Military Ceremonies and Honors

Photos of military personnel in formal ceremonies, showcasing rituals like oaths and commemorations, emphasizing service and tradition.

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (July 8, 2022) From left, U.S. Navy Cmdr. Tara McGinnis, outgoing Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) officer-in-charge (OIC) for Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ), Capt. Brian R. Iber, CLDJ commanding officer, Cmdr. Stephanie Paone, incoming EMF OIC, and Cmdr. David Schleusener, command chaplain, salute during the playing of the National Anthem at the CLDJ EMF Change of Charge ceremony, July 8, 2022. Camp Lemonnier is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia.

Guests of Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command and Naval Network Warfare Commands 247th Navy Birthday ceremony, bow their heads during the ceremony invocation. The central theme of this year is “On Watch - 24/7 for 247 Years,” which highlights our Navys enduring ability to remain fully ready to respond to and effectively deter emergent threats.

The Utah Air National Guard celebrated its Airmen of the Year during a banquet held in their honor at the Zions Bancorporations Midvale Technology Campus on Jan. 6, 2023, in Midvale, Utah. The Airmen of the Year award program recognizes Airmen who display superior leadership, job performance, and personal achievement.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Seth Allen, University of Connecticut ROTC professor of military science, administers the oath of office to Cadet Michael Cotto, left, Cadet David Crowe, center, and Cadet Brian Goggin, right, during a commissioning ceremony held inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, Sept. 6, 2022. Each officer must recite the oath of office upon receiving their commission, during which they will swear to defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, pledge to bear true allegiance to the United States and to faithfully perform the duties of the office they are about to enter.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, with U.S. Representative and decorated Iraq veteran Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, pays tribute to veterans who answered the call to service in remarks commemorating Veterans Day during an event hosted by the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of State on November 13, 2013.

Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsins adjutant general, hands the Wisconsin National Guard flag to Brig. Gen. Matthew Strub, the incoming deputy adjutant general for Army, as outgoing deputy adjutant general for Army Brig. Gen. Joane Mathews looks on during a formal change of command ceremony May 13 at Joint Force Headquarters in Madison, Wis. As the new deputy adjutant general for Army, Strub is responsible to the adjutant general for all aspects of the Wisconsin Army National Guards performance and readiness in response to any federal or domestic requirements pertaining to its nearly 7,000 Soldiers. Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs photo by Vaughn R. Larson

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Buehner, 110th Logistics Readiness Squadron senior enlisted leader promotes to the rank of Chief Master Sgt. at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Wing, Battle Creek, Michigan, on Dec. 3, 2022. Chief Buehner has served twenty-three distinguished years in the armed forces.

Maj. Michael Carkhuff with the 181st Multi-Functional Training Brigade gives a Veterans Day presentation Nov. 11, 2022, at Melrose-Mindoro High School in Melrose, Wis. Carkhuff was one of several Fort McCoy personnel to go out and support Veterans Day activities in local communities in 2022. (Contributed photo)

(From left) Douglas Coppola, 99th Readiness Division director of Resource Management, Kevin Brew, 99th RD chief of accounting, and Maj. Gen. Rodney Faulk, 99th RD commanding general, gather during Brews Assistant Secretary of the Army Financial Management and Comptroller award recognition June 22 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Brew is the only U.S Army Reserve recipient of this year's award.

2nd Lt. Michael Cusey of Auburn, Illinois has his new rank pinned on by his spouse Megan Cusey, daughter Leona, and Spc. Brett Irwin. Twenty-two Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers and one U.S. Army Reserve Soldier graduated from the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) on Aug. 21, fulfilling the leadership and military education requirements to be commissioned as U.S. Army officers. The Illinois National Guard's Officer Candidate School transforms enlisted noncommissioned officers and qualified civilians into U.S. Army officers. The future leaders complete more than 661 hours of classroom and field instruction, must meet the commissioning standards of the U.S. Army and be examined, and approved by a federal recognition board.

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (July 8, 2022) From left, U.S. Navy Cmdr. Tara McGinnis, outgoing Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) officer-in-charge (OIC) for Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ), Capt. Brian R. Iber, CLDJ commanding officer, Cmdr. Stephanie Paone, incoming EMF OIC, and Cmdr. David Schleusener, command chaplain, salute during the playing of the National Anthem at the CLDJ EMF Change of Charge ceremony, July 8, 2022. Camp Lemonnier is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia.

