Military Ceremonial Events

Photographs of military dignitaries speaking at formal events, surrounded by flags and service members during commemorations.

New Jersey Gov. Philip D. Murphy addresses the audience during the promotion ceremony of Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of New Jersey, at the National Guard Armory in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Feb. 3, 2024. Hou was promoted to major general and 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

020927-F-4219L-012. Base: Duxford State: Cambridgeshire Country: United Kingdom (GBR)

161022-N-N0101-109DETROIT (Oct. 22, 2016) Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF), delivers remarks during the commissioning ceremony for the Navy's Freedom-variant littoral combat ship, USS Detroit (LCS 7). LCS-7 is the sixth U.S. ship named in honor of city of Detroit.

Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich at the podium, with Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, television news anchor Tom Brokaw behind, left to right, during ceremony at War Correspondents Memorial, Burkittsville, Maryland, honoring four journalists killed during war-related coverage in Iraq, Pakistan

220518-N-OH262-0147 WASHINGTON D.C. (May 18, 2022)--Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer, Commander, Military Sealift Command, addresses the audience during the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony held to honor Merchant Mariners of WWII at the U.S. Capital, May 18. During WWII Merchant Mariners put their lives on the line for their country, braving German and Japanese submarines, in their Liberty Ships, as they delivered critical supplies for service members serving in the European and Pacific theaters.

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

Emmitsburg, MD, October 7, 2007 President Bush offered condolences to each of the families of the 91 fallen firefighters eulogized during the memorial service. This is an annual event to honor fallen firefighters and is held at the National Fire Academy. Denis Bramlette/FEMA.. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

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

New Jersey Gov. Philip D. Murphy addresses the audience during the promotion ceremony of Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of New Jersey, at the National Guard Armory in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Feb. 3, 2024. Hou was promoted to major general and 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

U.S. Air Force Col. David Berkland, 354th Fighter Wing commander, delivers a speech during a 354th Mission Support Group change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 29, 2022. The change of command ceremony announces the arrival of the incoming commander while relieving the previous commander of their position.

Embassy Sarajevo Charge d'Affaires Nicholas Hill addresses the crowd at the Independence Day celebration at the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 3, 2014.

221129-N-IE405-1427 NAPLES, Italy (Nov. 29, 2022) Shawn Crowley, Chargé dAffaires ad interim, U.S. Embassy Rome, delivers keynote remarks, during a reception for local military and civilian leaders honoring the U.S.-Italian relationship, aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) while anchored in the Bay of Naples, Nov. 29, 2022. The George H.W. Bush 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. NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

Mourners listen to a speaker during an honor ceremony for members of the 3rd Bn., 502nd Inf., 101st Airborne Div., who were killed in a plane crash on December 12, 1985, at Gander Airport, Newfoundland, Canada. They was returning to the United States after participating in peacekeeping duty with the Multi-national Force and Observers in the Sinai Desert. Base: Fort Campbell State: Kentucky (KY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

The Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard, Maj. Gen. Thomas Carden, speaks at Service Academy Day at Hangar 5, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., June 11, 2022 to emphasize the need for high caliber students to join the military. This event is the largest of its kind and the first in-person Service Academy Day event since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. Academy Day served as a one stop-shop where high school students had the chance to learn more about the application and nomination process and interact with representatives from the following: West Point, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.

930114-D-9880W-004. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

Lt. Col. Thomas Griffon, the incoming commander of the 107th Attack Wing Operations Group, accepts the Guide On Flag from Lt. Col. Andrew Carlson, commander of the 107th Attack Wing, during a retirement ceremony for Col. Todd Guay, the former commander of the Operations Group on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Niagara Falls New York, 14 May, 2022. Guay has served in the military for nearly 30 years. Air National Guard Photo by Senior Airman Daniel Meade.

New Armed Forces Reserve Center & 63rd Regional Support Command Headquarters, Moffett Field, CA ribbon cutting ceremonies and dedication of the United States Armed Forces Center is memorialized in honor of Sgt James Wilkowski.

1982 - Sen. Charles McC. Mathias Jr., R-Md, speaks during the commissioning ceremony for the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS BALTIMORE (SSN-704)..

DN-ST-87-00390. Base: Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

010420-D-9880W-003. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

Office of the Deputy Administrator - September 11th Remembrance , Environmental Protection Agency

Members of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Honor Guard perform the Folding of the Flag Ceremony during the retirement ceremony for Col. Todd Guay, the former commander of the 107th Attack Wing Operations Group on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Niagara Falls, New York, 14 May 2022. Guay is replaced by Lt. Col. Thomas Griffon as the new Operations Group commander.Air National Guard Photo by Senior Airman Daniel Meade.

