpeters of the Tamboo and Trumpet Corps of the Armaments Workplaces (BW) Royal Navy during the Veterans Day Royal Navy in May 1990. In the background a great visitor tent in the field of the Marine Barracks Willemsoord (MKWD).

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Sept. 1, 2022) - Musicians of the U.S. Pacific Partnership Band perform at Honiara Market during a during Pacific Partnership 2022 (PP22) host nation outreach event in support of PP22. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership is a unifying mission that fosters enduring friendships and cooperation among many nations. The years mission in Solomon Islands will include participants from the United States, Japan and Australia.

Washington Army National Guard Soldiers with the 133rd Army Band, 96th Troop Command, perform at Huntamer Park in Lacey, Wash., July 6, 2022. The concert was part of the Lacey In Tune summer concert series.

U.S. Marines with the 2d Marine Division Band perform at the Knox Landing Community Center on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 8, 2022. The purpose of this concert was to bring the community together for holiday celebrations.

A band from the Navy's Recruit Training Command, San Diego, Calif., marches in the "San Diego Salutes the Troops" parade. The parade is being held to honor all veterans, with special recognition being given to units that took part in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 26, 2022) - The Nile C. Kinnick High School (KHS) orchestra plays during the KHS 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.

Flag Retirement Ceremony

230331-N-LN782-1007 (Mar. 31, 2023) U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command's Pass in Review in Great Lakes, Illinois, Mar. 31, 2023. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp

060823-N-3931M-187. Base: Kupang State: East Nusa Tenggara Province Country: Indonesia (IDN)

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe Ambassadors Rock Band performs at the Chopin State Primary and Secondary Music School in Opole, Poland, Oct. 14, 2022. The USAFE Band partnered with the U.S. Consulate-Krakow to travel across southern Poland from Oct 11-20, 2022, conducting performances that celebrated the shared spirit of freedom and enduring friendship between the U.S. and Poland. The band brings Americas musical heritage and Air Force excellence to audiences across Europe and Africa.

The Salon Orchestra of the Royal Air Force (RAF) plays at the Battle of Britain Observance held at Incirlik Air Base (AB), Turkey, during Operation NORTHERN WATCH. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

060512-N-6645H-104. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

Members of the 204th Army Band play music June 14, 2022, at McCoys Community Center as part of the Army Birthday Celebration at Fort McCoy, Wis. The breakfast was part of many events coordinated by the Fort McCoy Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to commemorate the 247th birthday of the U.S. Army at Fort McCoy. The day also included a birthday breakfast, a 5k run and walk, free car washes, and more.

Secretary Dirk Kempthorne with U.S. Park Police for July 4th group shot at Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Navy Musicians 2nd Class Raymond Laffoon, 3rd Class Jonathan Jean-Baptiste and 3rd Class Alyse Merry, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa Band, perform for Djiboutian officials, Camp Lemonnier leadership, and locals as part of exercise Cutlass Express 2023 in Djibouti City, Djibouti, March 9, 2023. Cutlass Express 2023, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) and sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) is designed to assess and improve combined maritime law enforcement techniques, promote safety and security in the Western Indian Ocean, and increase interoperability between participating nations. U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ethan Wagner, assigned to the 42nd Infantry Division Band, conducts the band at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY, August 3, 2022. The 42nd Infantry Division Band is the musical ambassador for the 42nd Infantry Division, New York Army National Guard.

Celebrating Goombay Festival, Royal Police Band, Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas.

220817-N-NO874-1011 ADRIATIC SEA (Aug 17, 2022) Airman Ryan McDougal, from Garner, North Carolina, plays a trombone in hangar bay of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Aug 17, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

220719-N-JL161-1001 WASHINGTON (Nov. 2, 2021) The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters Chorus performs at the Navy Memorial Plaza. The Navy Memorial hosted concerts by the U.S. Navy Band on Tuesdays during the summer.

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

DF-ST-87-03727. Base: Hellenthal Country: West Germany (FRG)

England, West Sussex, Worthing, The Salvation Army Band Playing On The Seafront

The Marines Corps exists 299 years and traditionally the Corporation Birthday with curses starts at Crooswijk cemetery and on Oostplein. After ceremonies, a joint meal in the Van Ghentkazerne (VGKAZ) follows the applied in Rotterdam, whereby the Tamboers and Pijpers of the Marine Chapel of the Royal Netherlands (Markap) give a performance.

061108-N-0890S-065. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Oct. 12, 2022) U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Sean Buck delivers remarks during a combined celebration of the Naval Academy's Founders Day and the U.S. Navy's 247th birthday in downtown Annapolis. The City of Annapolis hosted the event, which also included remarks by Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley. Established in 1845, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

MIAMI (March 26, 2019) The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard drill team performs during the Miami Navy Week proclamation ceremony, March 26, 2019 in Miami, Florida. Miami Navy Week, March 25-31, is a series of events in the Miami area connecting Americans with their Navy. It is one of 14 Navy Weeks organized by the Navy Office of Community Outreach in 2019, and the first time Miami has hosted a Navy Week.

U.S. Airmen with the Band of the Golden West, stationed at Travis Air Force Base, California, practice before a San Francisco 49ers football game at Levis Stadium, Santa Clara, California, Nov. 13, 2022. They performed as part of the 49ers Salute to Service night that honored Veterans Day and paid respect to all Veterans in attendance.

U.S. Marines with the 2d Marine Division Band perform at Cité de la Musique et de la Danse de Soissons, France, May 27, 2022. This is an annual formal concert that serves to commemorate American participation in World War I.

U.S. Marines with the 2d Marine Division Band perform at Cité de la Musique et de la Danse de Soissons, France, May 27, 2022. This is an annual formal concert that serves to commemorate American participation in World War I.

221004-M-BQ292-1005 (October 4, 2022) Sailors, assigned to the U.S. Navy Band Southwest Quintet, perform at the San Francisco Zoo during San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience Americas sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service effects, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.

Members of the 204th Army Band play music June 14, 2022, at McCoys Community Center as part of the Army Birthday Celebration at Fort McCoy, Wis. The breakfast was part of many events coordinated by the Fort McCoy Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to commemorate the 247th birthday of the U.S. Army at Fort McCoy. The day also included a birthday breakfast, a 5k run and walk, free car washes, and more.

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Byron Reed, 9th Marine Corps District musician technical assistant speaks with students during the Music for All Summer Symposium 2022 at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., June 25, 2022. National Partnerships help to engage key influencers and increase awareness of the Marine Corps opportunities. Each partnership is developed with the intention of connecting Marines with organizations in order to build relationships and understanding of the Marine Corps.

Seated under a "Welcome Back Big J" banner, the Magnolia High School Band performs at the homecoming of the battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB 62). The battleship is returning to home port after 11 months at sea. Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041210-F-4201N-023. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221005-M-BQ292-1026 SAN FRANCISCO (October 5, 2022) U.S. Navy Band Southwest's Woodwind Quintet performs at the Sunset Branch Library during San Francisco Fleet Week, Oct 5, 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience Americas sea services. During Fleet week, service members effects, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.

060320-N-2468S-010. Base: Busan Country: Republic Of Korea (ROK)

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