Brig. Gen. Lavetta Bennett received a promotion from colonel to brigadier general at the Lansing Center October 1, 2022. During the promotion ceremony Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, the Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, also awarded her with a Meritorious Service Medal at the ceremony. Brig. Gen. Bennett received the promotion as part of her transition to her new assignment with the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) held a Change of Command ceremony at its main headquarters on the Waterways Experiment Station in Vicksburg, Mississippi on Thursday, July 14. Col. Teresa A. Schlosser transferred command to Col. Christian Patterson while Maj. Gen. Richard Heitkamp, deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), served as the reviewing officer for the event with Dr. David Pittman, ERDC director, participating in the ceremony

NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas (Dec. 7, 2022) Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) Fort Worth Junior Enlisted Association led a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the installations chapel. World War II survivors Staff Sergeant Bill McIntire, Yeoman 3rd Class Al Chatwin, Petty Officer 3rd Class Derrick South and Petty Officer 2nd Class Jack Stowe were in attendance. On the morning of December 7, 1941, Japan attacked US Naval Base Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The surprise attack by some 350 Japanese aircraft sunk or badly damaged 18 US naval vessels, including eight battleships, destroyed or damaged 300 US aircraft, and killed 2,403 men (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jose R. Jaen/Released)

Paratroopers assigned the 82nd Airborne Division Artillery Brigade are inducted into the Order of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of artillery soldiers, at the St. Barbara Day ball in Pinehurst, North Carolina, Dec. 1, 2022. The Order of Saint Barbara is an annual celebration to among the artillery branch personnel.

U.S. Air Force Col. Vincent Krepps, left, Senior Materiel Leader, SML, Upper Echelon, Cryptologic & Cyber Systems Division, provides openining remarks during the Cyber Systems Group change of leadership ceremony, July 27, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

040115-F-0209C-005. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III visits with service members assigned to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp Smith, Hawaii, Sept. 29, 2022. Austin is in Hawaii meeting with key allies in the region and visiting Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)

Brig. Gen. Eric Riley (second from left), Land Component Commander for the Oregon National Guard and former Bravo Company Commander during the 2004-05 Iraq deployment recognizes three Oregon National Guard heroes for their sacrifice during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2. The ceremony paid tribute to Jeromy Turner (right), Martin Theurer (second from right), and Ken Kaiser (third from right), during a ceremony Purple Heart Ceremony held at the Corvallis Armory on Feb. 3, 2024.

Event, including wreath-laying ceremony, honoring Interior law enforcement personnel killed in the line of duty, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Law Enforcement and Security Larry Parkinson, and other officials on hand to speak, pose with law enforcement staff from respective bureaus

Chief Master Sgt. Steven Purvis, former 74th Aerial Port Squadron superintendent, embraces a folded U.S. flag during his retirement ceremony at the 74th APS building San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 6, 2024. Purvis retired with more than 30 years of military service.

United States Air Force Col. Jesse J. Friedel, 35th Fighter Wing (FW) outgoing commander, sings the Air Force song during the 35th FW change of command ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 30, 2022. A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding or flag officer to another.

230331-N-XP477-1412 SAN DIEGO (March 31, 2023) - Master Chief Operations Specialist Kermit L. Pollard, center, returns a salute from Expeditionary Strike Group 3 Command Master Chief Jasen Williams as he is relieved from watch during his retirement ceremony at the Murphy Canyon Chapel, March 31, 2023. Pollard is retiring after 27 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Navy.

Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, places a medallion around Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dirk R. Klosss neck during the Court of Honor Induction Ceremony at the Gen. John W. Vessey Recreation Center near Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022, in Little Falls, Minnesota. The Court of Honor commemorates the lasting contributions of soldiers who have dedicated their lives to the service of their communities, State, and Nation. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Lt. Col. Kady Griffin, outgoing 436th Force Support Squadron commander, receives her final salute from 1st Lt. Nicholas Johnston, 436th FSS military personnel flight chief and commander of troops, during a change of command ceremony held at the base fitness center on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 24, 2022. Col. Phelemon Williams, 436th Mission Support Group commander, presided over the ceremony as Griffin relinquished command to Lt. Col. Donald Johnson III.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Warren Cook, Commanding Officer of 8th Marine Corps District (8MCD), listens during change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, July 19, 2022. A Change of Command ceremony is held for the on going commanding officer, Col. Dennis Sanchez and the incoming officer, Col. Warren Cook, for 8MCD Headquarters.