Governer Gaston Caperton of West Virginia addresses the guests assembled for the commissioning ceremony of the nuclear-powered fleet ballistic missile submarine USS WEST VIRGINIA (SSBN-736). Base: Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Michael L. Brooks, base commander, Marine Corps Base Quantico, gives his remarks during the Veterans Day Wreath Laying Ceremony at Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, Virginia, Nov. 11, 2022. Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed on November 11 of each year in honor of all veterans who have served in the U.S Armed Forces.

050930-F-6911G-017. Base: Fort Myer State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: JCS

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.

Swearing-in ceremony for U.S. Park Police Chief Salvatore Lauro, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne among the dignitaries on hand

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

Awards event at Department of Interior headquarters honoring Interior staff contributions to response and recovery operations after Gulf Coast Hurricanes

Ceremony at Department of Interior South Building 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

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg, Mississippi, for touring, participation in events highlighting the restoration project--funded jointly by the National Park Service and the Friends of the Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign, as part of the National Park Centennial Initiative--aimed at replacing interpretive battlefield markers and conserving the array of bronze statuary and stone monuments at the Civil War site. Joining Secretary Kempthorne for the events, including the unveiling of the first group of 22 metal markers identifying the specific locations of various Union and Confederate artillery batteries during the siege and defense of Vicksburg, were National Park Service Director Mary Bomar, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Chairman John Nau III, and country music star Trace Adkins, among other dignitaries.

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

DN-SC-86-00921. Base: Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

The American flag, pennants and the crew members of the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS TENNESSEE (SSBN-734) provide the backdrop as an officer speaks during the ceremony commemorating the 3,000th strategic deterrent patrol completed by the Navy's submarine force. The patrol was completed by the TENNESSEE. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Ellis Island, New York City, New York, where he addressed newly naturalized U.S. citizens during Citizenship Day ceremonies, met with National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Park Police personnel, and joined U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Emilio Gonzalez for announcement of joint USCIS-NPS program to welcome new citizens at National Park sites

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo delivers remarks at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on April 1, 2019.

Secretary Gale Norton speaking at ceremonies at the War Correspondents Memorial, Burkittsville, Maryland, featuring unveiling of plaque honoring fourprominent journalists killed during war and war-related coverage in Iraq and Pakistan

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.

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.

060516-N-0696M-109. Base: Lexington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

At the entrance to the National War College, National Defense University on Fort McNair, President George W. Bush presents his anti-Ballistic Missile Defense policy speech, to the assembled students and faculty. Base: Fort MC Nair State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (July 8, 2022) Captain Brian Binder, commanding officer of Naval Station Mayport, addresses the audience during the base change of command ceremony at Naval Station Mayport, July 8, 2022. Naval Station Mayport is the largest operational command in Navy Region Southeast.

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.

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Nancy S. Lacore, the 93rd commandant of Naval District Washington, gives opening remarks during a reception aboard the USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) in Baltimore, Maryland, Sept. 9, 2022. Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore is an annual public event that celebrates the contributions of the U.S. sea services and maritime capabilities from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. More than 2,300 service members participated in Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore 2022 engaging and assisting with ship tours, live bands and static equipment displays.

Adm. Steven Poulin, Coast Guard Vice Commandant, speaks at the Coast Guard Aviation Logisitics Center 75th Anniversary ceremony Oct. 27, 2022 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The Aviation Logisitics Center completes approximately 42 aircraft depot overhauls annually and manages 195 contracts valued at and estimated $1.9 billion.

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

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg, Mississippi, for touring, participation in events highlighting the restoration project--funded jointly by the National Park Service and the Friends of the Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign, as part of the National Park Centennial Initiative--aimed at replacing interpretive battlefield markers and conserving the array of bronze statuary and stone monuments at the Civil War site. Joining Secretary Kempthorne for the events, including the unveiling of the first group of 22 metal markers identifying the specific locations of various Union and Confederate artillery batteries during the siege and defense of Vicksburg, were National Park Service Director Mary Bomar, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Chairman John Nau III, and country music star Trace Adkins, among other dignitaries.

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.

SASEBO, Japan (May 12, 2022) Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets from Ernest J. King High School parade the colors during the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bays (LPD 20)change-of-command ceremony in the ships vehicle stowage area. Green Bay, part of Amphibious Squadron 11, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The 2nd Brigade, 78th Training Division, 84th Training Command recognized Soldiers and their families with a special retirement ceremony, September 17, 2022 at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island. The careers of 69 Soldiers who honorably served their country with duty, selfless service and devotion were celebrated. Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed was a guest speaker among several VIPs at the ceremony.

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.

