Military Ceremonial Activities

Images of military personnel participating in ceremonial duties, including color guards and wreath-laying ceremonies, reflecting honor and patriotism.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing base honor guard participate in the 492nd and the 494th Fighter Generation Squadron activation and assumption of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 21, 2022. The new fighter generation squadrons will replace the 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing base honor guard participate in the 492nd and the 494th Fighter Generation Squadron activation and assumption of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 21, 2022. The new fighter generation squadrons will replace the 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

A color guard from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) supports the 95th Division Legacy Associations 72nd Reunion in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Oct. 20, 2022. As part of the reunion, two wreaths were placed at the gravesite of U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Harry Twaddle, former 95th Division Commander.

A bugler from the U.S. Army Band, "Pershing's Own" plays "Taps" during an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., July 26, 2022. The wreath was laid by Lee Jong-sup, minister of national defense, Republic of Korea.

U.S. Army Military District of Washington Armed Forces Color Guard stand ready to present the U.S. flag during the Stafford County Armed Services Memorial Day ceremony at Stafford, Virginia, May 27, 2022. Memorial Day is a day to honor all the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Inaugural parade, U. S. Army (Old Guard) 3rd Infantry keep in step while marching in the 1993 Presidential Inaugural parade. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-02898. Base: Annapolis State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Joint Service Color Guard posts colors during the National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony hosted by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Sept. 16, 2022. The event is held every year on the third Friday of September, honoring prisoners of war and missing-in-action service members. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

Prior to their participation in the 1997 Presidential Inaugural celebration, the Navy Color Guard waits in a Staging Area. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Severe Storms/Flooding, Grand Forks, ND, April 22, 2007 All stand for the presentation of Colors & National Anthem by the Grand Forks Air Force Base Honor Guard at the 10th Anniversary Flood wall Commemoration. Michael Rieger/FEMA.. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

031114--M-2900S-035. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

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.

The color guard of Marine Corps Security Force Company, Brunswick, stands at attention during a ceremony concluding the 34-year association between their unit and the air station. Base: Naval Air Station, Brunswick State: Maine(ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

USA, Indiana, Carmel. Close view of a fireman in uniform holding a fire ax in the annual 4th of July parade.

Lance Cpl. Austin Benz, Marine Corps body bearer, salutes to Taps after laying a ceremonial wreath at the Marine Corps War Memorial Feb. 23, 2011, for the 66th anniversary of the historic flag raising at Iwo Jima. The War Memorial and the Pulitzer prize-winning photo that inspired it immortalized that single action, raising a flag on a sulfurous mountain, which signaled a turning point in Americas war in the Pacific.

Midshipmen Color Guard, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland

Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) participate in an Army Full Honor Wreath Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., July 15, 2022. The wreath was laid by The Honorable Lourdes Aflague Leon Guerrero, Governor of Guam, and The Honorable Michael F.Q. San Nicolas, Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives in the 116th U.S. Congress, in honor of the liberation of Guam, and was hosted by Maj. Gen. Allan M. Pepin, commanding general, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington.

U.S. Marines with Recruiting Station Orange County, participate in a change of command ceremony for RS Orange County at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach,California, June 1, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition which formally signifies the transfer of command and entails the total accountability, authority, and responsibility from one individual to another.

Marines with the Official U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard present the U.S. flag during a Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, Va., Jul 5, 2022. The hosting official for the evening was General Mark H. Clingan, Assistant Deputy Commandant, Combat Development and Integration, and Lieutenant Col. Joseph Shusko, United States Marine Corps (Ret.), was the guest of honor.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 22, 2014) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert reviews the Brigade of Midshipmen as they march by during the U.S. Naval Academy Color Parade at Worden Field at the Naval Academy. The time honored tradition was established in 1867 and comes with great anticipation as it is the last full dress parade for graduating class members who will receive their commissions the next day and go on to serve as leaders in the Navy or Marine Corps.

