Military Ceremonies and Remembrance

Various ceremonies honoring military service, featuring uniformed personnel, flags, and memorials, set against vibrant decorations and respectful crowds.

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

030406-F-0881Z-004. State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the Palm Bay Magnet High School Marine Corps JROTC participate in the presentation of colors during the NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 30, 2020. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored at the annual event.

The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard post the colors during a Memorial Day ceremony, May 30, 2022, at Dayton National Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio. Local military and civilian leaders and community members participated in Memorial Day events in the greater Dayton area.

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

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.

Rhys Williams, chief deputy cabinet secretary of the office of Governor Gavin Newsom, presents U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, former adjutant general of California, with the Order of California at his retirement ceremony at Mather Field, Sacramento, California, Sept. 28, 2022. Baldwin was first appointed to the position of adjutant general by Governor Edmund Brown Jr. in 2011.

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

061020-N-1082Z-001. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040611-F-6217S-006. Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, Californias Adjutant General, marks his retirement with a ceremony at Mather Field, Sacramento, California, Sept. 28, 2022. Baldwins wife, children, and colleagues gather to celebrate his achievements and 40 years of service.

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

220406-N-SY758-1103 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 Rear Adm. Rick 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).

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

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.

Science and Technology Acedemies Reinforcing Basic Aviation and Space Exploration (STARBASE), a Department of Defense youth program opens its first facility on Fort Drum, N.Y., Sep 16, 2022. STARBASE was created to expose youth to innovative hand-on activities in science, technology and mathematics within the aviation field.

Members of the Flight 93 National Memorial Federal Advisory Commission, on hand for the Commission swearing-in ceremony at the site of the temporary memorial, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, honoring the passengers and crew of the plane hijacked during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David A. Ottignon, commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, gives his remarks during 39th Beirut Memorial Observance Ceremony at 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.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, Californias Adjutant General, marks his retirement with a ceremony at Mather Field, Sacramento, California, Sept. 28, 2022. Baldwins wife, children, and colleagues gather to celebrate his achievements and 40 years of service.

U.S. Marines James "Jim" Tracy and Larry Morris escort the American flag to be raised at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, for the first time in 54 years on August 14, 2015.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Stewart C. Smith takes command of the 6th Space Warning Squadron, Cape Cod Space Force Station, Massachusetts, June 23, 2022. Smith, an Air Force Academy graduate, previously served as Director, Force Development, Joint Task Force Space Defense at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Timothy C. Sheehan, outgoing 6th SWS commander, relinquished his charge to Col. Miguel A. Cruz, commander of Space Delta 4, Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado. Sheehan has served as 6th SWS commander since 2020.

Minnesota Army National Guard Maj. John Shay performs the invocation during the annual Court of Honor induction ceremony at the Gen. John W. Vessy Recreation Center at Camp Ripley, Minneosta, Oct 2, 2022. Each year, candidates are nominated and considered for the Court of Honor on the basis of heroism or distinguished professional achievement and service. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

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.

Event honoring the 186th birthday of Ulysses S. Grant, at the General Grant National Memorial, New York City, New York, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivering remarks and joining participating dignitaries incluiding U.S. Army Brigadier General Robert Caslen, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy; Adrian Benepe, New York City Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation; Maria Burks, Commissioner of the National Parks of New York Harbor; and Ulysses Grant Dietz, the great-great grandson of General Grant. Also on hand for the event, featuring a wreath-laying ceremony, were members of the U.S. Military Academy Corps of Cadets Honor Guard.

Mayor Van Rooij, mayor of Meierijstad, gives a speech during the official ceremony of the 78th year commemoration of Operation Market Garden at Eerde, Netherlands, Sept. 17, 2022. As the Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) commemorate Market Garden 78, the 101st will continue to remain committed to collective defense and cooperative security alongside European allies and partners.

221213-N-ZS023-1020 SAN DIEGO (Dec 13, 2022) Independence-variant littoral combat ship Pre-Commissioning Unit Augusta (LCS 34) Blue crew render honors during an assumption of command ceremony held at Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE, Dec. 13. Littoral Combat Ships are fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control and deterrence missions around the globe.

