Military Ceremonies and Events

Images of military ceremonies, dignitaries, and memorials, showcasing honor guards, speeches, and gatherings at significant U.S. locations.

160710-N-VJ282-037 NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (July 10, 2016) President Barack Obama departs Air Force One to begin his visit to Naval Station Rota. During the presidents visit, he met with base leadership, toured USS Ross (DDG 71) and spoke to service members and their families during an all hands call. Naval Station Rota enables and supports operations of U.S. and allied forces and provides quality services in support of the fleet, fighter, and family for Commander, Navy Installations Command in Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia.

060404-F-6875C-246. Base: Arlington National Cemetary State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

President William Jefferson Clinton arrives at Dover Air Force Base on Air Force One. He is greeted by the base Honor Guard. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220518-N-OH262-0233 WASHINGTON D.C. (May 18, 2022)--David Yoho, a World War II era Merchant Mariner, 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.

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

U.S. President Joe Biden boards Marine One at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, while enroute to Wilmington, Del., Sept. 9, 2022.

160710-N-VJ282-037 NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (July 10, 2016) President Barack Obama departs Air Force One to begin his visit to Naval Station Rota. During the presidents visit, he met with base leadership, toured USS Ross (DDG 71) and spoke to service members and their families during an all hands call. Naval Station Rota enables and supports operations of U.S. and allied forces and provides quality services in support of the fleet, fighter, and family for Commander, Navy Installations Command in Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia.

President Barack Obama stands on stage prior to delivering remarks to servicemen and women at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 26, 2009.

CAPT Alton K. Thompson, commanding officer (blue crew), speaks at the commissioning of the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine USS OHIO (SSBN-726). The OHIO was built by General Dynamics Corp. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

President Barack Obama signs the Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act in the Rose Garden, May 22, 2009.

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

031121-D-2987S-141. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey addresses veterans and their guests, being honored during "A Nation's Gratitude Dinner," hosted by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House Feb. 29, 2012. The dinner included men and women in uniform from all ranks, services, states and backgrounds, representative of the many thousands of Americans who served in Iraq and was an expression of the nation's gratitude for the achievements and enormous sacrifices of those who served there and of the families who supported them.

President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the drawdown of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in the East Room of the White House.

President Barack Obama talks with, from left, Vice President Joe Biden, Gen. David Petraeus, head of U.S. Central Command, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, National Security Council Chief of Staff Denis McDonough, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen, in the Outer Oval Office, June 23, 2010.

McCain and Obama at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2008.

050930-F-6911G-028. Base: Fort Myer, Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: JCS

DA-SC-86-10735. Country: France (FRA)

040205-M-2067M-018. Base: Charleston State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Senator Barack Obama introduces the 'Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007

060523-N-5822P-075. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) 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

020911-F-7466S-075. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Office of Enforcement and Compliance - BP Oil Spill - President Barack Obama is briefed about the situation along the Gulf Coast following the BP oil spill, at Coast Guard Venice Center, in Venice, LA, Sunday, May 2, 2010, Pictured from left are U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan, Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) , Environmental Protection Agency

000704-N-1012K-102. Base: Uss John F. Kennedy (CV 67) State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

090128-N-0696M-294President of the United States Barack Obama waves goodbye after greeting service members during his first visit to the Pentagon, Jan. 28, 2009. Obama and Vice President Joe Biden met with Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and all the service chiefs getting their inputs on the way ahead in Afghanistan and Iraq.

McCain and Obama at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2008.

The military aide walks to Marine One with the football for President Donald Trump on January 25, 2017.

President Bush remarks at the annual Peace Officer's Memorial

President Bush holds press conference to defend stance on Iraq

120822-N-DG679-060MAYPORT, Fla. (Aug. 22, 2012) First lady Michelle Obama announces new hiring commitments by the private sector as well as major accomplishments of the Joining Forces initiative during remarks at Naval Station Mayport. Obama and Dr. Jill Biden created Joining Forces to bring Americans together to recognize, honor and take action to support veterans and military families.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Aug. 15, 2015) Vice President Joe Biden delivers remarks during the memorial at McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. The event honored the four Marines and one Sailor who died in the Navy Operational Support Center Chattanooga shooting July 16.

Pres. Barack Obama and VP Joe Biden meet with Combatant Commanders and senior military. Cabinet Room, White House, May 15, 2012. (BSLOC_2015_13_277)

1991 - General Colin L. Powell, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaks at Kilo 8 Pier during an observance of the 50th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

President Barack Obama greets Airman First Class Karen Mae Manalo with other citizenship candidates in the Blue Room prior to a naturalization ceremony for active duty military, military dependents, reservists and veterans at the White House, July 4, 2014.

