Military Ceremonies and Memorials

Images of military ceremonies, speeches, and memorials honoring service members, decorated with flags and showcasing a patriotic atmosphere in various settings.

What I try to remember each year on Memorial Day is that each of those over one million men and women had a story, said Col. Ian Palmer, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team commander, as he honored Americas fallen on May 30 during the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony. Each had a mom and a dad, a home town, a reason for serving, and a way in which they perished. If we arent careful, discussions of numbers will wash away each of the unique stories of our fallen.

WILMINGTON, Del. (April 2, 2022) - Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro delivers remarks at USS Delaware (SSN 791) commissioning commemoration ceremony in Wilmington, Delaware, April 2, 2022. The submarine participated in a week-long commemoration of events in honor of the boats commissioning ceremony that took place administratively in April 2020 due to COVID restrictions at the time. Delaware, the seventh U.S Navy ship and first submarine named after the first U.S. state of Delaware, is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, delivery of special operations forces, strike warfare, irregular warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and mine warfare.

Brig. Gen Richard W. Corner, II, Commanding General, 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command (left) gives a keynote speech during the Village of Norridges Memorial Day ceremony. Corner attended Memorial Day ceremonies in the local communities of Norridge and Arlington Heights during the Memorial Day weekend, May 29-30, 2022 to give remarks remembering fallen servicemembers and Gold Star Families.

What I try to remember each year on Memorial Day is that each of those over one million men and women had a story, said Col. Ian Palmer, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team commander, as he honored Americas fallen on May 30 during the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony. Each had a mom and a dad, a home town, a reason for serving, and a way in which they perished. If we arent careful, discussions of numbers will wash away each of the unique stories of our fallen.

120625-N-LD343-002WASHINGTON (June 25, 2012) Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) Leon Panetta speaks at the 2012 Warrior Games recognition ceremony held at the Pentagon. During the ceremony, five teams of 10 service members were recognized for their performance at the Warrior Games held in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 30 to May 5.

031113-M-3856G-009. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Medium shot, front view, at lectern, Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Director, Center for Urban Education Policy, Graduate Center, City University, New York speaking to a (not shown) crowd of people during reactivation of the 99th and 100th Fighter Squadrons as the 99th and 100th Flying Training Squadrons, 340th Flying Training Group, Air Force Reserve Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. Dr. Brown is one of the original Tuskegee AIRMAN and as a Captain was commander of the 100th FS at the end of World War II. The 99th and 100th FSs were two of four all black units originally assigned to Tuskegee Army Air Base, Alabama. The World War II squadrons never lost a bomber under their escort to enemy .... Complete Scene Caption: Medium shot, front view, at lectern, Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Director, Center for Urban Education Policy, Graduate Center, City University, New York speaking to a (not shown) crowd of people during reactivation of the 99th and 100th Fighter Squadrons as the 99th and 100th Fly

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., to view Marine Corps Evening Parade, deliver remarks, and attend reception at the site, a National Historic Landmark

CORONADO, Calif. (Aug. 19, 2022) Rear Adm. Keith Davids speaks after relieving Rear Adm. Hugh W. Howard III as commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, during a change of command ceremony at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. NSW is the nations premiere maritime special operations force that extends the Fleet and Joint Forces reach for collection and lethality, delivers all domain options to undermine our enemies confidence, and strengthens diplomatic leverage.

With the P-40E Tomahawk memorial in the background, Clifford Long 14th Air Force Association president and former P-40 pilot addresses a gathering of 200 guests at the unveiling ceremony. The P-40 "serves as, a monument, not to the aircraft but to the people of the original Flying Tigers, and as reminder to their modern-day counter-parts." The Tomahawk memorial, funded by the 14th Air Force with Major General William R. Looney III in command, took three months from ground breaking to the dedication ceremony. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

Mr. Johnie Webb, Operation Homecoming ceremony guest speaker, shares his experiences on working to help bring former U.S. service members home during a ceremony for the 50th anniversary of Operation Homecoming at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, March 28, 2023. There are approximately 1,500 U.S. service members that Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency personnel are still searching for from the Vietnam War.

Chaplain (Col.) Daniel Burris, Ohio National Guard state chaplain, gives the benediction during the 2022 Governors Wreath-Laying Ceremony May 27, 2022, at the Ohio Statehouse atrium in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine were joined by Gold Star Families to honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to their county, during the event leading up to Memorial Day.

