← Military & Defence

Military Ceremonies and Parades

Images of soldiers in formal attire at commemorative events, demonstrating military honors and ceremonies across different locations.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall guards at evening flag changing ceremony

050914-A-3133C-016. Base: New Orleans State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 82ND AIRBORNE

Soldiers of different platoons at the 77th Independence Day parade at the Assam Rifles ground in Agartala. Tripura, India.

Indian border security force soldiers and Pakistani counterpart doing parade before start changing of guard ceremony Copyright: xManoejxPaateel/DinodiaxPhotox

Unknown Soldier Memorial and Anwar Sadat Tomb, Nasser City, Cairo, Egypt, North Africa, Africa

TOKYO (Oct. 5, 2022) U.S. Space Force Gen. John W. Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, right, Chief of Staff of the Japan Joint Staff Gen. Koji Yamazaki, center, and Commander of United States Forces Japan, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, speak with each other during Raymonds visit to engage with senior officials from Japans Ministry of Defense, in Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Raymond reinforced the United States ironclad commitment to the U.S.-Japan alliance following a North Korean ballistic missile launch that passed over northern Japan on Oct. 4th.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Griffin Kozak, a drill instructor with Receiving Company, Support Battalion briefs new recruits with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, during receiving at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Oct. 24, 2022. The recruits were checked for contraband, given a haircut, made a phone call home, and issued gear.

220922-M-JT840-0118RIO DE JANEIRO - (Sept. 22, 2022) -- Brazilian Marines hold 19 national flags at a formation during the UNITAS LXIII Closing Ceremony, Sept. 22, 2022. Hosted this year by Brazil, UNITAS brought together multinational from Belize, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States to conduct operations in and off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. UNITAS annually trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air, amphibious and electronic warfare operations that enhance warfighting proficiency and increase interoperability.

Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin, Germany. Wall separated West Berlin from East Berlin from 1961 to 1989.

DF-ST-89-01735. Base: Monterey State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III speaks with Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada during a bilateral exchange at the Pentagon Washington, D.C., Jan 12, 2023.

SHIMODA, Japan (May 21, 2022) - Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, Commander, Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ), waves to bystanders during a parade for the 83rd annual Shimoda Black Ship festival. The Shimoda Black Ship festival, or Shimoda Kurofune, celebrates Commodore Matthew C. Perry's arrival to Japan, Japan's subsequent opening to international trade, and the U.S.-Japan alliance. For 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th fleet's forward deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

Evzone soldiers, Changing the Guard, Syntagma Square, Athens, Greece, Europe

A division of infantry on the APC with a red flag and trucks on ST.PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - MAY 05, 2016: A division of infantry on the APC with a red flag and trucks on the Palace square during a rehearsal of the Victory Parade in St. Petersburg in May Copyright: xZoonar.com/MaximxMitsunx 9265835

A Russian Cadets Compete In A Game Of Tug-of-war

DN-ST-86-04411. Base: Pusan Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Ontario, Canada, Kingston. Fort Henry, National Historic Site, UNESCO. Reenactment soldier in vintage 1867 uniform.

Weapons of mass destruction. Soviet Union ICBM missile. War Background

Shanghai Police on the Street.

OKINAWA, Japan (March 29, 2023) Community members, participating in the Okinawa Leadership Workshop, watch a Pacific Missile Range Facility Detachment Far East demonstration on White Beach Naval Facility, March 29, 2022. The workshop provided influential Okinawan leaders the unique opportunity to see and learn how the U.S. military operates, supports, and defends the region. Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa played a major role in organizing and hosting the event. CFAO maintains and operates facilities to support the U.S. Navy's naval and aviation assets in the Indo-Pacific region.

040910-M-6483A-017. Base: Naval Station, Mayport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

SHIMODA, Japan (May 22, 2022) - Entertainers perform during the 83rd annual Shimoda Black Ship festival. The Shimoda Black Ship festival, or Shimoda Kurofune, celebrates Commodore Matthew C. Perry's arrival to Japan, Japan's subsequent opening to international trade, and the U.S.-Japan alliance. For 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th fleet's forward deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

Chinese soldier using radar detecting ballistic missile attacks and conducting general space surveillance and satellite tracking. CCP agent using military laptop software preventing rockets

Police in Seoul, South Korea, Asia

Kim Jong-il, also written as Kim Jong Il, born 16 February 1941 (Soviet records) or 16 February 1942 (North Korean records), is the leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea). He is the Chairman of the National Defense Commission, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, the ruling party since 1948, and the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army, the fourth largest standing army in the world. In April 2009, North Korea's constitution was amended and now implicitly refers to him as the 'Supreme Leader'. He is also referred to as the 'Dear Leader, 'our Father'. His son Kim Jong-un was promoted to a senior position in the ruling Worker's Party and is heir apparent.