President Bush attends wreath-laying ceremony at the Pentagon, commemorating 5th anniversary of 911 attacks

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III departs Joint Base Andrews in route to attend the 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid, Spain, June 28, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

President Barack Obama greets U.S. troops following his remarks at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, May 1, 2012.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meets with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels, Belgium, on March 4, 2022.

National Security Council on Sept 12, 2001, the day following the 9-11 Terrorist Attacks. L-R: Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense; Colin Powell, Secretary of State; President Bush; and VP Dick Cheney. (BSLOC_2015_2_142)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 28, 2022) Vice President Kamala Harris addresses service members aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Howard (DDG 83) during her visit to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). The vice presidents tour of the ship and her remarks to U.S. service members highlight the administrations continued commitment to its alliances in the region.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 28, 2022) Vice President Kamala Harris addresses service members aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Howard (DDG 83) during her visit to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). The vice presidents tour of the ship and her remarks to U.S. service members highlight the administrations continued commitment to its alliances in the region.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall makes remarks during the Air Forces 75th birthday celebration at the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C., Sept. 14, 2022. The birthday officially falls on Sept. 18.

050629-F-0193C-001. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

050623-N-4021H-063. Base: USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)

Secretary Gale Norton at events marking the centennial of the first powered flight, Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Dec. 10, 2011 Attending the annual Army vs. Navy football game at FedEx Field outside Washington, the President spent part of the first half watching the game with Midshipmen from the Naval Academy. During the second half, he crossed the field and watched with Cadets from the U.S. Military Academy (pictured here).

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry steps off an Air Force C-17 plane that flew him from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Juba, South Sudan, on May 2, 2014.

President Barack Obama and former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts enter the East Room of the White House for a Medal of Honor ceremony Washington, D.C., July 21, 2014. Pitts became the 9th living recipient of the Medal of Honor from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was selected for the honor for continuing to fight after sustaining life-threatening injuries during a fierce battle in Afghanistan July 13, 2008. Pitts served as a forward observer with 2nd Platoon, Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade (DoD News

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry addresses reporters on November 12, 2016, after flying from Antarctica to Christchurch International Airport in Christchurch, New Zealand, following a tour of the McMurdo Station, Scott Base, and additional U.S. research facilities around Ross Island and the Ross Sea in an effort to learn about the effects of climate change on the Continent.

President Barack Obama (left) descends down the stairs out of Air Force One with Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan at the 115th Fighter Wing in Madison Wis., Nov. 4, 2009. The President visited the Air National Guard base on his way to give a speech at Madisons James Wright middle school about education reform. President Obama's visit marks the first time that a sitting president has visited the base.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (April 19, 2017) Vice President Michael R. Pence poses for a selfie with Sailors on the flight deck of the Navys forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The vice presidents tour of the ship and his remarks to U.S. and Japanese service members highlighted the administrations continuing commitment to rebuilding the U.S. military and to its alliances in the region. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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

GEN Ronald R. Fogelman, Air Force CHIEF of STAFF, stands at the podium and introduces the B-2 "Spirit of Kitty Hawk" stealth bomber to attendees at the dedication-naming of the B-2. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Kim Jong Un, leader of North Korea, accepts the greeting of President Donald Trump, across the boundary of North Korea and South Korea, in Demilitarized Zone. June 30, 2019. (BSLOC_2019_6_233)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 27, 2022) The U.S. Naval Academy Cannoneers execute a 19-gun salute in honor of President of the United States Joseph R. Biden Jr. The U.S. Naval Academys Class of 2022 graduated 1,100 midshipmen in a ceremony at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium where the president delivered remarks as the guest speaker.

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.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Gen. C. Robert 'Bob' Kehler, Commander of the Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado, speaks with other members of the Conference on the American Space Program for the 21st Century following President Barack Obama's remarks describing the new course his administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human spaceflight.

DN-ST-89-08576. Base: Nettuno Country: Italy (ITA)

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo arrives at Osan Air Base and is greeted by U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Harry Harris and Commander of United States Forces Korea, General Vincent K. Brooks, on October 7, 2018 .

Senators Clinton and Bayh, Congressman McHugh, speak about a recent trip to Iraq and Afghanistan

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin participate in a 2+2 meeting with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and Republic of Korea Defense Minister Suh Wook, in Seoul, Republic of Korea, on March 18, 2021.

020911-N-2383B-569. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Vice President Joe Biden speaks to service members Aug. 24, 2011, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. Biden met with key leaders during his nine-day tour through Asia to discuss a full range of bilateral, regional and international issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris greets Col. Ted Geasley, commander of the 118th Wing, April 7, 2023 at Berry Field Air National Guard Base, Nashville, Tennessee. Harris was in Nashville to speak with recently expelled members of the Tennessee legislature at Fisk University.

010928-F-9596V-002. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NYANG

of 2