Military Funeral Honoring Fallen Soldiers

Images depict military personnel in formal attire, carrying a flag-draped casket at ceremonial funerals, conveying a somber and respectful atmosphere.

The Indiana National Guard's ceremonial unit helps bring a fallen hero home during an honorable transfer in Indianapolis, Ind., April 5, 2022. An honorable transfer is a tradition that displays honor, dignity and respect during the return of a fallen service member.

A joint services casket team holds the flag above the casket, as chaplains representing the various services participate in the interment service for the Unknown Serviceman of the Vietnam Era at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard pallbearer team transfer the casket of fifth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert D. Gaylor to the Fort Sam Houston Caisson Section during his interment, Feb. 10, 2024, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas. Gaylor championed Air Force professional military education in the late '60s and '70s before he was promoted to Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force in 1977. He continued to educate and inspire service members for more than 40 years after his retirement from military service. Air Force

070102-F-1644L-018. Base: Grand Rapids State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHWEST

US Honor Guardsman, from all branches of the US military, are placing the remains of Commerce Secretary Ron Brown upon a horse drawn caisson. Commerce Secretary Ron Brown was tragically killed when a USAF CT-43 plane crashed near Dubrovnik, Croatia on April 3, 1996. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Indiana National Guard's ceremonial unit helps bring a fallen hero home during an honorable transfer in Indianapolis, Ind., April 5, 2022. An honorable transfer is a tradition that displays honor, dignity and respect during the return of a fallen service member.

070102-F-0193C-001. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF

Caisson and honor guard on the way to a burial site.; Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.

Members of the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard carry the casket of a fallen member of USS COLE (DDG 67) to a hearse (not shown) at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, on October 14, 2000. The sailors' remains were returned to The United States aboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft (not shown). The United States Navy Ceremonial Guard honors fallen members from USS COLE (DDG 67) at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, as their remains are removed from a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft on October 14, 2000. The sailor was killed in an explosion resulting from a terrorist attack on the COLE in Yemen. Base: Dover State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Aug. 18, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Body Bearers from Bravo Company, Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., carry the casket of Midshipman 2nd Class (junior) Luke Bird during a funeral service at the U.S. Naval Academy. Bird, of New Braunfels, Texas, died July 17, 2022, when he fell over a waterfall while hiking in the Valparaíso region during a semester abroad in Chile.

Respects are paid to former U.S. President Gerald Ford as his casket lay in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol

U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guards funeral honors team support the memorial service and burial of Pfc. Donald M. Born whose remains were recently identified and given a proper burial after going missing in action during the Korean War in 1950.

Service members from the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band, and the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (the Old Guard) Caisson Platoon conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Navy Chief Pharmacists Mate James T. Cheshire in Section 62 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., July 22, 2022. Cheshire died on Dec. 7, 1941 when the battleship he was assigned to, the USS Oklahoma at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, was attacked by Japanese aircraft.From the Defense POW/MIA Account Agency (DPAA) press release:The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Cheshire.From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew, which were subsequently interred in the Halawa and Nuuanu Cemeteries.In September 1947, tasked with recovering and identifying fallen U.S. personnel in the Pacific Theater, members of the America

Soldiers with the Fort Sam Houston Caisson Section carry the flag-draped casket of fifth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert D. Gaylor during his interment ceremony, Feb. 10, 2024 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas. 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

ARLINGTON, Va. (March 8, 2013) Two Sailors recovered from the ironclad USS Monitor are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Monitor sank off Cape Hatteras, N.C., in 1862. The Sailors are being interred with full military honors.U.S. Navy

040612-N-0502D-138. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Air Force Honor Guard brings the coffin of Michael Hammer, AFL-CIO labor specialist in San Salvador for the State Department, from the chapel at the conclusion of memorial services. Base: Fort Myer, Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A joint services casket team places a band around the flag-draped casket of the Unknown Serviceman of the Vietnam Era, prior to carrying it out of the Capitol rotunda. A caisson waiting outside will transport the Unknown to Arlington National Cemetery for a state funeral service and internment at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