A joint services color guard displays state flags during the dedication day parade for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers with the Indiana National Guard ceremonial unit present the colors during the Grand Prix's prerace ceremonies at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 14, 2022.

Veterans' Employment and Training Service - Veterans Day Salute Awards

U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May personnel hold a 9/11 remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony on base at the Enlisted Memorial in Cape May, N.J., Sept. 11, 2022, Today, around the Coast Guard and locally here at Training Center Cape May, we remembered the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives 21 years ago in terror attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

USA, Massachusetts, Cape Ann, Rockport. Fourth of July Parade, marching firemen

020329-F-8063B-001. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Marine Corps Pvt. William E. Rambo, 20, killed during World War II, was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, April 4, 2022. In November 1943, Rambo was a member of Company H, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, and was killed in the Battle of Tarawa, Nov. 20, 1943. He was accounted for by DPAA on June 24, 2019. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sean Everette)

U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guards funeral honors team support the memorial service and burial of Pfc. Donald M. Born whose remains were recently identified and given a proper burial after going missing in action during the Korean War in 1950.

Soldiers Holding Flags, Memorial Day, Veteran's National Cemetery, Los Angeles, California

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

Tomb guard from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) perform the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 28, 2022.

A joint service honor guard pays respect to fallen soldiers and airmen killed during a training exercise at Kuwait on March 12 2001. (Duplicate image, see also DFSD0201415 or search 010315F2715C500). Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

060306-M-1535G-164. Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

US Marines from 6th Marine Regiment march to the parade field where they will pass on their guidons to representatives from the Partner Nations during the closing ceremony. This United States Atlantic Command sponsored exercise, was conducted by Marine Forces Atlantic (MARFORLANT). Subject Operation/Series: COOPERATIVE OSPREY '96 Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221021-N-LZ839-1079NORFOLK, Va. (October 21, 2022) The color guard assigned to the wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5) arrives at the ships chief pinning ceremony at the Nauticus museum, Oct. 21, 2022. During the ceremony, 15 Sailors were promoted to the rank of chief petty officer. The Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony is considered one of the most significant milestones of an enlisted Sailors career.

U.S. Marines with the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon perform at halftime during the Toms River North vs. Toms River South Great American Rivalry Series football game in Toms River, New Jersey, Sept. 30, 2022. The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon is a 24-man rifle platoon that performs a unique precision drill exhibition.

Vice President Cheney participates in memorial ceremonies for the September 11 attacks

Visit of Muhammad Ayub Khan, President of Pakistan, Newport, Rhode Island. President John F. Kennedy and President Muhammad Ayub Khan of Pakistan (center left) review honor guard troops, following President Ayub Khans arrival at Quonset Point Naval Air Station; Major Arthur J. Poillon, United States Marine Corps (USMC), escorts the Presidents. North Kingstown, Rhode Island.

Members of the Silent Drill Platoon render full military honors at the funeral of Pvt. Harry K. Tye at Arlington National Cemetary, Mar. 28, 2017. Pvt. Harry K. Tye was killed on November 20, 1943 during the Battle of Tarawa. His remains were recovered and interned on U.S. soil.

Staff Sgt. Jesse Larose and Spc. Jake Lee Harvey from Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 10th Mountain Division Artillery, 10th Mountain Division, open up the American flag before they head out onto the baseball field at the NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse, N.Y., Apr. 5, 2022. The Syracuse Mets played against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders on their opening day.

US Marine Corps (USMC) Marines, 3rd Marine Regiment (MAR REGT), Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii (HI), stand at attention during the 64th commemoration of the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, HI. The ceremony held annually to honor those who served during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps drill instructors with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, retire the platoon guidons during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 5, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marines Corps customs and traditions.

Changing the Guard Buckingham Palace. London. England. United Kingdom.

Usa, Virginia. Arlington National Cemetery, Tomb of the Unknown and the Changing of the Guard

American Reunion on the Mall, joint color guard members line up to check flag height, in preparation for the concert at the Lincoln Memorial as part of the American Reunion on the Mall, a pre-inaugural celebration sponsored by President-elect William Jefferson Clinton. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Battle Color Detachment performs in Times Square, New York, 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.