Oregon Army National Guard Color Guard members render colors during the National Anthem to begin the renaming ceremony at the Raymond F. Rees Training Center, Umatilla, Oregon, on Sept. 29, 2022. Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Raymond F. Rees is a retired Oregon Guardsman and served as The Adjutant General, Oregon for more than 16 years, retiring from military service in 2013, and later worked as a civilian as the Deputy Secretary of the Army. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

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.

The color guard stands at attention as the national anthem is sung before the start of NASA Kennedy Space Center's annual Honor Awards ceremony inside the IMAX Theater at nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.

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 Hickam Honor Guard displays the colors at the Punchbowl Cemetery. Left to right, SRA Jorge Rodriquez, SSGT Shawn Knight, Angela Jimdar, and Kamaka Ahyo. The Hickam Honor Guard displays the colors at the Punchbowl Cemetery. Left to right, SRA Jorge Rodriquez, SSGT Shawn Knight, Angela Jimdar, and Kamaka Ahyo. (Duplicate image, see also DF-SD-01-01630 or search 000605-F-5774B-001)

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii -- (center) U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Paula Lodi, commanding general, 18th Medical Command (Deployment Support), is promoted to the rank of major general at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, Feb. 10, 2023. The ceremony was hosted by (left) U.S. Army Pacific Commander Gen. Charles Flynn.

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.

Joint Base San Antonio hosted a synchronized flag formation at all three installations (JBSA-Lackland, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston and JBSA-Randolph) at 7:46 a.m. Sept. 12, 2022 at JBSA Fort Sam Houston. The ceremonies included a flag formation, a moment of silence, an invocation and a speaker. Lt. Gen. John R. Evans, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) commander, led the remembrance ceremony at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston. The particular time of 7:46 a.m. Central time was chosen as that was when Flight 11 crashed into the north face of the North Tower (1 WTC) of the World Trade Center in New York City, between floors 93 and 99, at 8:46 a.m. Eastern time on Sept. 11, 2001.

111203-N-AC887-002GROTON, Conn. (Dec. 3, 2011) Ship sponsor Allison Stiller, left, breaks a bottle of champagne against the Virginia-class attack submarine Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Mississippi (SSN 782) as John Casey, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat, Mississippi Christening Maid of Honor, Leah Ferrill and Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus look on. Mississippi is the ninth Virginia-class submarine and the fifth U.S. Navy ship to be named for the Magnolia State.

USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) Executive Officer Paul Richardson, left, performed the dutes of emcee during the commissioning ceremony for LCS 32 on April 1 at NBVC Port Hueneme.

In an outside ceremony, Brig. GEN. E. C. Kelley, Commanding General, speaks during the grand opening of the new temporary lodging facility, the Crossroads Inn. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May personnel hold a 9/11 remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony on base at the Enlisted Memorial in Cape May, N.J., Sept. 11, 2022, Today, around the Coast Guard and locally here at Training Center Cape May, we remembered the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives 21 years ago in terror attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

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.

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.

Commanding Officer for Fleet Readiness Center Reserve Midwest (FRCRM), Capt. Dwayne Porter, guest speaker, shares comments about the events that transpired on Sept 11, 2001 during a flag retirement and remembrance ceremony held Sept. 9, at Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) Fort Worths Headquarters Building. (US Navy photos by Candateshia Pafford/Released)

220909-N-OX321-1007 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Sept. 9, 2022) Naval Air Station Sigonella personnel attend the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony held on NAS Sigonella, Sept. 9, 2022. The ceremony marks the 21st anniversary of the terrorist attacks and honors those who lost their lives that day and the heroic efforts of emergency personnel. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 27, 2017) Adm. Scott Swift, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, delivers remarks during a memorial ceremony at Fleet Activities Yokosuka honoring the seven Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) who were killed in a collision at sea.

