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Military Ceremonial Events

Photos of military leaders addressing audiences during various ceremonial events, highlighting significant milestones and community relationships within the armed forces.

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

Capt. Marc W. Ratkus thanks family, friends, colleagues and shipmates he served with during his remarks at the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) change of command ceremony held in the National Naval Aviation Museum on Naval Air Station Pensacola, July 22, 2022. Capt. Christopher G. Bryant relieved Ratkus as CIWTs commanding officer, while Ratkus also retired, concluding a 39-year military career. CIWT is charged with developing the future technical cadre of the Navys information warfare community.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (July 30, 2022) The official party including Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, ships sponsor Meredith A. Berger, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith, and Commanding Officer Capt. James Quaresimo take the platform during the ships commissioning ceremony. LPD 28 is the 12th San Antonio-class amphibious dock landing ship to enter the fleet and the first named after the city of Fort Lauderdale.

220518-N-OH262-0101 WASHINGTON D.C. (May 18, 2022)--Congressman John Garamendi, U.S. Representative for California's 3nd District, 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.

220909-N-OX321-1166 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Sept. 9, 2022) Naval Air Station Sigonella personnel attend the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony held on NAS Sigonella, Sept. 9, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead, the SEA to Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, recently attended a conference in Columbus, Ohio, featuring keynote speakers such as Hokanson, Gen. James McConville, chief of staff of the Army, and Gen. Charles Q. Brown, chief of the staff of the Air Force. For Whitehead, representing Guard enlisted at the conference, which was attended mostly by commissioned officers, was an inherent responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christian Bande, 54th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator instructor, speaks at the 97th Air Mobility Wings 42nd Annual Boom Operator Symposium memorial ceremony at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 29, 2022. During the ceremony, narrators read the names of boom operators who have died in the line of duty.

National Park Service Director Fran Mainella at events marking the centennial of the first powered flight, Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

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.

During the 50th Anniversary of the ending of WWII, rededication of Kingsley Field. Present were members of LT. David Kingsley's old flight crew. Base: Kingsley Field State: Oregon (OR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Kelly Johnson, developer of the original U-2 reconnaissance aircraft presents models of its successor, the new TR-1 aircraft (background) to LGEN James P. Mullins and LGEN John G. Albert during its rollout ceremony. LGEN Mullins is the new commander of the Air Force Acquisition Logistics Command and LGEN Albert is the former commander. Base: Palmdale State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Patrick Air Force Base Honor Guard stands at attention during "Taps" at the conclusion of the STS-107 Columbia Crew Memorial Service held at KSC. The crew were lost on Feb. 1, 2003, over East Texas as they returned to Earth after the 16-day research mission STS-107. Also taking part in the service were NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, former KSC Director Robert Crippen, astronaut Jim Halsell, several employees and area clergymen. Crippen was the first to fly Columbia in 1981; Halsell first flew Columbia in 1994 and again in 1997.

WIESBADEN, Germany - As Tommy Mize, Regional Director, Installation Management Command - Europe looks on IMCOM-E, Command Sgt. Major Christopher Truchon and Colonel David W. Mayfield (left to right) unveil the Gold Star Family memorial on Clay Kaserne, Oct. 11. (Reference: U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden)

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

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

030905-N-3953L-049. Base: Coronado State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220604-N-LV695-1037 SAN DIEGO (June 4, 2022) Audience members bow their heads for theinvocation during the commemoration ceremony of the 80 th anniversary of the Battle of Midwayand the Centennial of U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers at the USS Midway Museum in San Diego,June 4. The U.S. Navys determination, zeal, and valor at the Battle of Midway, fought June 4-7,1942, halted the Imperial Japanese navys advance and turned the tide of the war in the Pacificduring World War II. Victory at Midway redefined Naval warfare, showcasing the aircraftcarrier as the Navys preeminent power projection platform.