220406-N-AV609-1167 NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (April 6, 2022) Rear Adm. Rick Cheeseman delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) April 6, 2022. During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Dennis Velez relieved Cheeseman, as Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10. CSG-10 is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat Americas adversaries in support of national security. It achieves its mission by projecting the combined power of George H.W. Bush, Carrier Air Wing 7, Destroyer Squadron 26, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).

PENSACOLA, Fla. (March 30, 2022) Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), recognizes the 2021 Military Instructors of the Year during a ceremony in the NETC headquarters courtyard.

Lieutentant General John Rhodes, Commanding General Marine Corps Combat Development Command, speaks at the opening ceremonies for the new Naval Medical/Clinic aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, on July 25, 2000. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NAVY MED

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.

The 129th Rescue Wing was invited to host an HH-60G Pave Hawk flyover event for the annual Memorial Day Observance Ceremony at Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, San Jose, California, May 30 2022. The event honored veterans of all armed forces of the United States and was organized by the United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County.

The Indiana National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Dale Lyles, of Salem, speaks to soldiers, families and friends in attendance for the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team departure ceremony at Camp Atterbury near Edinburgh, Friday, Sept. 30, 2022. Indiana National Guard photo by Sgt. Jonah Alvarez

Mr. Kimball Firestone, a founding member of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, delivers remarks during the ESGR 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.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander, speaks to Col. Craig Prather, former 47th Flying Training Wing commander, and Col. Kevin Davidson, current 47th Flying Training Wing commander, during the 47th Flying Training Wing change of command ceremony at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, July 22, 2022. Change of command ceremonies represent a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding officer to another.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, Commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, gives a speech during a remembrance ceremony Aug. 5, 2022, at Hurlburt Field, Florida. This year marks the 20th anniversary since 10 aircrew members perished when Talon 13 crashed on August 7, 2002, in Puerto Rico.

VADM John G. Williams Jr. speaks at the commissioning ceremonies for the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS BREMERTON (SSN-698). Base: Naval Submarine Base, New London State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220814-F-LN908-1089DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (Aug. 14, 2022) Donald J. Wright, U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania, speaks after a reception for Tanzanian People's Defense Force leaders, Attaches from eight countries, and U.S. Embassy in Tanzania staff aboard the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4), Aug. 14, 2022. Hershel "Woody" Williams is rotationally deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Medal of Honor recipient John Levitow addresses the audience during the dedication to him of the new 737th Training Group Headquarters. Base: Lackland Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) 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

DN-ST-86-06012. Base: Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

New Armed Forces Seserve Center & 63rd Regional Support Command Headquarters, Moffett Field, CA ribbon cutting ceremonies.

Memorial Day 2008

Mrs. Fern Sumpter-Winbush, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) principal deputy director, Mr. Johnie Webb, DPAA Deputy Director of Outreach and Communications Directorate, Mr. Ray Kapaun, nephew to Medal of Honor Recipient U.S. Army Chaplain (Capt.) Emil Joseph Kapaun, and U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Ronald Gardner, DPAA senior enlisted advisor, participate in the National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Sept. 16, 2022. The event is held every year on the third Friday of September, honoring prisoners of war and missing-in-action service members. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Camilletti, outgoing 48th Fighter Wing commander, delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 29, 2022. During the ceremony, Camilletti relinquished command of the 48th FW to Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, who then charged Brig. Gen. Joseph Campo with leading the wing.

Army Lieutenant General Ronald Place, Director, Defense Health Agency (DHA), delivered the keynote speech at the Murtha Cancer Center (MCC) 10th Anniversary Celebration on December 2, 2022, held at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). Named for former congressman, John P. Murtha (D-PA), MCC performs translational cancer research, designed to effectively and efficiently support a medically ready force, provide worldclass cancer services for the Military Health System, and collaborate with other federal agencies, civilian medical centers, pharma, and academia.(Photographs by Harvey A. Duze (Office of Command Communications, WRNMMC)

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion 263rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, South Carolina National Guard, conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the renovation of Battery B, Sept. 10, 2022, Easley, South Carolina. In attendance were U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, South Carolina State Senator Thomas Alexander, South Carolina State Representative Neal Collins, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. R. Van McCarty, the adjutant general for South Carolina National Guard, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Frank Rice, commander, 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion 263rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, South Carolina National Guard, conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the renovation of Battery B, Sept. 10, 2022, Easley, South Carolina. In attendance were U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, South Carolina State Senator Thomas Alexander, South Carolina State Representative Neal Collins, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. R. Van McCarty, the adjutant general for South Carolina National Guard, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Frank Rice, commander, 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command.