Spc. Thomas attached to 1st/158th Cav. informs SSgt. Lawson of the DC guard of his name and rank and unit as his name was not called during the initial role call. Thomas is one of 2,000 soldiers and Airmen from the Maryland National Guard participating in the 56th Presidential Inauguration of the 44th President Barrack Obama taking place here. Sgt. Norman Boston works to set up his cot in order to prepare a sleeping area in gym area of Eastern Sr. High school here. Boston is a member of HHC of the 1st/158th Cav. in support of the 56th Presidential Inauguration of this nation 44th President, Barrack Obama. he is one of 2,000 Maryland National Guardsmen in support of this event, which is the largest show of National guard forces in US inauguration history.

031028-M-8049T-084. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Retirement Ceremony

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Charles Dudik, right, commanding officer, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, congratulates U.S. Navy Cmdr. Gareth Montgomery, outgoing director of Installation and Logistics (I&L), MCAS Yuma, Arizona, during his retirement ceremony aboard the installation, July 11, 2022. Montgomery directed I&L for two years and retired after 22 years of service.

Sgt. 1st Class Alex Auston Sr. (right), a human resources OC/T assigned to 1-357th Brigade Support Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade, receives the Meritorious Service Medal from Maj. David A. Tobin, the brigade's executive officer, during his retirement ceremony at the Pierce County Readiness Center, Camp Murray, Washington April 21, 2022.

The family of U.S. Air Force Col. Asheleigh Gellner, the vice wing commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, pins on her new rank at a promotion ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 11, 2022. Gellner has 22 years of military service and transferred to the wing after graduating the U.S. Naval War College.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the base Honor Guard post the colors during a Distinguished Flying Cross Decoration ceremony, Jan. 7, 2023, St. Paul, Minn. Maj. Katie Lunning was presented the nations highest-flying award for her extraordinary actions during the evacuation of Kabul, Afghanistan on Aug. 26, 2021.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger, commandant of the Marine Corps, and the staff of Marine Corps University shakes hands with a graduate during the Marine Corps University Commencement ceremony at Little Hall, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 8, 2022. Graduates attended different colleges, to include Marine Corps War College, School of Advanced War Fighting, and Command and Staff College. Graduates are prepared to perform with increased effectiveness in service, joint, interagency, intergovernmental, and multinational environments at the tactical, operations, and strategic levels of war, across the range of military operations.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Emily Perez, 432nd Support Squadron senior enlisted leader and Eileen Collins 432nd Support Squadron director, give a gift to Chief Master Sgt. Michael Miller, 432nd Mission Support Group superintendent, during his retirement at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 5, 2024. Miller served the U.S. Air Force with pride and diligence for 23 years. Air Force

Col. Alvin Bradford, 433rd Medical Squadron commander, delivers a speech during the 433rd MDS assumption of command ceremony Oct. 16, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

221202-N-WF272-1296 PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 2, 2022) Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia Sailors and guests render salute during the national anthem as part of a change of command ceremony held at Naval Support activity Philadelphia, Dec. 2, 2022. During the ceremony, Cmdr. Christopher Pony” Robison relieved Cmdr. Todd Winn as commanding officer. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of America’s Navy.

U.S. Marines with 9th Marine Corps District, Western Recruiting District, Marine Corps Recruiting Command, celebrate the Marine Corps' 247th Birthday in Northbrook, Ill., November 4, 2022. Since 1921, the Corps has celebrated their birthday and honored the legacy of the U.S. Marine Corps at the Marine Corps Ball. November 10 is the official birthday of the Marine Corps.

Past and present U.S. service members and guests attend the Allentown Chapter of the Honorary First Defenders and the 213th Regional Support Group's 77th Annual Military Ball at The Americus Hotel in Allentown, Nov. 12, 2022. The evening program included toasts and award ceremonies. Patricia Veresink, Esq., 2022 Commander - Honorary First Defenders, Col. Frank Montgomery, commander of the 213th RSG and other distinguished visitors shared remarks during the event.

SENIOR MASTER Sergeant Scotty Seiverling, USAF, 193rd's Base Honor Guard, retrieves the colors during the closing ceremonies of the 193rd Special Operations Wing Dining Out. Base: Middletown State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

U.S. Army Sgt. Reina Diazreyes, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 519th Hospital Center crosses the archway during a Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony, April 14, 2022 at Sembach, Germany. Twenty-five newly promoted Soldiers were inducted as members of the NCO corps.