070102-F-8535W-198. Base: Grand Rapids State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: SOUTHEAST

Service members from the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band, and the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (the Old Guard) Caisson Platoon conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Navy Chief Pharmacists Mate James T. Cheshire in Section 62 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., July 22, 2022. Cheshire died on Dec. 7, 1941 when the battleship he was assigned to, the USS Oklahoma at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, was attacked by Japanese aircraft.From the Defense POW/MIA Account Agency (DPAA) press release:The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Cheshire.From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew, which were subsequently interred in the Halawa and Nuuanu Cemeteries.In September 1947, tasked with recovering and identifying fallen U.S. personnel in the Pacific Theater, members of the America

Members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) lift a casket containing the remains of a U.S. service member during a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, April 11, 2022. The ceremony was part of DPAAs efforts to disinter the remains of unknown service members lost during the Korean War. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

DA-SC-85-01319. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DM-SC-89-11223. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guards funeral honors team support the memorial service and burial of Pfc. Donald M. Born whose remains were recently identified and given a proper burial after going missing in action during the Korean War in 1950.

040609-F-3050V-100. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MDW

DF-ST-89-04859. Base: Hickman Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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Members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) drape a flag over a casket housing the remains of an unknown service member during a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, May 16, 2022. The ceremony was part of the agencys efforts to disinter and identify the remains of unknown service members lost during the Korean War. 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. Marine Corps pallbearers from 4th Marine Aircraft Wing escort the casket of U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Joseph P. Hoar(retired) at Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, California, Oct. 7, 2022. Gen. Hoar served honorably for 37 years and held many distinguished positions includingCommanding Officer, 1st Marine Regiment; Commanding General, Eastern Recruiting Region; and Commander, United States Central Command. Gen. Hoar was a native of Boston.

The Marine honor guard escorting COL. William R. Higgins' coffin folds the flag during funeral services at Quantico National Cemetery. COL. Higgins was killed by terrorists after being taken hostage while serving with the United Nations Truce and Observer Force in Beirut, Lebanon. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass renders a salute during the interment of the fifth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, Robert D. Gaylor, Feb. 10, 2024, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas. Fifth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert D. Gaylor championed Air Force professional military education in the late '60s and '70s before he was promoted to Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force in 1977. He continued to educate and inspire service members for more than 40 years after his retirement from military service. Air Force

U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to Navy Region Hawaii raise a U.S. flag over a coffin during an interment ceremony for U.S. Navy Shipfitter Third Class Francis Hannon at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, Oct. 13, 2022. Hannon was assigned to the USS Oklahoma when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft during World War II. Hannon was accounted for on Aug. 28, 2017. DPAA's mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and the nation.

110818-N-AU622-013ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 18, 2011) Chief petty officers prepare a flag for a burial at sea aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower is underway conducting carrier qualifications and performing maintenance material management (3M) inspections.

U.S. Marine Corps Body Bearers assigned to Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., support a full honors funeral for Medal of Honor recipient Pfc. Robert E. Simanek at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, Michigan, on Aug. 12, 2022. Simanek displayed extreme courage and unselfishness on a patrol during the Korean War as he threw himself on top of a live grenade to save his fellow Marines from serious injury or even death. Simanek was gravely injured by his heroic actions, but his bravery inspired those who observed him.

DF-ST-85-01538. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of a multi-service honor guard carry caskets holding the remains of suspected American MIA's during a Repatriation Ceremony at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Col. (ret.) Gregory Gadson participates in a Public Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Oct. 4, 2022. Gadson was at ANC to speak to employees as part of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Gadson has dedicated himself to the work of Wounded Warriors, veterans, and other groups who support employment and betterment of person with disabilities.

U.S. Army Soldiers fold a flag at the unveiling and dedication of the memorial marker for Civil War Medal of Honor recipient, U.S. Army Sgt. Major Edward Ratcliff, at the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Va., Aug. 5, 2006.