Cape Canaveral, Fla. - At Fire Station 1 at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Fire and Rescue personnel salute or stand at attention as the American flag is raised during a ceremony held by Kennedys Fire and Rescue personnel. Kennedy Fire and Rescue Services commemorated the 13th anniversary of 9/11 with a ceremony that included a minute of silence at 10:28 a.m., which was the moment of collapse of the north tower of the World Trade Center.

U.S. Air Force Col. Tom Sling Bladen, 104th Fighter Wing Commander, addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of responsibility for a unit from one commanding officer to another.

The State of Arkansas honored and recognized the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam War veterans and their families in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Arkansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the state capitol grounds, April 29, 2023.Maj. Gen. Jonathan M. Stubbs, Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard, and retired Maj. Gen. Kendall Penn, Secretary, Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, placed the wreath at the memorial as part of the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.The last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam, March 29, 1973.

Military members with the Joint Color Guard from NAS Fort Worth JRB present the colors at the wreath-laying ceremony on Memorial Day at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery May 30, 2022.

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

Phil Scott, the Governor of Vermont, speaks at the 9/11 remembrance ceremony during the open house at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Sept. 11, 2022. The event was planned to coincide with the Vermont National Guard's observance of the 21st anniversary of the attacks of 9/11 which saw Vermont Air National Guard F-16s flying patrols over NYC in the immediate aftermath of the attack.

021111-F-4131L-082. Base: Louisville State: Kentucky (KY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-10926. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The State of Arkansas honored and recognized the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam War veterans and their families in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Arkansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the state capitol grounds, April 29, 2023.Maj. Gen. Jonathan M. Stubbs, Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard, and retired Maj. Gen. Kendall Penn, Secretary, Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, placed the wreath at the memorial as part of the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.The last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam, March 29, 1973.

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.

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.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matthew Brannen, the Deputy Director of Operations for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, gives a speech during the 50th anniversary of Operation Homecoming ceremony held at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, March 28, 2023. Following the release of U.S. Prisoners of War by the North Vietnamese, the newly freed U.S. service members were brought back to JBPHH and touched down on U.S. soil for the first time.

U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Filler, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, speaks during a change of command ceremony at RAF Croughton, England, July 20, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority and responsibility from one commander to another.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Elmer McDaniel, commander of the 117th Air Control Squadron, relinquished command to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col Ross Fielding in a time honored Change of Command ceremony at Hunter Army Air Field Savannah, Georgia, May 15, 2022.

Hawaii Army National Guard Capt. Evie Fernandez, master of ceremonies, delivers opening remarks during the promotion ceremony of Col. David R. Hatcher II from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel at Kalaeloa, Hawaii, July 1, 2022. Hatcher enlisted as an infantryman in 1987, commissioned in 2000 and commanded the 1-487 Field Artillery Battalion from 2019 to 2021 prior to assuming command of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team on April 4, 2022.

Service members from the military commands of Joint Base Cape Cod and the Otis Civilian Advisory Council join together to hold a Memorial Day Observance on Joint Base Cape Cod, Massachusetts, May 26, 2022. During the ceremony, a select choir from Bourne Middle School sang, and wreaths of flowers were placed by memorial stones encircling the large reflecting pool in the center of the park, representing and honoring those lost in service to the nation. (Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Francesca Skridulis)

Left side front view medium long shot as US AIr Force Brigadier General Elizabeth Harrell, Commander, Tactical Reconnaissance Wing 81 TRW/CC addresses a crowd for the ribbon cutting of new base housing in the Pinehaven area. Base: Keesler Air Force Base State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Straight on medium shot as US Air Force members of the 436th Honor Guard unveil the Abilene Community Award trophy at Mapledale Country Club. Civic leaders from Abilene, Texas presented the trophy to Dover base and civic leaders on July 27th, 2000. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (Sept. 21, 2012) Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Juan M. Garcia III, left, Yale University President Richard Levin and Air Force Lt. Gen. David S. Fadok, commander and President of the Air University, cut a ribbon welcoming back the Naval and Air Force ROTC programs at Yale University. the ceremony took place in front of a cenotaph honoring officers and Yale ROTC alumni who served in World War I. Yale was one of the first universities to have an ROTC unit beginning in 1926. The ribbon cutting re-establishes the ROTC presence on the university campus, missing since the 1970Õs.