Inaugural parade, USMC staff leading the way for the Marine Corp band. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment fire a 21-Gun Salute in honor of Pfc. Alyssa Cahoon Sept. 16 at the Main Post Chapel. Cahoon, assigned to Company B, collapsed during a training exercise and died five days later of a rare and completely undetectable heart abnormality,” according to a Facebook message from Cahoon’s mother, Susan Cahoon.

Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment White Currahee” were given the opportunity to represent the 3rd Brigade Combat Team and the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during the funeral service of Jim Pee Wee” Martin at the Dayton National Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio September 21, 2022.Martin was a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division, he fought on D-Day in Nazi occupied France; In addition to the invasion of Normandy, Martin also parachuted in Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands, and the Battle of the Bulge.At the age of 101 Martin passed away peacefully in his home on September 11, 2022. He was one of the last remaining Airborne "Toccoa Originals" of 1942.

Capt. Nicholas R. Maguire, platoon commander, Silent Drill Platoon, leads his platoon during a Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, July 29, 2022. The hosting official for the evening was Lieutenant General Kevin M. Iiams, Commanding General, Training and Education, and the guest of honor was Vice Admiral Jeffrey W. Hughes, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development.

Army 1st Lt. George S. Crisp, 24, of Alba, Texas, killed during the Korean War, was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, on May 24, 2022. Crisp was among the service members returned to the U.S. by North Korea in 2018, and was accounted for by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency on Sept. 3, 2019. (DoD photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sean Everette)

A Corporal from 6th Marine Regiment stands by to pass over a guidon during the closing ceremony. Subject Operation/Series: COOPERATIVE OSPREY '96 Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221111-N-XC372-1034 NATIONAL MEMORIAL CEMETARY OF THE PACIFIC-PUNCHBOWL, Hawaii (Nov. 11, 2022) The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Joint Service Color Guard and the Hawaii Air National Guard's Royal Guard present colors during the Oahu Veterans Council Veterans Day Ceremony 2022. The Oahu Veterans Council hosted senior military leaders and government officials for the 103rd annual observance of Veterans Day.

The Air Force Honor Guard participates in a funeral ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the New York National Guard Honor Guard perform military honors for the dedication of a memorial stone for Private Oliver Barrett at the Saratoga National Cemetery on October 19, 2022. Barrett volunteered as a Minuteman and died serving under the 10th Massachusetts Regiment in the Battle of Saratoga on October 7, 1777, at 51 years of age. Barrett lies in an unmarked grave on the Saratoga Battlefield and was honored with a memorial stone at the ceremony.

Members of the New York National Guard Honor Guard perform military honors for the dedication of a memorial stone for Private Oliver Barrett at the Saratoga National Cemetery on October 19, 2022. Barrett volunteered as a Minuteman and died serving under the 10th Massachusetts Regiment in the Battle of Saratoga on October 7, 1777, at 51 years of age. Barrett lies in an unmarked grave on the Saratoga Battlefield and was honored with a memorial stone at the ceremony.

DN-ST-87-01214. Base: New York Harbor State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marines with The Commandants Own, U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, prepare to perform at a Brigadier General Select Orientation Course Honors Ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, Aug. 15, 2022. The ceremony honors newly promoted and soon-to-be brigadier generals and senior executives. BGSOC is an annual, week-long course held in the National Capital Region to instruct the newly promoted individuals on their new rank and responsibilities. The hosting official for the evening was the 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. David H. Berger.

A Soldier of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, brings the Army flag into position prior the Army's 233rd birthday tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, VA, June 14, 2008. The U.S. Congress adopted "the American continental army" on June 14, 1775.