The Marine Security Guard Detachment presents the colors of the United States at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia's Fourth of July celebration on June 4, 2015.

Maj. Eugene Choi, U.S. Embassy-Seoul, Joint U.S. Military Affairs Group-Korea foreign affairs officer, poses for a photo at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 25, 2022. FAOs provide expedited communication connections to allies and partners to coordinate foreign military sales, arrange training for nation partner service members and engage in diplomatic meetings between military leaders.

Akira Katabami (right), 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron quality assurance officer, briefs Japan Air Self Defense Force logistics officer trainees (left) on combat air-drop cargo operations during a regular bilateral forces tour of Logistics Readiness Squadron units at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 6, 2022. JASDF logistics trainees based out of Ashiya Air Base, Japan, have visited Team Yokota multiple times a year since 2003 to experience allied logistics operations first-hand, in preparation for working alongside U.S. forces as they progress into their career fields.

Madrid, 10/12/2021. Military parade of 12-O on Hispanic Day on the occasion of the National Holiday, presided over by His Majesty. the Kings, Felipe VI and Doña Letizia, accompanied by the president, Pedro Sánchez and Margarita Robles. Photo: Jaime García. ARCHDC.

An exterior front view of the main gate. Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Iwakuni Country: Japan (JPN)

SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 10, 2022) - Students from local high schools and Marines assigned to the 1st Marine Division Band perform at San Francisco Fleet Week High School Band Challenge together as a part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2022, Oct. 10, 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience Americas sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.

Chinese air defense operator using radar system on laptop to detect intercontinental ballistic missiles. CCP red army soldier scanning rockets approaching borders, isolated over China flag

MAJ Steve Britt participates in pre-flight briefings with Japanese Air SelF Defense Force crewmen, during Exercise Cope North '81-3. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH '81-3 Base: Nyutabaru Air Base State: Kyashu Country: Japan (JPN)

ATHENS, GREECE - MAY 20, 2010: Changing of the presidential guard Evzones in front of the Monument of the Unknown Soldier near Greek Parliament, Syntagma square, Athenes, Greece

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard N. Rusnok and other distinguished guests hold a ceremonial rope during the 10th anniversary of the Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 10, 2022. The celebration included distinguished guests who expressed their appreciation involving the airport, and the flights that contribute to the operational readiness of each individual organization.

Vintage Photograph. Military parade celebration with soldiers and flags on red carpet.

Conceptual image of war between Israel and Iran using toy soldiers and national flags on a reflective background

Illustration of the territory of Hong Kong.Illustration du territoire de Hong Kong.

Infantry unit of the Greek army, the Evzones on parade outside the Greek Parliament House, guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

CHANGWON CITY, Republic of Korea (Oct. 31, 2015) Aviation Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Ransford Bulley, from Accra, Ghana, from the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), hula hoops with a child from Jinhae Hope Children Home during a community relations event. Ronald Reagan is moored in Busan for a good will port visit. Ronald Reagan and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Airmen from around the United States visit the 9/11 Tribute Center in New York City Aug. 20, 2012. The Airmen were given the opportunity to tour the 9/11 Memorial and Tribute Center during a visit to New York for Air Force Week 2012.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (August 1, 2022) Ally and partner nation country flags are displayed at Distinguished Visitor Day during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, August 1, 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Homage to the Turkish Soldier (Mehmetcik) Monument in Gallipoli, Canakkale, Turkey

220826-N-IG466-0996 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (Aug. 26, 2022) Vice Adm. BradCooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet andCombined Maritime Forces, left, meets with Staff Pilot Major General Saeed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, commander of United Arab Emirates Naval Forces at UAE Naval Headquarters, Aug. 26. During the two-day trip, Cooper met with senior Emirati military officials to discuss opportunities for enhancing UAE and U.S. maritime cooperation in the Middle East.