Secretary of the Army John McHugh presents the Vice Chief of Staff flag to U.S. Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, the 33rd Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, during a ceremony in Fort Myer, VA Jan. 31, 2012.

Brigadier General Renea Dorvalls family pinned her with her current rank at a promotion ceremony held in the Helena Armed Forces Reserve Center auditorium on Jan. 6, 2023.Dorvall serves as the Assistant Adjutant General - Army and as commander of the Montana Army National Guard.

220617-N-FP878-0076COLUMBUS, Ohio (Jun. 17, 2022) - Flag bearers post the colors during Navy Talent Acquisition Group Ohio River Valley's change of command ceremony Friday. NTAG Ohio River Valleys mission is to man the Navy fleet with the highest quality Sailors and maintain the Navys unchallenged worldwide maritime superiority and ability to win wars, deter aggression and maintain freedom of the seas.

NORFOLK, Va. (July 12, 2022) Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro answers questions from the audience during the 2022 Joint Womens Leadership Symposium.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks participates in the Suicide Prevention recognition ceremony hosted by William Booth, Director, Defense Human Resources Activity, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 7, 2022.

Bart Knoch, chief of police at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, rings a ceremonial bell during the divisions 9/11 “Patriot Day '' remembrance ceremony at Club Stewart on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Sept. 9, 2022. The ceremony honored the thousands of civilians, police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, and members of the military that gave their lives at the World Trade Center, at Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon as well as the memory of the Dogface Soldiers killed in the subsequent war on terrorism.

Col. Joseph A. McCarthy, director of evaluations and standardization, is promoted from the rank of lieutenant colonel to colonel with assistance from his family as Maj. Gen. Michael C. McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Novosel commander, looks on, at Fort Novosel, Ala., Jan. 5, 2023.

Members of the 17th Training Support Squadron salute U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Renee Fontenot, 17th TRSS incoming commander, at the 17th TRSS change of command ceremony at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 17, 2022. Fontenot was previously stationed at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

A new U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor is presented his campaign cover during a Drill Instructor School graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, March 29, 2023. During Drill Instructor School, Marines developed leadership skills, mastered drill, met physical fitness requirements and learned how to make Marines.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Recognition Ceremony, Apr. 28, 2022, Magnolia Halle, San Antonio, Texas. This event was held to honor all promotees to the rank of Chief Master Sgt.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Marissa Broussard and Senior Airman Breigh-Anna Aviles, Nellis Air Force Base Honor Guard, perform a retirement flag folding ceremony at Creech Air Force Base, Feb. 5, 2023. The flag was being folder for Chief Master Sgt. Michael Miller, 432nd Mission Support Group superintendent, during his retirement ceremony. Air Force

First Navy Expeditionary Logistics Regiment (NELR) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Weapons Station-Cheatham Annex in Williamsburg, Virginia on April 1. Captain Christopher S. Koprivec, relieved Captain Kurt D. Williams, and served as Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support group (NAVELSG) Deputy Commander and Commodore, 1st NELR.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Garret Miller, former Assistant Chief of Staff of Facilities, Marine Forces Reserve, speaks to his family and gives parting words to family and friends in the audience at his retirement ceremony at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jan. 5, 2024. Miller retired after 28 years of honorable service. Miller is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, and a graduate of Charlotte Christian High School.

Leonora and Annie Burger, descendants of Minnesota-native and Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger donate a Medal of Honor to the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum during a small ceremony at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C., March 28, 2023. Warren was the grandson of Joseph Burger, an Austrian-born Union Soldier who enlisted at age 13 and later received the Medal of Honor at just 15 years old.History belongs where people can see it, said Annie.Joseph Burger's Medal of Honor will be prominently displayed in the new MN Military & Veterans Museum scheduled to open in 2025. It is the Museum Collection's first Medal of Honor for service in the Civil War.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, the Deputy Adjutant General-Army of Pennsylvania, speaks with state legislators during Pennsylvania National Guard and Veterans Day at the state capitol.

Air Force Ball guest speaker, Capt. (Ret) Richard Taylor, the first boom operator, talks during the celebration to commemorate the 67th anniversary of the Air Force at the Red Lion Hotel in Spokane, Washington, Sept. 6, 2014. The ball is an annual Air Force-wide tradition to celebrate the heritage and history of the Air Force.