Television news anchor Tom Brokaw speaking at ceremonies at the War Correspondents Memorial, Burkittsville, Maryland, featuring unveiling of plaque honoring four prominent journalists killed during war and war-related coverage in Iraq and Pakistan

Television news anchor Tom Brokaw speaking at ceremonies at the War Correspondents Memorial, Burkittsville, Maryland, featuring unveiling of plaque honoring four prominent journalists killed during war and war-related coverage in Iraq and Pakistan

WASHINGTON (Aug. 24, 2022) Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro delivers remarks and answers questions from Sailors, Marines and Civilians during a Department of the Navy One Year-in-Review all-hands call at the Pentagon Aug. 24, 2022.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he participated in ceremonies commemorating the 144th anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, conversed with National Park Service staff and visitors, and toured the Park, including the construction site for the new Visitors Center

120618-N-JP566-100BALTIMORE (June 18, 2012) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus delivers remarks during the declaration commemorating of the War of 1812 at Fort McHenry during Baltimore Navy Week 2012. Baltimore Navy Week is being held in conjunction with the Star Spangled Sailabration, which commemorates the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of the Star Spangled Banner.

NEW YORK (Oct. 6, 2012) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert speaks at the commissioning ceremony of the Arleigh-Burke class destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112). Murphy is named after Lt. Michael Murphy, a Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient who posthumously received the nation's highest military honor for bravery during combat in Afghanistan in 2005.

021106-D-2987S-004. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Andrew M. Niebel, center, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, gives his remarks during 39th Beirut Memorial Observance Ceremony at Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Oct. 23, 2022. The memorial observance is held annually on Oct. 23 to remember the lives lost due to the terrorist attacks at U.S. Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon and Grenada.

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

TULSA, Okla. (Sept. 15, 2015) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus delivers remarks during a ship-naming ceremony for the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16).

WASHINGTON (Oct. 27, 2022) Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro presents the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award to Arthur P. Miller Jr and Marjorie Miller at the Pentagon Oct. 27, 2022. The award was established in 1996 to honor those with a commitment to patriotism and humanitarian concern for U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

Mr. John H. Dalton, Secretary of the Navy, gives a speech at the Officers Ball held at the Sheraton Inn. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Columbia Crew Memorial Service is held at the Shuttle Landing Facility for KSC employees and invited guests. The Columbia and her crew of seven were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission. Taking part in the service were NASA Administrator Sean OKeefe, former KSC Director Robert Crippen, astronaut Jim Halsell, several employees, area clergymen, and members of Patrick Air Force Base. The service concluded with a “Missing Man Formation Fly Over” by NASA T-38 jet aircraft.

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.

Awards event at Department of Interior headquarters honoring Interior staff contributions to response and recovery operations after Gulf Coast Hurricanes

Office of the Deputy Secretary (David Sampson) - Deputy Secretary with Marine Corp Visiting Majors

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Rueschhoff, 56th Fighter Wing commander, delivers his closing remarks during the 75th Air Force Ball at the Wigwam Resort near Luke Air Force Base, Arizona on Sept. 24, 2022. The U.S. Air Force celebrated its 75th anniversary on Sept. 18, 2022, commemorating the unrivaled airpower provided by the service.

Rear Adm. Raynor A.K. Taylor, commander, U.S. Navy Middle East Force, speaks to guests aboard the command ship USS LA SALLE (AGF-3) during a ceremony marking the re-opening of Ash Shuaybah's port facility after a multinational effort to clear the mines laid by Iraqi forces during their occupation of Kuwait. Seated behind Taylor are Kuwaiti ports chief CAPT. Abdel-Rahman Naibari, right, and Edward Gnehm, U.S. ambassador to Kuwait. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Ash Shuaybah Country: Kuwait (KWT)

President's Call to Service Award ceremony and reception for volunteers at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining the National Park Service's Chief Historian for the Memorial, Daniel Martinez, among the dignitaries on hand

Ceremony celebrating the Unification of Italy, 10:31AM. Ceremony celebrating the Unification of Italy. President John F. Kennedy speaks from the lectern; attendees listen while seated in the audience and onstage; members of the United States Marine Band sit onstage at left. Seated in group at right onstage, L-R: Archbishop Patrick A. O'Boyle; Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson; Congressman Roland V. Libonati (Illinois), in second row; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sam Rayburn; Italian Ambassador to the United States, Manlio Brosio (on far right edge of frame). State Department Auditorium, Washington, D.C.rnrn

Secretary Gale Norton 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

The Honorable David Y. Ige, Govenor, State of HawaiI makes remarks during a Veterans Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, November 11, 2022. Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, honoring the end of World War I. Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans, living or dead, who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. This ceremony was presented by the Oahu Veterans Council.

Gen. Arnold W. Bunch, Jr., Air Force Materiel Command Commander (center) is presented with his personal sword during the Order of the Sword ceremony May 13, 2022 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The Order of the Sword is an honor awarded by noncommissioned officers to recognize an individual who has contributed significantly to the well-being and development of the enlisted force.