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.

Jerry E. Brady of Kerville, Texas, a member of the Forty and Eight veterans group, watches the unveiling of a new monument dedicated to honor the patients of Hansen's disease in Carville, La. The ceremony took place at the Louisiana National Guards Gillis W. Long Center in Carville, La., Feb. 19.

Long Island September 11 memorial

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Evans, commanding general of U.S. Army North, speaks during St. Philips College Col. Burley Oak Tree Dedication Ceremony, held on the St. Philips Colleges campus, August 18, 2022. The 100-plus-year-old oak tree is part of the Burley homestead of the late retired U.S. Army Col. Roy W. Burley, Sr., for many generations. The tree now resides on the college campus with a plaque to share with future generations the legacy of The Colonel.

031025-F-4563N-001. Base: Rickenbacker Ang Base State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Friends and family of U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Todd Kirby, a Blacksville, West Virginia native and senior enlisted advisor of Joint Staff J6, stand for the national anthem during his retirement ceremony at the Semper Fidelis Chapel, Triangle, Virginia, Jan. 12, 2023. Kirby honorably served for 30 years and held four military occupational specialties during his career.

President William Jefferson Clinton and various members of Veterans organizations render honors during the presentation of the Colors on the steps of the ampi-theatre below the Tomb of the Unknowns during an early morning Veterans Day ceremony. Base: Arlington National Cemetery State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

Maj. Gen. Michel M. Russell Sr., commanding general, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, honored those that made the ultimate sacrifice during the Memorial Day ceremony held at the Vietnam Memorial Wall in the Elizabethtown Nature Park, May 30, 2022

U.S. Space Force Col. Robert Long, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, delivers a Memorial Day speech at the Lompoc Cemetery in Lompoc, Calif., May 30, 2022. Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, commemorates the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in their service to the United States.

Vice President Mike Pence speaks to NASA personnel and others during a wreath laying ceremony as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration.

U.S. ASA Fort Dix Headquarters Celebrated the Army Birthday US Flag Ceremony with a Formation during Reveille at 0600 on 14 June 2022. The Fort Dix workforce shared in the Ceremony by assisting the raising of the large U.S Flag in a group around the Fort Dix Flag Pole. After the raising remarks were spoken by U.S. ASA Fort Dix Commander Colonel Jon A. Brierton to the Service Members, Family Members, DoD Civilians and Contractors that had attended. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

Attendees and members of the official party honoring Chief Master Sergeant Marvin Boyd, watch a formal Flag Folding tribute during Chief Boyds retirement ceremony at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., on Oct. 15, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Boyd retired after 35 years of military service beginning in the U.S. Navy and over thirty years in the Washington Air National Guard. (National Guard photo by Master Sgt. (ret.) John Hughel, Washington Air National Guard Public Affairs)

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, joined by U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand Mark Gilbert, and his wife, Nancy, delivers remarks at a dedication ceremony for the site of a new American memorial at the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park at Anzac Square in Wellington, New Zealand, on November 13, 2016.

Command Sgt. Maj. James Taylor, 63rd Troop Command, Michigan Army National Guard, speaks to inductees during a non-commissioned officer induction ceremony, Joint Force Headquarters, Lansing, Michigan, Sept. 11, 2022. The ceremony was held to honor those soldiers who were recently promoted to the ranks of sergeant. The ceremony is meant to mark the newly promoted sergeants departure from the junior ranks, symbolizing that they are no longer just followers, but leaders.

Friends and family members gathered for the rededication of the Wyoming National Guard Museum in Cheyenne, Wyo., June 30, 2022. The museum was dedicated to Mrs. Bev Holmes and Chief Warrant Officer Five (Ret.) Bob Holmes. The Holmes devoted their time to maintaining the Wyoming National Guard lineage and history.

Army Master Sgt. James L. Quong, 30, of Norman, Oklahoma, killed during the Korean War, was laid to rest June 2, 2022, at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. Quong had been an Army Reserve captain in World War II but gave up his commission to join the Regular Army as a master sergeant in the Korean War in order to be closer to and more involved with his men. Quongs funeral was attended by his daughter, Suzanne, and numerous family members.