SAN DIEGO (May 23, 2022) Rear Adm. Stephen D. Barnett speaks during a change of command ceremony on board Naval Air Station North Island. During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Bradley N. Rosen relieved Rear Adm. Stephen D. Barnett as commander, Navy Region Southwest.

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

Twenty-four military service members gained an array of knowledge over four weeks and graduated from the Benavidez Leader Development Program (BLDP) Feb. 23 at the Thayer Award Room. This year, the 24 NCOs from the BLDPs ninth cohort encompassed several different organizations including the USMA Staff, the Department of Military Instruction, the Brigade Tactical Department (BTD/U.S. Corps of Cadets), the West Point Band, and other organizations outside of the academy including the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. The BLDP is a four-week executive education and leader development program that was established in 2015 for noncommissioned officers serving as Tactical NCOs at USMA. The program is designed with two goals in mind, to prepare the NCOs to educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets while also preparing them to excel as senior NCOs at all levels and all echelons of the military.

Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, places a medallion around Lt. Col. (Ret.) John F. Eberts neck during the Court of Honor Induction Ceremony at the Gen. John W. Vessey Recreation Center near Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022, in Little Falls, Minnesota. The Court of Honor commemorates the lasting contributions of soldiers who have dedicated their lives to the service of their communities, State, and Nation. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Chief Master Sgt. Sean Fretwell, 192nd Mission Support Group senior enlisted leader, addresses newly promoted Chief Master Sgt. Carmen Daniels, 192nd Force Support Flight senior enlisted leader, during her promotion ceremony June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Chief master sergeants throughout the Virginia Air National Guard presented Daniels with her own chief's head trophy as the 176th chief in the VaANG.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Anthony Henderson is presented a commemorative plaque on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 18, 2022. Henderson, 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade Commanding General, was presented the plaque by Lt. Gen. William Jurney, II Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General.

Lt. Gen. John Healys daughter pins his new rank onto his uniform during his promotion ceremony at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Aug. 3, 2022. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., presided over the ceremony before Healy took command of Air Force Reserve Command.

Sgt. Timothy D. Bennet Jr, electrician, Headquarters & Support Company, stands for a uniform inspection during the final evaluation of Ceremonial Drill School at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Oct. 7, 2022. This assessment is the culminating event of CDS, a three-week course designed to teach the intricacies of ceremonial drill in keeping with the high standards upheld at Marine Barracks Washington.

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy gives the governor's proclamation during the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Veterans Day ceremony held at the National Guard Armory on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Nov. 11, 2022. The ceremony included speeches from key speakers, Fallen Warrior ceremony, presentation of commemorative wreaths, and moment of silence for those who have fallen. (Alaska National Guard photo by Victoria Granado)

U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Dustyn Greggainsruthford, Honor Guard, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, holds the ceremonial glass prior to inverting it at the POW/MIA table during the U.S. Air Force 75th Ball at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas, Sept. 17, 2022. The theme of this year's Air Force Ball was "Proud Past, Promising Future," and allowed participants to connect, engage and boost morale among the active duty, reservists, civilians, and private sector partners to foster an ongoing kinship within the Military City, USA, community.

U.S. Air Force retired Brig. Gen. Clarence E. Bud Anderson, center, gives remarks during a ceremony promoting him to the honorary rank of brigadier general by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. at the Aerospace Museum of California in McClellan, California, Dec. 2, 2022. The ceremony was an opportunity to honor the 100-year-old World War II triple ace during the 75th anniversary year of the U.S. Air Forces establishment as a military service.

U.S. Navy Capt. Kevin J. Brown, left, commander and director, Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, and U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Andrew M. Niebel, right, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, stand at attention during the 2022 Retiree Appreciation Day and Health Fair at the Marston Pavilion on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 24, 2022. The event provided breakfast, raffles, health screenings, and various educational resources supported by Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune and MCB Camp Lejeune Retired Affairs.