Maj. Gen. Richard J. Rowe Jr., commander, Military District of Washington, lays a wreath at the base of a veteran's headstone in Arlington National Cemetery, Dec. 13, 2008. Some 10,000 wreaths were laid in Section 12 of the cemetery as part of "Wreaths Across America," an annual event now in its 17th year.

ARLINGTON, Va. (Dec. 6, 2017) Radioman 3rd Class Howard W. Bean, from Everett, Mass., assigned to the Battleship USS Oklahoma (BB 37) during World War II, was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery Dec. 6. Petty Officer Bean was previously one of nearly 400 unidentified service members who died aboard Oklahoma during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

011022-F-3050V-063. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Arlington National Cemetery State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The graves of Apollo 1 crew members, Virgil Grissom, left, and Roger Chaffee are seen during a wreath laying ceremony as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration.

010404-F-3329S-502. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) members prepare to drape the U.S. flag over a casket during a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, Dec. 5, 2022. The ceremony was part of DPAAs efforts to disinter the remains of unknown servicemembers lost during the Korean War. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and the nation.

Kiran Ahuja, director, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, and Dennis McMahon, personnel security specialist, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, participate in a Public Wreath-laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Dec. 1, 2022.

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) fold the U.S. flag during military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Army Gen. Montgomery Meigs in Section 1 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 25, 2022. Meigs served as the head of U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army from 1998 to 2002, where he commanded the NATO peacekeeping force in Bosnia. A 1967 graduate from the U.S. Military Academy, he commanded an armored cavalry unit in Vietnam and the 1st Armored Division in the Persian Gulf War. Meigs was named after his great-great-great granduncle who served during the Civil War as the Armys Quartermaster General and was the architect of Arlington National Cemetery. He is also buried in Section 1. Meigs spouse, Mary Meigs, received the U.S. flag from his service. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser / Arlington National Cemetery / released)

Chaplain W.L. Dike, right, leads the Navy Ceremonial Guard as they carry the coffin of LT. CMDR. James T. Ruffin to the burial site at Arlington National Cemetery. Ruffin was listed as missing-in-action after failing to return from flying a mission off the coast of North Vietnam on Feb. 18, 1966. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers with the Fort Sam Houston Caisson Section carry the flag-draped casket of fifth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert D. Gaylor during his interment ceremony, Feb. 10, 2024 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas. 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

030403-M-5555L-002. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Spc. David Saari, North Dakota Army National Guard, folds an American flag during military funeral honor team training at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, Fargo, N.D., Aug. 17, 2007.

The Air Force Honor Guard carries the flag-draped coffin of Michael Hammer, AFL-CIO labor specialist in San Salvador for the State Department, into the chapel for the memorial services. Base: Fort Myer, Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030403-F-1166S-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Mobility Command

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), along with service members from the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Coast Guard, place U.S. flags at every gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery as part of Flags-In, Arlington, Va., May 26, 2022.On this day, over 1,000 service members placed flags at more than 250,000 headstones and at the bottom of about 7,000 niche rows at Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldiers and Airmens Home National Cemetery.

Team McChord Airmen gather at the Mountain View Cemetery, where five known prisoners of war are buried, in Lakewood, Washington, Sept. 13, 2022. The Mountain View Cemetery was the last stop along the memorial motorcycle ride held during POW/MIA Remembrance Week hosted by Team McChord to honor the more than 81,000 Americans who are still missing in action.

Team McChord Airmen gather at the Mountain View Cemetery, where five known prisoners of war are buried, in Lakewood, Washington, Sept. 13, 2022. The Mountain View Cemetery was the last stop along the memorial motorcycle ride held during POW/MIA Remembrance Week hosted by Team McChord to honor the more than 81,000 Americans who are still missing in action.