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

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry stands aboard the USS San Antonio before a cake cutting amid a ceremony to celebrate the Corps' 240th birthday, and before the Secretary toured the amphibious assault ship during a visit to the Norfolk, Va., area on November 10, 2015.

220507-N-VD554-1022 BRISBANE, Australia (May 7, 2022) - Vice Commander, U.S. 7th FleetRear Adm. Robert Clark speaks during a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of theBattle of Coral Sea in Brisbane, Australia. Under Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, 7th Fleet is theU.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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 FEMA Administrator Paulison speaking during the Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the National Fire Academy. 91 firefighters lost their lives in the past year. Denis Bramlette/FEMA.. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

021107-F-5127B-001. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel addresses a crowd of more than 750 during the National Airborne Operation Center 60th Anniversary Gala in Omaha, Neb., Aug. 6, 2022. On average, Hagel used the E-4B NAOC once a month during his time as SecDef when meeting with foreign dignitaries and leaders abroad.

Major General (Retired) Raymond Smith speaks to Marines at a dedication to Sergeant (SGT) Maunel Cox aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico on June 7, 2000. SGT Cox died December 4, 1983 as the result of the Marine Barracks bombing in Beirut, Lebanon October 23, 1983. Major General (Retired) Raymond Smith speaks to Marines at a dedication to Sergeant (SGT) Maunel Cox aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico on June 7, 2000. SGT Cox died December 4, 1983 as the result of the Marine Barracks bombing in Beirut, Lebanon October 23, 1983.

Members from the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard gather in a hangar at Warfield Air National Guard Base, Middle River, Maryland, during the 2022 Airman Recognition Ceremony, December 4, 2022. The yearly event pays tribute to the outstanding achievements of the Maryland Air National Guard and names the wing's outstanding Airmen of the year.

Brigadier Gen. John M. Dreska, commanding general, 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, speaks about the life and legacy of former President Warren G. Harding during a ceremony in Marion, Ohio, July 16, 2022. Dreska later placed a wreath on behalf of President Joseph R. Biden Jr., as a tribute to former President Warren G. Harding at his Marion, Ohio, tomb, July 16, 2022. The wreath was placed by during the ceremony.

The United States and Kuwait flags, flank a Kuwait Navy bell from the vessel Inttisar following the Patriot Day Commemoration Ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Sept. 11, 2022. The Kuwaiti Navy offered the use of their bell which was rung four times during the heart of the ceremony, in remembrance of each of the attacks on September 11, 2001.

September 11th remembrance ceremony held in front of NASA Research Park Bldg-17 (Lunar Science Institute) hosted by the American Legion, Post 881, Moffett Field. Welcome by Moffett Field Post Commander Carolann Wunderlin.

060615-A-7588H-137. Complete Scene Caption: The offical party (left to right) of U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of STAFF; Mr. Jim Laychak, President of the Pentagon Mmorial Fund; Ms. Rosemary Dillard, Vice President of the Pentagon Memorial Fund; the Honorable Doland H. Rumsfeld, U.S. Secretary of Defense; Ms. Julie Beckman and Mr. Ketih Kaseman, Pentagon Memorial Concept designers, unveil the memorial stone during the ground-breaking ceremony at the start of the construction of the Pentagon Memorial on June 15, 2006. This memorial is being built to honor the 184 people killed when terrorists hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 and flew into the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. (U.S. Army photo by STAFF SGT. Gary Hillard) (Released) Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - TURRET HOMECOMING USS MONITOR

040409-F-4258B-003. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Dr. Brian Lein, center left, Defense Health Agency assistant director of healthcare administration, passes the DHA flag to Col. Melissa Dooley, center right, DHA Sacramento Market director and 60th Medical Group commander, during the DHA Sacramento Market change of directorship and 60th MDG change of command ceremony at David Grant USAF Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, California, July 13, 2022. The change of command ceremony is rooted in military history, dating back to the 18th Century, where the command flag is passed to the individual assuming command in the presence of the entire unit.