U.S. Army Troopers from the Horse Detachment, Regimental Support Squadron (RSS), 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (11th ACR,) sit poised astride their horses, sabers drawn, during a change of command ceremony and community cavalry demonstration September, 14, 2022, at the Horse Detachment Stables, Fort Irwin, Calif. The detachment, one of six mounted U.S. Army cavalry units, provides ceremonial support for 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, representing the rich history of the original 11th Cavalry in equine competitions and shows across the country.

FORT BELVOIR, VA. (March 30, 2022)--Staff Members, Market Leadership and community leaders gather to witness the Belvoir Hospital's official announcement of its Level lll Trauma Center verification in an unveiling ceremony March 30, 2022. This verification by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) certifies the organization's ability to provide prompt assessment, surgery, intensive care and emergency operations. To date, this medical treatment facility is the only community hospital in the Military Health System to achieve this verification.he Belvoir Hospital is a 120-bed, 1.3 million-square-foot military community hospital that serves a regional population of 250,000 personnel with about 100,000 enrollees receiving inpatient and specialty care services supported by 55 specialty clinics, a Warrior Pavilion (for combat injured/wounded/ ill), Inpatient Addictions Program, and three satellite family health centers at the Pentagon, Dumfries and Fairfax, Va.(Department of Defense photos

Tsuyoshi Imai (center left) Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Traffic Safety Department director, presents the Metropolitan Police Department Director Award for safety to U.S. Air Force Maj. Nicholas Reeves (center right) 374th Airlift Wing chief of safety at the Fussa Police Station, Fussa, Japan, Dec. 7, 2022. Yokota Air Base has continuously demonstrated an interest in traffic safety and actively participated in the prevention of traffic mishaps in the local community. Promoting safe driving, emphasizing preparedness and enforcing traffic safety rules like following speed limits, wearing seatbelts, maintaining safe driving distances, and reminding people to make complete stops at all railroad crossings are all things the wing has focused on to ensure the Yokota and local community was safe and out of harms way.

China red army agent conducts tactical reconnaissance, utilizing notebook for data analysis and mission planning, close up. Chinese military agent in war room looks at aerial map on device

Checkpoint Charlie. The most famous of the crossing points of the Berlin Wall between the two parts of the city. Photography of a soldier and the reconstruction of the gatehouse. Berlin. Germany.

Mexico, Chiapas, San Cristobal de las Casas, North America. Mexican Army beside San Cristobal Cathedral

Germany, Berlin, Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie

FRA - POLITIQUE - CYBERDEFENSE - Florence Parly, ministre des Armées, à RennesFlorence Parly, ministre des Armées, se rend jeudi 3 octobre 2019 au quartier Stéphant à Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande ( 35 ), où elle inaugurere le premier btiment du Commandement de la cyberdéfense ( COMCYBER ), spécifiquement conçu pour répondre aux besoins techniques et opérationnels du COMCYBER et accueillir ses différentes unités.FRA - POLITICS - CYBERDEFENSE - Florence Parly, Minister of the Armed Forces, in RennesFlorence Parly, Minister of the French Armed Forces, will visit the Stéphant district in Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande ( 35) on Thursday, October 3, 2019, where she will inaugurate the first building of the Cyber Defence Command (COMCYBER), specifically designed to meet the technical and operational needs of the COMCYBER and accommodate its various units.

SHIMODA, Japan (May 21, 2022) - Mr. Matthew Cenzer, left, presents an award to a winner of the Japan-America friendship picture contest during the opening ceremony of the 83rd annual Shimoda Black Ship festival. The Shimoda Black Ship festival, or Shimoda Kurofune, celebrates Commodore Matthew C. Perry's arrival to Japan, Japan's subsequent opening to international trade, and the U.S.-Japan alliance. For 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th fleet's forward deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

At the covid Center Asl Napoli 1 of the Mostra d'Oltremare on the first day of administration of the anti covid-19 vaccine to the Police In the photo: Administration of the anti covid-19 vaccine to the Police Forces (Naples - 2021-03-06, Felice De Martino). The photo can be used in compliance with the context in which it was taken, and without the defamatory intent of the decorum of the people represented.