070204-A-8359B-010. State: Virgin Islands (VI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The U.S. flag is draped over a casket during a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, Jan. 9, 2023. The ceremony was part of DPAAs efforts to disinter the remains of service members lost on the Enoura Maru, a Japanese cargo ship used by the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II as a troop and prisoner of war transport ship. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and the nation.

041215-F-1616C-012. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A firing party from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) fires 3-rifle volleys during military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Army Gen. Montgomery Meigs in Section 1 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 25, 2022. Meigs served as the head of U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army from 1998 to 2002, where he commanded the NATO peacekeeping force in Bosnia. A 1967 graduate from the U.S. Military Academy, he commanded an armored cavalry unit in Vietnam and the 1st Armored Division in the Persian Gulf War. Meigs was named after his great-great-great granduncle who served during the Civil War as the Armys Quartermaster General and was the architect of Arlington National Cemetery. He is also buried in Section 1. Meigs spouse, Mary Meigs, received the U.S. flag from his service. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser / Arlington National Cemetery / released)

Soldiers of Delta Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), finish folding a flag during the interment of Lt. Col. Don C. Faith Jr., commander, 1st Battalion, 32st Infantry Regiment in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Apr. 17. After 62 years of being classified as Killed in Action body not recovered,” Faith Jr.'s remains were found near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea by a field recovery team. His remains were identified through DNA and reported to the public by Defense Prisoner Of War - Missing Personnel Office on Oct. 11, 2012.

New York Army National Guard leadership and color guard arrive to the grave of former President Chester A. Arthur for the laying the presidential wreath on his birthday, Albany, New York, Oct. 5, 2022. On each former president's birthday, a wreath is laid at their grave on behalf of the current president.

Members of a joint services honor guard carry the coffin of GEN Nathan Twining, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of STAFF from 1957-1960, during the full honors funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) participate in Flags-In”, where Soldiers placed U.S. flags at the headstones and niche of service members buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. Over 250,000 flags were planted at the final resting place of our Nation's fallen.

041130-F-0856M-003. Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), along with service members from the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Coast Guard, place U.S. flags at every gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery as part of Flags-In, Arlington, Va., May 26, 2022.On this day, over 1,000 service members placed flags at more than 250,000 headstones and at the bottom of about 7,000 niche rows at Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldiers and Airmens Home National Cemetery.

DA-SC-85-01202. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, Funeral with military honors (Editorial Usage Only)

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment Caisson Platoon, and the U.S. Army Band, Pershings Own conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Army 1st Lt. Myles W. Esmay in Section 36 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Aug. 1, 2022. Esmay was killed on June 7, 1944 during the siege of Myitkyina, Burma in World War II. From the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) press release: In the spring and summer of 1944, Esmay, an infantry engineer, was a member of Company B, 236th Engineer Combat Battalion, reinforcing the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional), also known as Merrills Marauders. Esmays battalion arrived at the recently captured airfield in Myitkyina, Burma, on May 28, where they were tasked with holding the airfield and taking part in the siege of Myitkyina. On June 4, the battalion attacked Japanese forces at Namkwi village northwest of the airfield. The fighting lasted until June 7.

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. James Bynum looks on as a U.S. Navy Honor Guard folds the American Flag during interment services for former astronaut Alan Bean, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Selected as an astronaut in 1963, Bean flew in space twice, becoming the fourth human to walk on the Moon on Nov. 19, 1969 and spent 59 days in space as commander of the second Skylab mission in 1973.

Members of an honor guard commit a wreath to the sea during a memorial service for the four chaplains who lost their lives when the merchant ship S.S. Dorchester sank during World War II. The ceremony is taking place on the 50th anniversary of the Dorchester's sailing from Pier II, Staten Island, N.Y. Base: Naval Station, New York State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

240205-N-PV534-2043 SAN DIEGO (Feb. 5, 2024) Sailors fold the national ensign on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting advanced tactical training that increases warfighting capability and tactical proficiency across all domains. Navy

USA veteran funeral, woman and casket with touch, sad family and flag for mourning, depression and respect. Widow, people and army service with coffin, burial or memorial for war hero in Philadelphia

United States, State of Virginia, Arlington. Soldier placing flags on each grave at Arlington National Cemetery the Friday before Memorial Day weekend.