040301-M-8011M-004. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Col. Jack Vilardi, former 49th Medical Support Squadron commander, speaks during the 49th MDSS inactivation ceremony in Club Holloman, April 29, 2022 on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Vilardi led the 49th MDSS during Operation Allies Welcome, a key operation that supported the resettling of thousands of Afghan personnel.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - USS Monitor 30th Anniversary

Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, speaks to the crowd at the commissioning ceremony of USS John. L. Canley (ESB 6) at Naval Air Station North Island, California.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he participated in ceremonies commemorating the 144th anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, conversed with National Park Service staff and visitors, and toured the Park, including the construction site for the new Visitors Center

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

A joint services casket team carries the flag-draped casket of the Unknown Serviceman out of the state funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery. The serviceman will be interred at the tomb of the Unknowns. The US Army Chorus is behind President Reagan and Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

010508-F-4884R-010. Base: Fort Jackson State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central commander, speaks at the USAF 75th anniversary celebration at the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan, Aug. 25, 2022. The ceremony included a formation flyover led by the Royal Jordanian Air Force which underscores the strength of the U.S.-Jordanian security partnership and the importance of partner nation coordination and interoperability.

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

Chris Stapleton, the 24th Infantry Division Association President, speaks about the history of the 24th ID during the 74th Annual Reunion Memorial ceremony at Desert Storm Memorial at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Oct. 14, 2022. The 24th ID reflagged to become the 3rd Infantry Division in 1996, and the 3rd ID continues to honor its predecessor's legacy here.

240115-N-CO784-2922 Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro addresses the crew of the worlds largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) in the hangar bay during a visit to mark the completion of the ships eight-month maiden deployment, Jan. 15, 2024. Gerald R. Ford is deployed in the U.S. 2nd Fleet area of operations in support of maritime stability and security.

Ret Col Peggy Carter, president of the uniformed veterinary medical association, speaks to the audience during a horse dedication ceremony held in Fort Sam Houston historic quadrangle, Jan. 28, 2022. It is tradition within the caisson platoon to name and dedicate new horses added to the herd after Medal of Honor recipients and former sergeant majors of the Army within the unit. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrea Kent)

Retired Lieutenant General Bennet S. Sacolick, former commander of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, speaks during a ribbon cutting ceremony to dedicate the two newest buildings on the USAJFKSWCS campus at Fort Bragg, NC June 23, 2022. Chapman Hall, named for SFC Nathan R. Chapman, will house advanced skills, network courses, five training battalion headquarters and six company headquarters. Volckmann Hall, named for BG Russell W. Volckmann, will contain the 1st SWTG(A) headquarters, the Warrant Officer Institute and the Special Forces Officer Course.

DN-SN-86-06761. Base: Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Secretary Gale Norton speaking at ceremonies at the War Correspondents Memorial, Burkittsville, Maryland, featuring unveiling of plaque honoring fourprominent journalists killed during war and war-related coverage in Iraq and Pakistan

On the far left, Dr. Dave J. Smith, deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Force Health Policy and Oversight moderates a Military Health System senior leader panel focused on the medical readiness of the force, recruitment and retention of medical professionals, and managing multiple requirements in a high OPTEMPO environment at the annual 2024 AMSUS Meeting in National Harbor, Maryland, on Feb. 15. Other senior leaders on the panel included U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jill Faris, office of the Joint Surgeon General, National Guard Bureau; Dr. Jonathan Woodson, president of the Uniformed Services University; U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland, director of the Defense Health Agency; U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. John Andrus, Joint Staff Surgeon; U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen Robert Miller, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force surgeon general; U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Darin Via, U.S. Navy surgeon general; and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Anthony McQueen, deputy surgeon general.

Office of the Deputy Secretary (David Sampson) - Deputy Secretary with Marine Corp Visiting Majors

Members of the Parris Island Marine Band, Headquarters and Service Battalion, perform for members of the Marine Corps Musicians Association at the Lyceum on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., Oct. 14, 2022. The association is made up of prior service Marines who were musicians in Marine Corps bands.

Command Sgt. Maj. James Taylor, 63rd Troop Command, Michigan Army National Guard, speaks to inductees during a non-commissioned officer induction ceremony, Joint Force Headquarters, Lansing, Michigan, Sept. 11, 2022. The ceremony was held to honor those soldiers who were recently promoted to the ranks of sergeant. The ceremony is meant to mark the newly promoted sergeants departure from the junior ranks, symbolizing that they are no longer just followers, but leaders.

Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) - Marine Safety Office St. Louis - 26-HK-121-104. Hurricane Katrina

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