The Michigan Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard presents the colors during The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs 2022 Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony, Nov. 10, 2022, at Lansing, Mich. Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

Col. Conor Hiney, the 57th Wing vice commander, gives his remarks at the POW/MIA ceremony Sept. 16, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Col. Hiney gave a speech honoring the commitment to service and the sacrifices made by those in the line of duty.

Oregon National Guard Brig. Gen. Mark Crosby, Assistant Adjutant General for Air (left), along with Albany, Oregon Major Alex Johnson (center) and Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. Nathan Flores (right) and other guest enjoy the 71st Annual Linn County Veterans Day Parade from the observation platform at Albany, Oregon on Nov. 11, 2022. The event is recognized as one of the largest Veterans Day parades in the United States each year. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Fort Hood, Texas - Maj. Torrance Nevels, senior physician assistant, 1st Medical Brig, addresses the audience during a graduation ceremony, for the Armys three newest physician assistants and from the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Interservice Physician Assistant Program, at CRDAMC 30 Sept.

PENSACOLA, Fla. (March 30, 2022) Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), recognizes the 2021 Military Instructors of the Year during a ceremony in the NETC headquarters courtyard.

At Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Mrs. Olivia Cox, widow of Sergeant (SGT) Manuel A. Cox, pays her respects to her husband at The Basic School's Cox Hall dedication ceremony on June 7, 2000. SGT Cox died December 4, 1983 as the result of the Marine Barracks bombing in Beirut, Lebanon October 23, 1983. At Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Mrs. Olivia Cox, widow of Sergeant (SGT) Manuel A. Cox, pays her respects to her husband at The Basic School's Cox Hall dedication ceremony on June 7, 2000. SGT Cox died December 4, 1983 as the result of the Marine Barracks bombing in Beirut, Lebanon October 23, 1983.

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

Joe Cunningham narrates at Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Devens post cemetery.

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.

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott speaks at the signing ceremony for a State Partnership Program agreement between the Vermont National Guard and the Austrian Ministry of Defence in Montpelier, Vermont, on May 11, 2022. The signing of an agreement between the Vermont Guard and the Austrian military strengthens and formalizes a partnership established nearly 30 years ago.

Fred Wagar, the director of Nevadas Department of Veterans Services, gives his remarks at the POW/MIA ceremony Sept. 16, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. On behalf of the Nevada state governor, Steve Sisolak, Wagar proclaimed September 16th POW/MIA Recognition Day in Nevada.

Fred Wagar, the director of Nevadas Department of Veterans Services, gives his remarks at the POW/MIA ceremony Sept. 16, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. On behalf of the Nevada state governor, Steve Sisolak, Wagar proclaimed September 16th POW/MIA Recognition Day in Nevada.

Ronda Fawber, Chairman of The Pennsylvania National Guard Associations Board of Directors, speaks with state legislators during Pennsylvania National Guard and Veterans Day at the state capitol.

Col. Mark A. Denton, commander of the 207th Military Intelligence Brigade (Theater), speaks at a ceremony remembering the fallen paratroopers from the 101st Airborne Division in Beuzeville au Plain, France, June 1, 2022. During D Day operations a C47 carrying 17 paratroopers was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crash landed, killing 5 crew and the paratroopers. (U.S. Army photograph by Staff Sgt. Alexander Skripnichuk)

Mayor Sammy Phillips, City of Jacksonville, gives his remarks during the 39th Annual Beirut Memorial Observance Ceremony at the 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.

Col. Kristen Thompson, 55th Wing commander, left, speaks during an event celebrating the 20th year of the 170th Group at Offutt Air Force Base, Sept. 10, 2022. Seated to her right are Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts; U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, former commander of Offutt's 55th Wing; Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac, Nebraska adjutant general; and Col. Wendy Squarcia, 170th Group commander.

Richard Anderson, chairman of Potomac Region Veterans Council, gives the call to order at the Quantico National Cemetery Memorial Day remembrance ceremony in Triangle, Virginia, May 30, 2022. The ceremony is held annually Memorial Day weekend to honor the memory and military service of the service members buried there.

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.

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.

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.

Acting Secretary P. Lynn Scarlett and other Interior senior officials at wreath-laying ceremony for law enforcement personnel killed in line of duty

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry salutes the heroism of U.S. veterans and Solomon Islands residents as he delivers a speech about the Guadalcanal campaign and famed 1942 "Bloody Ridge" battle while visiting the Guadalcanal American Memorial in the Solomon Islands on August 13, 2014.

Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Craig Manson, 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

Col. Bary Flack, 436th Mission Generation Group commander, addresses attendees during the Wreaths Across America ceremony held at Legislative Hall, Dover, Delaware, Dec. 12, 2022. Flack represented Dover Air Force Base at the event as the Delaware General Assembly welcomed WAA to the First State. National WAA Day is Dec. 17.

220402-N-KG461-1028Jacksonville, Fla. (April 2, 2022) Adm. Charles Richard, commander, U.S. Strategic Command, speaks at the Kings Bay Submarine Birthday Ball. The ball was a celebration of the 122nd birthday of submarines in the Navy.

Chaplain (Capt.) Bart Eskind, the 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade chaplain, gives the invocation at the Liberty County Chapter POW/MIA ceremony in Hinesville, Georgia Sept. 16, 2022. The event is held every year to honor all POW/MIAs across the service branches. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Joel Salgado, 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs)

061025-N-7241L-006. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040416-F-3880S-043. Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220519-N-UD000-1120 NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (May 19, 2022) Capt. Dave Pollard, left, delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) May 19, 2022. During the ceremony, Pollard relieved Capt. Robert Aguilar as commanding officer of George H.W. Bush. George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable war fighting capability as the flagship of the carrier strike group which maintains maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dirk R. Kloss removes the cover from his name inscribed on the granite walls during the Court of Honor Unveiling Ceremony at Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022. The Court of Honor monument is located outside the Minnesota Military Museum on base and features nearly 500 names of previous Minnesota service members, living and deceased, who have been honored with induction. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Air Force Col. Cassius Bentley III, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, speaks at a groundbreaking ceremony in Spokane, Washington, April 13, 2022. This ceremony celebrated the agreement between Team Fairchild, the Spokane County Sheriffs Office, and the Spokane County Board of Commissioners to begin construction on the first of its kind indoor small arms range between the Air Force and local government.

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.

Mr. Ray Kapaun, nephew to Medal of Honor Recipient U.S. Army Capt. Emil Joseph Kapaun, speaks during the National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Sept. 16, 2022. The event is held every year on the third Friday of September, honoring prisoners of war and missing-in-action service members. Over 300 U.S. military service members, former prisoners of war, families and veterans attended the ceremony to commemorate service members and families who gave the ultimate sacrifice. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

NAS Lemoore Commanding Officer CAPT Douglas M. Peterson praised the hard work and dedication of the committee members who made the celebration a success.

Pastor Christopher Brown, Senior Pastor at Cornerstone Church, gives the invocation during the Stafford County Armed Services Memorial Day ceremony at Stafford, Virginia, May 27, 2022. Memorial Day is a day to honor all the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

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

The Turkish Naval Attache to the United States speaks at the combined decommissioning and transfer ceremony for the destroyer USS ORLECK (DD 886). After being decommissioned by the US Navy the ship will be transferred to the Turkish Navy and renamed the TCG YUCETEPE (D-345). The ORLECK is the last World War II era destroyer in the Pacific Fleet. Base: Tacoma State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

060509-N-4014G-052. Base: Naval Supply Activity, Northwest State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Gen. Ross Coffman, the deputy commanding general for Army Futures Command delivers an address before a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Bush Combat Development Complex in Bryan, Texas, Nov. 4, 2022. Soldiers from 3d Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Hood, Texas, tested the capabilities of the center to showcase the Army's Stryker Infantry Fighting Vehicle capability and to test the center's ability to host military testing. The complex is dedicated to President George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States.

Sailors attached to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency participate in a ceremony for the 247th Navy birthday at the DPAA Facility on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Oct. 13, 2022. The ceremony was held to commemorate the Navys birthday honoring 247 years of rich history and defense of the nation. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

Colonel (ret) Gail S. Halvorsen, the legendary "Candy Bomber" from the Berlin Airlift, speaks from his heart expressing the honor felt after the Air Force named their new Next Generation Small Loader (NGSL) 25k loader after him. The ceremony was held at Dover AFB on 19 June 2001, the test site for the new Halvorsen 25k loader. The Halvorsen has the highest reach of any loader with a height of 225 inches. Base: Dover State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

030220-M-5753Q-072. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Ripper Country: Kuwait (KWT)

Force Master Chief Tracy Hunt, U.S. Navy Reserve, delivers remarks 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.

North Pole Veterans of Foreign Wars commander Joe Ziegler delivers a speech during the Prisoners of War/Missing in Action remembrance ceremony on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Sept. 16, 2022. Ziegler is a retired U.S. Air Force master sergeant who also serves as the senior vice commander of the Department of Alaska Veterans of Foreign Wars.