DF-ST-89-04745. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marshall Space Flight Centers graphic display for the annual “Day of Remembrance” honoring those astronauts who have passed away.

Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of STAFF Admiral William J. Crowe, USN (Ret.) offers a word of praise to Diane Carlson Evans, founder of the Vietnam Women's Memorial project and a former Army nurse who served in Vietnam in 1968-69, during the dedication ceremony of the Vietnam Women's Memorial on the National Mall to honor the more than 265,000 women who served in the armed forces during the Vietnam conflict. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Flag and banners adorning Department of Interior South Building, on view during 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

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Sep. 10, 2022) - Russel Comeau, U.S. Charge Daffaires for the Solomon Islands, gives remarks during the Pacific Partnership 2022 (PP22) Solomon Islands closing ceremony aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership is a unifying mission that fosters enduring friendships and cooperation among many nations. The years mission in Solomon Islands included participants from the United States, Japan and Australia.

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.

Secretary Gale Norton with flag from ceremony at the Flight 93 temporary memorial, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, honoring the passengers and crew ofthe plane hijacked on September 11, 2001. Norton visited the site to swear in the members of the Flight 93 National Memorial Federal Advisory Commission

United States of America, addresses attendees at a distinguished visitor dinner held aboard the Emory S. Land-class submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), April 26, 2022. Frank Cable is currently on patrol conducting expeditionary maintenance and logistics in support of national security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

031007-M-9876R-015. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Veterans, service members, family, and friends attend the 72nd Korean War Anniversary at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 25, 2022. The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean armed forces invaded South Korea. The attack took place at several strategic points along the 38th parallel, the line dividing the communist Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea from the Republic of Korea in the south. This event honors the lives lost and the sacrifices made during the war.

Medal of Honor Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony in honor of Capt. William D. Swenson, held in the Pentagon auditorium, in Washington D.C., Oct. 16, 2013.

Frances Martinez, 960th Cyberspace Wing director of psychological health, introduces a panel of mental health experts May 14, 2022 at the Bob Hope Performing Arts Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The panel consisted of Dr. Soad Michelsen, San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital medical director of outpatient services, Lt. Col. Emily Rucker, 16th Air Force psychologist, and Maj. Tiffney Peters, 59th Medical Wing licensed clinical social worker.

221107-N-EL850-1099 SPLIT, Croatia (Nov. 7, 2022) Capt. Dave Pollard, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), delivers remarks during a media availability aboard the ship in Split, Croatia, Nov. 7, 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.

Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) retired Vice Adm. Ann Rondeau introduces Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro prior to his Secretary of the Navy Guest Lecture (SGL) on Aug. 18, 2022. The SGL series exposes NPS students, faculty and staff to prominent speakers recognized as distinguished leaders in their fields of expertise.

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.

Events, attended by Secretary Gale Norton, marking the opening of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial interagency traveling exhibit, Corps of Discovery II, on the National Mall, Washington, D.C.

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 479th Flying Training Group hosts its Undergraduate Combat Systems Officers Course graduation ceremony at the National Naval Aviation Museum, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., Feb. 16, 2024. The 479th Flying Training Group conducts Combat Systems Officer training for newly commissioned U.S. Air Force officers. Air Force

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Feb 29, 2024) U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent, Vice Adm. Yvette M. Davids addresses U.S. Naval Academy staff during an All Hands briefing at Alumni Hall. Navy

980612-N-1523C-008. Base: Monterey State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Liberty Wing Airmen and distinguished visitors gather for a group photo in front of an F-15E Strike Eagle at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 14, 2022. The High Sheriffs visited RAF Lakenheath for a familiarization tour, providing insight into the 48th Fighter Wings mission and daily operations.

111005-N-AC887-001JACKSON, Miss. (Oct. 5, 2011) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus and Mayor of Jackson Harvey Johnson, right, celebrate the naming of the sixth littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) during a press conference outside Jackson City Hall.