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass Band, and the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Air Force Col. (ret.) Charles Vasiliadis in Section 7 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 9, 2023.Vasiliadis served in the Air Force for 30 years and was a highly decorated fighter pilot. A Vietnam veteran, he earned two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Purple Heart, and 30 Air Medals.Vasiliadis son, Douglas, received the flag from his fathers funeral service.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 14, 2012) Members of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard hold an American flag over the cremains of Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong during a burial at sea service aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) in the Atlantic Ocean. Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon during the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, died Saturday, Aug. 25. He was 82.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, his wife Deborah and U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, visit Warriors Walk on Fort Stewart, Ga., June 11, 2008. The garden was built in memory of Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division who were killed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

U.S. Army Col. Brian Ducote and Command Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Eckstrom, both assigned to Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolves Task Force Warrior, place a remembrance wreath during Memorial Day ceremony at Erbil Air Base, Iraq, May 30, 2022. During the ceremony, officials reflected on the origins and purpose of Memorial Day and honored those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their countries.

A combined forces color guard stands at attention as military pallbearers carry the flag-draped casket of an American serviceman from a transport aircraft. The serviceman was listed as missing-in-action in Southeast Asia. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Corporal David B. Milano, MIA, was lost in action during the Korean War on December 2, 1950. After 71 years, he will be repatriated back to the United States and reunited with his family. An Honor Guard made up of members of the Utah National Guard conduct an Honorable Carry at the Salt Lake City International Airport, April 26, 2022. Milano was born in Chicago, Illinois on Dec. 23, 1932, to Albert and Lida Milano. His family relocated to Utah, where Milano will be laid to rest next to his mother, sister and brother-in-law at Evergreen Memorial Park, 100 Monroe Blvd., Ogden, Utah.

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), escort the casket of Army Private First Class Robert L. Alexander, during his full military honors funeral in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Nov. 14, 2022.Alexander was killed during World War II and was accounted for on June 21, 2022.In July 1944, Alexander was a member of the 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division, fighting the Japanese on Saipan in the Mariana Islands. Alexander was killed July 7 when the Japanese general on Saipan ordered his forces into a mass suicide, or banzai,” attack against the 105th's lines.Following the end of the war, the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) was tasked with investigating and recovering missing American personnel in the Pacific Theater. They searched for and disinterred remains on Saipan, but could not identify any as Alexander. He was declared non-recoverable in September 1949.Remains, designated as Unknown X-27 27th Infantry Divisio

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), along with service members from the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Coast Guard, place U.S. flags at every gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery as part of Flags-In, Arlington, Va., May 26, 2022.On this day, over 1,000 service members placed flags at more than 250,000 headstones and at the bottom of about 7,000 niche rows at Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldiers and Airmens Home National Cemetery.

Family, friends, fellow Marines, and guests pay their respects to U.S. Marine Corps CWO4 Hershel "Woody" Williams during the West Virginia State Memorial services in the State Capitol Rotunda, July 3, 2022 in Charleston, W.Va. Born on October 2, 1923, in Quiet Dell, WV, Woody enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve on May 26, 1943, and advanced to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 before his retirement in 1969 after 17 years of service. During WWII, Woody served in New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, and Guam before landing in Iwo Jima where his actions earned him the Medal of Honor. At the time of his death on June 29, 2022, he was the last living World War II Medal of Honor recipient.