Capt. Robert Saffell, a cyber network defense manager with the Wisconsin National Guard's Detachment 1, 176th Cyber Protection Team, repeats the Oath of Commissioned Officers given to him by Lt. Col. Jeremy Holmes, the mobilization readiness officer for the state, during a promotion ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters in Madison, Wis., on May 13, 2022. Saffell received a rare direct commission from the rank of specialist to captain. Wisconsin National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Peck

SILVERDALE, Wash. (May 6, 2022) - U.S. Navy Cmdr. James Gillison, from Philadelphia, speaks to the families and crew of Submarine Readiness Squadron (SRS) 31 during its change of command ceremony, May 6, 2022. SRS 31 generates combat-ready submarines to meet mission tasking and generation for combatant commanders by supporting operational submarines, new submarine construction, and addressing and maintaining operational fleet needs during Chief of Naval Operations maintenance availabilities.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Frederick L. Hall, State Aviation Safety Officer for the District of Columbia Army National Guard, celebrates over 28 years of service with a retirement ceremony at the 260th Regional Training Institute, Fort Belvoir, Va., Jan. 5, 2024. Gordon joined the D.C. National Guard in 2008, after first enlisting in 1995 and serving as a Black Hawk crew chief. CW5 Hall also provided 13 years of active duty service.

U.S. Air Force Col. Chris Robinson, 375th Air Mobility Wing Commander, and from Col. Kyle Baldassari, 375th Communications Group commander, furl the 375th CG guidon during the 375th CG inactivation ceremony on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, July 29, 2022. The furling and unfurling of guidons serves as a symbolic gesture for the activation, inactivation and realignment of units in the military.

Lt. Gen.

WASHINGTON (May 12, 2016) The 2015 Sailors of the Year, United States Fleet Forces Command Sailor of the Year, Aviation Boatswains Mate Tinisha Franklin, left, United States Pacific Fleet Sailor of the Year, Hospital Corpsman Corey Smith, United States Navy Reserve Sailor of the Year, Equipment Operator Steven Butterhof, and United States Navy Shore Sailor of the Year, Hospital Corpsman Jessica Wentlent are promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer during Sailor of the Year Week. The week, hosted by MCPON Mike Stevens, brings the Navys four top Sailors to Washington D.C. where they are recognized for their outstanding contributions and advanced to Chief Petty Officer.

Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry, U.S. Army, shows President Barack Obama a plaque with the names of the fallen Rangers from the 75th Regiment on his prosthetic arm, during a meeting in the Oval Office, July 12, 2011. The President later awarded SFC Petry the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions during combat operations against an armed enemy in Paktya, Afghanistan, in May 2008.

U.S. Marines, Sailors, friends, and family gather at the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 24, 2022. Maj. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, outgoing commander, relinquished command to Brig. Gen. Kyle B. Ellison, incoming commander, symbolizing the transfer of authority, responsibility, and total commitment to all Marines and Sailors.

Capt. Edgardo Moreno, right, Naval Aviation Schools Commands (NASC) commanding officer,and Cmdr. Brandy McNabb, center, NASC's executive officer, lay a wreath at a remembranceceremony for the victims of the Dec. 6 Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola terrorist attack, in theNASC Area of Remembrance, Dec. 6, 2022. The attack left three U.S. Navy Sailors dead andeight other personnel injured onboard NAS Pensacola, Dec. 6, 2019. NASC provides aneducational foundation in technical training, character development, and professional leadershipto prepare Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and partner nation officers and enlisted studentsto be combat quality aviation professionals, and deliver them at the right time, in the rightnumbers, to be the forces their nation needs.

220518-N-XY052-1332: HELOTES - (May 18, 2019) NTAG San Antonio Commanding Officer, CDR Stephanie Simoni, presenting one of the 48 honorees entering the United States Navy with their first Challenge Coin which was sponsored by USAA during Our Community Salutes-San Antonio's A Night in Your Honor” 2022.

U.S. Park Police promotion ceremony, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne among the dignitaries on hand

020911-D-4578-003. Base: Fort Dix State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030411-F-0876R-023. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Maj. Gen. Jansen D. Boyles, adjutant general of Mississippi, and Josephine Austin, pin the rank of colonel on Lawrence Austin, Sr., during Austin's promotion ceremony at Grenada County Court House, Grenada, Mississippi, September 10, 2022. Austin is tasked with overseeing the Mississippi National Guards Military Justice program and presiding over Courts Martial and administrative proceedings.