010605-A-1985S-008. Base: Camp Bondsteel (CBS) State: Kosovo Country: Serbia (SER)

Chief of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department David Huchler speaks to the audience during a Law Enforcement Torch Run with the Special Olympics Eternal Flame of Hope at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 25, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

Office of the Administrator (Stephen L. Johnson) - September 11th Ceremony , Environmental Protection Agency

National Park Service Director Fran Mainella at events marking the centennial of the first powered flight, Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

120621-N-JV638-026 ARABIAN SEA (June 15, 2012) Rear Adm. Ted N. Branch, commander of Naval Air Forces Atlantic, speaks to the crew aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Melissa Evans, suicide prevention program manager, Birmingham VA hospital, conducts suicide prevention training for members of the 117th Air Refueling Wing at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Ala., May 14, 2022. The acronym S.A.V.E. assists people in remembering important steps involved in suicide prevention. SAVE means signs of suicidal thinking should be recognized, ask the most important question of all - Are you thinking of killing yourself, validate the veteran's experience and encourage treatment and expedite getting help.

LOS ANGELES (May 29, 2022) Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Samuel Babativa, left, and Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Kenthlester Cave, both assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), participate in Galley Wars aboard Battleship Iowa Museum during Los Angeles Fleet Week, May 29, 2022. Los Angeles Fleet Week is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.

020806-D-2987S-010. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

National Park Service presence at ceremony at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota, marking the 75th anniversary of the Memorial

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - TURRET HOMECOMING USS MONITOR

Center, Col. Frankie Cruz, 414th Contracting Support Brigade commander, speaks during the Vendor day event, left Chiara Mattirolo PA Specialist translates to Italian for guests. The event is the result of the collaboration of the U.S. Armed Forces with the City of Pisa. The aim of the event was to familiarize the local industries with some of the opportunities available at Camp Darby and to provide information on the US processes and requirements Vendor day provides the US Government contracting offices a chance to learn about potential new vendors/contractors and a chance for private industries and vendors interested in doing business with the federal government an opportunity to open a communications link and potentially start business with the US Government. Pisa, Italy, Jan 20, 2023.

Vice President Mike Pence delivers opening remarks during the National Space Council meeting titled, Moon, Mars, and Worlds Beyond, Winning the Next Frontier, Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018 at the National War College at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington. Chaired by the Vice President, the council's role is to advise the President regarding national space policy and strategy, and review the nation's long-range goals for space activities.

DF-SC-87-07818. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

FORT BELVOIR, VA.

Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief, National Guard Bureau, joins other distinguished guests in cutting the cakes during the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve 50th Anniversary Commemoration ceremony in the Pentagon Auditorium, Washington, D.C., June 22, 2022. ESGR is a Department of Defense program that was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between reserve component service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.

Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander of Air Education and Training Command, gives remarks during the Pilgrimage to the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, April 4, 2022. The Pilgrimage to the Alamo is a memorial tribute honoring the heroes of the Battle of the Alamo on San Jacinto Day. The event is hosted by the Alamo Mission Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and consists of a processional of military, community groups, and individuals culminating with wreaths placed in front of the Alamo.

Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, Adjutant General for the Vermont National Guard, signed an agreement pairing with GlobalFoundries as part of the Army PaYS program during a signing ceremony at GlobalFoundries on September 10, 2022.Maj. Gen. Knight was joined by Lindsay Kurrle, Secretary for the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and Ken McAvey, General Manager of FAB 9 at GlobalFoundries. The PaYS program started with the active duty Army and is now being used by some states in the National Guard. It is a strategic partnership between the U.S. Army and a cross section of corporations, companies, and public sector agencies. The Program provides America's Soldiers with an opportunity to serve their country while they prepare for their future. PaYS Partners guarantee Soldiers an interview and possible employment after the Army.

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