A joint American services honor guard on the parade ground during opening ceremonies for the meeting of the Congress of the International Organization of Reserves. Base: Fort Meade State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The color guard Soldiers, assigned to the "BattleKings Battalion," 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, marches after posting the colors during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville, Georgia, May 30, 2022. The purpose of Memorial Day is to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Veterans Day ceremony and aftermath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., where Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivered the opening remarks, and joined participating dignitaries including the former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell, along with Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Founder and President Jan Scruggs, Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation Founder and President Diane Carlson Evans, Mary "Edie" Meeks of the Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation, William Hansen of Lockheed Martin, and William Murdy of Comfort Systems. Ceremony, co-hosted by the Memorial Fund and the National Park Service, highlighted the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Marine Color Guard detail carrying the Colors at the evening Colors ceremony held at the Camp Pendleton Ranch House. Marine Color Guard detail carrying the Colors at the evening Colors ceremony held at the Camp Pendleton Ranch House.

U.S. Marines with the 2d Marine Division Band perform during the Belgian Defence International Tattoo in Namur, Belgium, June 1, 2022. This five-day festival is the first Belgian International Tattoo, which was originally planned to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Belgium in 2020, but was postponed due to COVID-19. Participating military bands include the Belgian, French, Polish and American bands.

Members of a joint Navy-Marine Corps color guard stand at parade rest during the commissioning of the guided missile destroyer USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG-51). Base: Norfolk State: Virginia(VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

010126-D-9880W-017. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Foreign Affairs Day 2005 ceremonies, speeches, award presentations. Events included a ceremony at the American Foreign Service Association's (AFSA) Memorial Plaque, in the Harry S. Truman Building's C Street Lobby, honoring foreign service officers who died in the line of duty. AFSA President John Limbert, Under Secretary for Political Affairs R. Nicholas Burns, and other officials delivered remarks, as three new entries on the plaque the names of James Mollen and Edward Seitz, of U.S. Embassy Baghdad, and John O'Grady, of U.S. Consulate in Brisbane were unveiled.

The 3rd Infantry Division Color Guard posts the colors during a memorialization ceremony on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Dec. 1, 2022. During this memorialization ceremony, 3rd Infantry Division rededicated four gates to honor historic Dogface Soldiers including Sgt. Mendonca Leroy Anthony, Sgt. 1st Class Marshall John Winston, Col. McGarr Lionel Charles, and Pvt. 1st Class Barkley John Lewis. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Elsi Delgado)

U.S. Air Force Col. Eugene Moore, 17th Mission Support Group commander, gives a speech during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at San Angelo, Texas, Sept. 9, 2022. Moore spoke on the events of 9/11 and the courageous actions of average citizens and first responders.

President Kennedy views the Marine Corps Evening Parade, at the Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. (8th I Streets, SE), 9:00PM. President John F. Kennedy delivers remarks at the Marine Barracks (8th I) in Washington, D.C.; President Kennedy attended an evening parade at the barracks. Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, General David M. Shoup, stands at left; members of the Marine Corps Color Guard stand behind.

010330-F-0857S-509. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Service members from the U.S. Navy Honor Guard 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.

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

050120-F-1166S-008. State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, retire the colors during the 80th annual Evening Colors Ceremony at the Santa Margarita Ranch House on Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 15, 2022. The ceremony was held to commemorate the official dedication of Camp Pendleton, which took place in September 1942. The base was named after Maj. Gen. Joseph H. Pendleton, who had long advocated for a West Coast training base to be established.

During closing ceremonies, the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, a ceremonial platoon, presents each representative of Albania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Canada and the Netherlands with a medal, marking their participation in COOPERATIVE OSPREY '98 on WPT Hill field. Subject Operation/Series: COOPERATIVE OSPREY '98 Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Carlos Ortiz, a trumpet instrumentalist with the 2d Marine Division Band, performs a solo during the Belgian Defence International Tattoo in Namur, Belgium, June 1, 2022. This five-day festival is the first Belgian International Tattoo, which was originally planned to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Belgium in 2020, but was postponed due to COVID-19. Participating military bands include the Belgian, French, Polish and American bands.

A color guard from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) carries the French flag during an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 20, 2023. The wreath was laid by France Vice Chief of Defense Gen. Eric Autellet.