U.S. Army Soldiers with Able Company, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard, teach Cub Scouts how to properly fold the American Flag in a military funeral ceremony at Conlon Hall, Bergen Field, New Jersey, Feb. 6, 2024. Teaching the flag folding ceremony to the Cub Scouts of America is believed to teach the youth of Bergenfield the history and traditions involved in rendering honors at a funeral. Army National Guard

Shonka Dukureh (Left), performs the National Anthem July 13, 2001, during the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District's Change of Command Ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee. The singer and actress in the recently released movie Elvis passed away July 21, 2022, at the age of 44. The Nashville District is remembering her time as a public servant (USACE Photo)

120628-N-KM175-053 SASEBO, Japan (June 28, 2012) Rear Adm. Jeffrey Harley, commander of Amphibious Force U.S. 7th Fleet, speaks during a change of command ceremony in the hangar bay of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Harley was the guest of honor for the ceremony in which Capt. Daniel Dusek relieved Capt. David Fluker as the commanding officer.

110714-N-ZZ999-001WASHINGTON (July 14, 2011) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class James A. Raffetto and his wife are congratulated by Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert during the third annual Safe Harbor Awards ceremony. Safe Harbor is the Navy's lead organization for coordinating non-medical care of seriously wounded, ill, and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen and their families.

060330-N-3207B-062. Country: Southwest Asia

061221-N-8446A-001. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

Family members pin the rank of general on the uniform of Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Lt. Gen. James J. Mingus, center, during his promotion ceremony at Conmy Hall, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia, Jan. 4, 2024. Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. Randy A. George, left, officiated the ceremony.

Staff Sergeant Salvatore A. Giunta receives a standing ovation during the Medal of Honor Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony at the Pentagon on November 17, 2010.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Richard A. Goodman, 57th Wing commander, presents 17th Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. John Jumper with a gift at the 75th Annual Air Force Ball in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sept. 10, 2022. The United States Air Force was founded on September 18, 1947.

Maj. Melissa Young (left), Interservice Physician Assistant Program Phase II coordinator, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, gives the oath of office to newly appointed 2nd Lts. and IPAP graduates, Cecilia Morales and Cody Benavidez during an IPAP graduation held at a PA Day event on Fort Bliss, Oct. 6, at the Fort Bliss Centennial Banquet and Conference Center.

DM-ST-86-12985. Base: Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The family of U.S. Air Force Col. Asheleigh Gellner, the vice wing commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, pins on her new rank at a promotion ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 11, 2022. Gellner has 22 years of military service and transferred to the wing after graduating the U.S. Naval War College.

Frank Muscarello, the Commandant of the Marine Corps League Detachment 774, left, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Matthew Perry, the commanding officer of Recruiting Station Baton Rouge, pose together during a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony held by the American Legion Nicholson Post 38 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sept. 11, 2022. The 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at American Legion Nicholson Post 38 is an annual event. During the event, Louisiana natives who lost their lives September 11, 2001 were named and highlighted.

A scene is shown May 10, 2022, of a special signing ceremony for a memorandum/agreement between the Ho-Chunk Nation and Fort McCoy in Black River Falls, Wis. The ceremony was held at the Ho-Chunk Nation Tribal Office Building on the east side of Black River Falls and included Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss and Command Sgt. Maj. Raquel DiDomenico, garrison command sergeant major, and Ho-Chunk Nation Chief Clayton Winneshiek and Ho-Chunk Nation President Marlon WhiteEagle. This memorandum of understanding between the Ho-Chunk Nation and Fort McCoy represents Fort McCoys assumption of the U.S. Armys legal responsibility under multiple federal laws and presidential executive orders to protect natural, historic, and sacred places with traditional religious and cultural importance to all Native American peoples, but especially those of the Ho Chunk Nation, on whos aboriginal territory the Fort McCoy military installation is now located.

220420-N-YD132-1191- NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (April 20, 2022) - Capt. James Johnston, right, outgoing commander of Task Force (TF) 57, salutes Capt. Kim DaCosta-Azar, left, incoming commander, after relinquishing authority during a change of command ceremony, April 20, at Naval Support Activity Bahrain. TF 57 conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure security and stability in the Middle East region.

Secretary of the Army John McHugh swears in U.S. Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III as the 33rd Vice Chief of Staff of the Army during a ceremony in Fort Myer, VA Jan. 31, 2012. Austin was accompanied by his wife Charlene.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James Isenhower III, Commanding General, 1st Armored Division, awards medals and coins to soldiers of the Muleskinner Dining Facility in Fort Bliss, Texas, Nov. 22, 2022. The soldiers were given the awards for there efforts during their time at the National Training Center as the Command General visited the dining facilities on Fort Bliss.

The 35th Annual General Douglas MacArthur Leadership award ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., October 26, 2022. The Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. Randy A. George hosted this event.

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