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

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

Acting Secretary P. Lynn Scarlett and other Interior senior officials at wreath-laying ceremony for law enforcement personnel killed in line of duty

Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. Jay Raymond speaks during a basic military training graduation ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, on June 23, 2022. The ceremony marked a milestone as the first BMT graduation to include all-Guardian flights, taught by Guardian military training instructors, using Space Force specific curriculum.

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.

Senator Russell Long (D-LA) addresses guests attending the dedication ceremony for the new Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital. Base: Fort Polk State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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. Remarks by Military - Colonel Smith 7th Psychological Operatons Group, Moffett Field

070131-A-8359B-002. State: Virgin Islands (VI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040304-A-4902A-002. Base: Miami State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: SOUTHEAST

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Lavaughn Frame, a landing support specialist assigned to 1st Landing Support Battalion, Task Force Los Angeles, applauds U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Sammy L. Davis, a Medal of Honor recipient, after a harmonica performance during a Memorial Day ceremony at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, as part of Los Angeles Fleet Week, May 30, 2022. The purpose of Fleet Week is to showcase the capabilities of the Navy-Marine Corps team and give back to the community with events, static displays, and personal interactions between service members and the public.

001018-N-3282B-005. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - TURRET HOMECOMING USS MONITOR

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III delivers remarks at the U.S. Africa Command Change of Command Ceremony at Kelley Barracks, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, Germany, 09 August 2022 (DoD photo by U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. Julian W. Kemper).

JSC2001-E-25817 (23 August 2001) --- Scott J. Horowitz, STS-105 commander, speaks from the podium in Hangar 990 at Ellington Field during the STS-105 and Expedition Two crew return ceremonies. The rest of the STS-105 crew are seated on the right - Frederick W. Sturckow, pilot, Daniel T. Barry, mission specialist, and Patrick G. Forrester, mission specialist. The STS-105 crew delivered the Expedition Three crew and supplies to the International Space Station (ISS) and brought the Expedition Two crew back to Earth.

Capt. Christopher G. Bryan 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. Bryant relieved Capt. Marc W. Ratkus as CIWTs commanding officer. CIWT is charged with developing the future technical cadre of the Navys information warfare community.

Relatives of fallen 10th Mountain Division Soldiers recite the names of the fallen during a memorial ceremony near Leadville, Colorado, Feb. 23, 2024. The ceremony was done as part of the 10th Mountain Divisions legacy weekend in remembrance of 990 Soldiers who gave their lives on the WWII battlefields of Italy and the Aleutian Islands. Army

Retired U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) Bob Page, speaks at the memorial service for fifth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, Robert D. Gaylor, at JBSA-Lackland, Texas, and Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Feb. 10, 2024. Gaylor left his home in Indiana to enlist in the Air Force and then called the San Antonio area his post-military home for more than four decades. He is survived by his son, Kenny, and daughters Carol and Elaine. Gaylor spent more than seven decades improving the Air Force through its people. He was an active proponent of professional military education and delivered seminars frequently in person and online until his passing. Air Force

GREAT LAKES, Il. (May 6, 2022) Rear Adm. Charles "Chip" Rock, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, visited Naval Station Great Lakes and presented Sailors and civilians with awards during an awards-at-quarters. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

SpaceX Crew-7 Flag Raising. Commercial Crew Program (CCP) Manager Steve Stich, left, and CCP Deputy Program Manager Ven Feng raise the Crew-7 flag on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, near the countdown clock at the Press Site at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the background are other CCP employees. NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Andreas Mogensen, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov will launch to the International Space Station aboard SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 3:49 a.m. EDT Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, from Kennedys Launch Complex 39A. Crew-7 marks the first spaceflight for Moghbeli and Borisov, and the second for Mogensen and Furukawa.

Straight on long shot of USAF Major General Glen Moorhead III, Air Warfare Center Commander as he speaks at the USAF Weapons School's 50th Anniversary Memorial Dedication on June 17th, 1999, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The memorial honors the schools graduates who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Straight on long shot of USAF Major General Glen Moorhead III, Air Warfare Center Commander as he speaks at the USAF Weapons School's 50th Anniversary Memorial Dedication on June 17th, 1999, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The memorial honors the schools graduates who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and aides to Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii for commemorative events on the 65th anniversary of the Japanese attack

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.

The Wyoming National Guard partnered with the Veterans Commission to support Task Force Tribute in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Aug. 26, 2022. Task Force Tribute is a veteran-inspired journey across the U.S. honoring the 7,054 fallen service members during combat operations since 9/11. One mile is traveled for each service member lost.

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