Secretary Gale Norton speaking at ceremonies at the War Correspondents Memorial, Burkittsville, Maryland, featuring unveiling of plaque honoring fourprominent journalists killed during war and war-related coverage in Iraq and Pakistan

Lt. Col. Joseph Handke, commander of the "BattleKings Battalion," 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, gives a speech a crowd emphasizing the need to rejoice that such men and women lived during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville, Georgia, May 30, 2022. The purpose of Memorial Day is to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Distinguished unveil a Virginia Historical Marker honoring Filipino Sailors in the U.S. Navy on May 28, 2022. The event occurred at the Philippine Cultural Center of Virginia in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The Field Memorial for a fallen comrade - boots, helmet, and weapon - stands the national colors, the marine colors, and a folded American flag during a memorial service for Lance CPL. Jesus Perez. Lance CPL. Perez was killed by a mortar shell during a training exercise. Subject Operation/Series: UNOSOM II Base: Mogadishu Country: Somalia (SOM)

Office of Personnel Management Director Kay Coles James speaking at Department of Interior South Building ceremony marking adoption by Interior 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. James' employees had made similar adoption of USS Theodore Roosevelt crew

011105-F-2155T-008. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Secretary Gale Norton, second from right, and Office of Personnel Management Director Kay Coles James, far right, among officials at Department of Interior South Building ceremony marking adoption by Interior 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

010720-A-7446B-001. Base: Carlisle Barracks State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: US Army War College

Family members of outgoing U.S. Strategic Command Commander U.S. Navy Adm. Charles Chas A. Richard unveil Richards command portrait during the USSTRATCOM change of command ceremony, Omaha, Neb., Dec. 9, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)

Col. Catherine Barrington, 90th Missile Wing commander, speaks at a 9/11 ceremony, September, 9, 2022, at Trophy Park on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. Barrington addresses Airmen to talk about how we should honor and remember first responders and military members who have given their lives, who have served and who continue to choose to serve.

DN-SC-86-03225. Base: San Francisco State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

USA, Washington, Forks. Coast Guard Color Guard leads Grand Parade; Independence Day, 4th of July.

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

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.

Foreign Affairs Day 2006 ceremonies, speeches, award presentations. Events included ceremony at the American Foreign Service Association's (AFSA) Memorial Plaque, in the Harry S. Truman Building's C Street Lobby, honoring foreign service officers who died in the line of duty.

HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (Nov. 11, 2022) Capt. Jason J. Williamson, Naval Station Great Lakes' commanding officer, speaks at a Veteran's Day celebration at the Highland Park Public Library.

NASAs SpaceX Crew-6 Preflight. Trip Healey, manager, Program Control & Integration for NASAs Commercial Crew Program, left, and Steve Stich, manager of NASAs Commercial Crew Program right, prepare to raise the SpaceX Crew-6 flag, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASAs SpaceX Crew-6 mission is the sixth crew rotation mission of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station as part of the agencys Commercial Crew Program. NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Warren "Woody" Hoburg, UAE (United Arab Emirates) astronaut Sultan Alneyadi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev are scheduled to launch at 1:45 a.m. EST on Feb. 27 from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center.

COLTS NECK, New Jersey -- Naval Weapons Station Earle held a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the historic Battle of Midway as well as a re-dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the installation's Battle of Midway Park June 6. U.S. Navy photo by Bill Addison/released

Staff Seargent Enrique Valencia, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow's company gunnery sergeant, speaks about the impact that the terrorist attack on 9/11 had on his life, as well as first responders, miltary, and all American citizens, during the Patriot's Day ceremony held at Mountain View Cemetery, September 10. The event was hosted by the United States Veterans Support Committee, and members of the Army's National Training Center, MCLB Barstow, local government, police department and fire department were invited to speak, were presented with awards, and Barstow's Fire Chief Nick DiNapoli rang the Barstow Fire District's Bell in the traditional final Tolling of the Bell, in honor of those lost.

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