South America, Chile, Valparaiso. Guards salute naval officer exiting the main entry to the Armada de Chile. (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Weapons of mass destruction. North Korea ICBM missile. War Background

SENDAI, Japan - A Marine Corps Air Station Futenma-based CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), flies over the city here March 14 during Operation Tomodachi. Personnel with III MEF (Fwd) established a humanitarian assistance center here to assist the Government of Japan-led relief efforts following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck mainland Japan March 11. (Marine Corps

South Korean flag on the DMZ fence (Demilitarized Zone) at Imjingak, South Korea, Asia

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson poses for a photo with the Presidential Security Service that accompanied him during his visit to South Korea at Osan Air Base, South Korea on March 18, 2017.

World War II memorial at the Banzai Cliffs, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, Oceania

U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to Navy Region Hawaii and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) conduct an interment ceremony held at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, Oct. 12, 2022. DPAA and attending family members paid their respects and honored the life of U.S. Navy Fire Controlman 1st Class Hubert P. Clement. Clement was assigned to the USS Oklahoma when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft during World War II. Clement was accounted for on Oct. 1, 2021, nearly 80 years after the attacks on Pearl Harbor.

A Communist party propaganda poster in front of the Hanoi People's Committee building in the centre of the Vietnamese capital city. The poster commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Christmas bombing of the city by the US in 1972. Operation Linebacker II (called "Dien Bien Phu of the Sky" in Vietnam) saw more than 200 American B-52 bombers drop 20,000 tons of bombs on North Vietnam over a period of 12 days in December 1972. The slogan's read: Top right: "Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu of the sky" Bottom: "immortal epic".

Members of the 185th Tactical Fighter Group are met by a Korean welcoming committee during Exercise Team Spirit '86. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '86 Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 2, 2022) Delegates of the Japan-America Student Conference (JASC) pose for a photo onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). JASC is a student-led exchange program that promotes bilateral relations between the U.S. and Japan by studying together and analyzing U.S.-Japan relations. For 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th fleet's forward deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

Canadian armed Forces parading beneath The City Hall, Toronto, Canada, celebrating 72nd. Anniversary of the Battle of Dunkirk

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Clive Dawes, a network administrator with Headquarters Company, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, uses his phone to translate a sign during a visit to Peace Memorial Park, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 12, 2024. . Dawes, a California native, was visiting the site as part of a series of battle site tours that aim to further understanding of Okinawas history and foster an appreciation of the local community and the integration of Marines in Okinawa.

Close up of an armlet of an American soldier at the high security border between South and North Korea, Panmunjom, South Korea

Honor Guard At Castle Mandawa, Rajasthan, India

Rider, guard in traditional uniform in front of the gate Mausoleum Mohammed V and Hassan II, Rabat, A uniformed guard on horseback holds a flag, near a stone wall, Morocco, North Africa, Africa

Combat drill and battle reenactment in front of the Dresden Military History Museum. Numerous museums in Dresden open their doors, present their collections and surprise visitors with special events, culinary delights and music

Man in uniform shooting video of the Grave of the Unknown Soldier, Gallipoli, Canakkale, Turkey

Man shooting video of the dramatization of the battlegrounds, man recording, Gallipoli, Canakkale, Turkey

981010-M-3661W-001. Subject Operation/Series: DYNAMIC MIX '98 Base: Iskenderum Country: Turkey (TUR)

Guard soldiers in front of Sandor Palace, residence of the Hungarian President, Budapest, Hungary, Europe

SHIMODA, Japan (May 21, 2022) - Performers participate in a parade during the 83rd annual Shimoda Black Ship festival. The Shimoda Black Ship festival, or Shimoda Kurofune, celebrates Commodore Matthew C. Perry's arrival to Japan, Japan's subsequent opening to international trade, and the U.S.-Japan alliance. For 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th fleet's forward deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

Dr. Hiroya Sugano, ceremony host, stands in front of a B-29 Monument during a U.S.-Japan Joint Memorial Service June 11, 2022, at Mt. Shizuhata in Shizuoka city, Japan. The memorial service provided participants the opportunity to honor those who lost their lives during a World War II air raid on June 20, 1945. During the raid, two U.S. Army Air Forces B-29 Superfortresses collided mid-air over Shizuoka City, resulting in the death of 23 Airmen on board the aircraft. Representatives of the U.S. Air Forces Yokota Air Base, Japan Self Defense Force, and Shizuoka City rendered their respects to the Airmen and Japanese civilians who lost their lives as a result of the tragedy, and reflected on the strong alliance the U.S. and Japan have forged since the end of World War II.

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