Technical Sergeant Gary D. Yoder, 708th Military Airlift Squadron, and AIRMAN 1ST Class Naomi J. Williams, 7th Military Airlift Squadron, both loadmasters, secure the casket of the Unknown Serviceman of the Vietnam Era aboard a C-141B Starlifter aircraft for the flight to Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. The Unknown will be transferred from Andrews to the Capitol to lie in state. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

New York Army National Guard Command Sgt. Major Louis Wilson and Brig. Gen. Ray Shields, director of Joint Staff, salute the gravesite of President Martin Van Buren in Kinderhook, N.Y., Friday, Dec. 5 after laying a wreath presented by President Barack Obama. The New York National Guard's headquarters in Latham, N.Y., presents the presidential wreath at Van Buren's gravesite each year on the anniversary of his birth.

Command Master Chief Brandon Ellison holds the ensign during a burial at sea aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) while underway as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, Nov. 01, 2022. The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is on its inaugural deployment conducting training and operations along NATO allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

Brig. Gen. Jason L. Morris, Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, lays a wreath upon the headstone of Sgt. Maj. Leland D. Crawford, 9th Sgt.Maj. of the Marine Corps, at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California, Nov. 10, 2022. The wreath laying ceremony took place as an ongoing tradition of remembering our past Commandants and Sergeant's Major of the Marine Corps on the Marine Corps Birthday.

Members of the US Air Force Honor Guard, carry the casket of the late Senator and former US Air Force Major General, Barry M. Goldwater, toward Arizona State Universities' Gammage Auditorium, Tempe, AZ, for a memorial service followed by friends and family. Base: Tempe State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Volunteers participate in the Wreaths Across Americas clean-up day, commonly known as Wreaths Out, in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 21, 2023. This year, over 3,000 volunteers participated and removed the 257,000 wreaths originally placed at ANC on Dec. 17, 2022.

NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock leaves his STS-120 mission patch at the gravesite of former astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn during National Wreaths Across America Day at Arlington National Cemetery, Sat., Dec. 14, 2019 in Arlington, Va. National Wreaths Across America Day is held annually to celebrate the lives of military veterans and wreaths are placed at the foot of every headstone. Wheelock honored those who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration as well as fellow service members.

070201-A-8359B-012. Base: Christiansted State: Virgin Islands (VI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Spc. Bailey Ponchot with 39th Transportation, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, right, salutes after handing the memorial wreath to Distinguished Guest Speaker Commissioner West, left, at the 2022 Memorial Day ceremony, at Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial, located just outside Saint-Avold, Moselle, France. Dedicated in 1960, the cemetery contains the largest number of graves of our military dead of World War II in Europe, totaling more than 10,000.

030202-F-0558K-085. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers carry a casket containing the remains of a member of the 3rd Bn., 502nd Inf., 101st Airborne Div., out of a temporary morgue at Gander Airport. On December 12, 1985, 248 soldiers of the 3rd Battalion were killed in a plane crash at the airport. They were returning to the United States after participating in peacekeeping duty with the Multi-national Force and Observers in the Sinai Desert. Base: Gander State: Newfoundland (NF) Country: Canada (CAN)

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) participate in Flags-In, where Soldiers placed U.S. flags at the headstones and niche of service members buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. Over 250,000 flags were planted at the final resting place of our Nation's fallen. The 16th Sergeant Major of the Army Michael A. Grinston plants a flag in front of a tombstone.

ARLINGTON, Va. (Dec. 15, 2012) Religious Program Specialist 3rd Class Richie Greene places a wreath on a veteran's grave in Arlington National Cemetery. Greene was among 40 Sailors from the Pentagon who volunteered to distribute and lay wreaths at the Wreaths Across America event in Arlington National Cemetery. This event, held annually at national cemeteries across the country, seeks to pay respects to our nation's veterans by laying wreaths on their grave.

Staff Sgt. Dwayne Clavon, 224th Sustainment Brigade, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, California National Guard, receives a folded American flag from Spc. Erick Muniz, 216th Engineer Battalion Mobility Augmentation Company, 578th Engineer Battalion, California National Guard, at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif. July 26, 2022.

Joint service honor guard teams load caskets carrying suspected remains of American MIA's into Central Identification Labratory busses for the trip to a Lab for final identification at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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