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, participate in an annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California, Feb. 6, 2024. This ceremony is an annual event to commemorate the life and legacy of the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan, and is held every year on his birthday by presidential declaration. Marine Corps

U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May personnel hold a 9/11 remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony on base at the Enlisted Memorial in Cape May, N.J., Sept. 11, 2022, Today, around the Coast Guard and locally here at Training Center Cape May, we remembered the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives 21 years ago in terror attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer reviews the formation of Michigan National Guard troops as their commander-in-chief along with Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, during the 2022 Pass in Review Ceremony, June 17, 2022, at Camp Grayling, Mich. The Pass in Review Ceremony comes at the end of the Michigan National Guards annual training. Annual training is the two-week yearly training period conducted by all National Guard members to ensure mission-readiness by improving the skill level of Soldiers and Airmen with military duties.

U.S. Marines march in formation during the Yorktown Day parade in Yorktown, Virginia, Oct. 19, 2022. On October 19, 1781, British General Cornwallis surrendered 7,087 officers and men, 900 seamen, 144 cannons, 15 galleys, a frigate, and 30 transport ships, effectively bringing the Revolutionary War to an end.

A color guard from the 4th Landing Support Battalion participates in the commissioning of the dock landing ship USS GERMANTOWN (LSD-42). Base: Seattle State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

USA, Indiana, Carmel. War veterans march with the American flag in a parade.

U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Hollyanne Milley; Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James McConville; U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Christopher LaNeve, commanding general, 82nd Airborne Division; and others attend the funeral service for U.S. Army Lt. Col. James Megellas in Section 75 of 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.

The Marine Corps Base Quantico Ceremonial Platoon stands at attention before the start of the MarineCorps Marathon 17.75K run at Prince William Forest Park, Virginia, March 25, 2023. Finishers of this raceare guaranteed access to participate in the 48th MCM held in October.

More than 600 Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 326th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, August 24-25, 2022. Col. Chris Forrest, Chief, Research Programs, RSI, HQ USEUCOM, reviewed the ceremony.

Honor guard members from RAF Alconbury and Molesworth execute commands at Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial in Cambridge, England, Nov. 11, 2022. Service members from the U.S. and U.K., local leaders and veterans came together for an annual Veterans Day ceremony to honor the sacrifices of veterans who served in the armed forces.

A firing party with Bravo Company, Marine Barracks Washington, marches into position during an Honor Flight Network performance at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C. April 25, 2022. The Honor Flight Network transports veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials in honor of their service to the country.

U.S. Park Police Honor Guard, on hand for annual St. Patrick's Day Parade along Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C.

U.S. Marines with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, exchange the platoon guidons during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Oct. 7, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation, which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions.

DN-ST-86-04322. Base: Avondale State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Eighth United States Army Band performs during a parade for the opening ceremony of the 2008 Shanghai Spring International Music Festival in Shanghai, China April 30. The band will also perform at a concert held at Zhengda Indoor Stadium at Fudan University, Shanghai.

The 2d Marine Division leadership salute during a wreath-laying ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 9, 2022. This ceremony is a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and in remembrance of the events on Sept. 11, 2001.

Barracks Marines execute port arms during the Rifle Ceremonial Drill School evaluation at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Jan. 26, 2024. During the three week course, Marines spend countless hours perfecting the fundamentals of marching, manual of arms, and uniform preparation to ensure that every Tuesday Sunset Parade and Friday Evening Parade is flawless.

Soldiers of the 28th Infantry Division move the unit's colors to the division shrine at Boalsburg for the annual memorial service on May 22, 2022. Saluting on the reviewing stand, from left, are Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pa. Adjutant General; Maj. Gen. Mark McCormack, division commander; and Lt. Col. Ryan Kraus, division chaplain. U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Doug Roles

U.S. Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, stand in formation during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 10, 2024. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. George Hernandez transferred his responsibilities as the battalions senior enlisted leader to Sgt. Maj. Richard B. Johnson.

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