Military Funeral Honors

Images of uniformed military personnel in ceremonial dress, performing formal honors during funerals, showcasing precision, respect, and military tradition.

220527-N-OM737-1637NEW YORK (May 27, 2022) - Members of the Coast Guard Silent Drill Team perform at a reenlistment ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial during Fleet Week New York, May 27, 2022. The amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) is supporting Fleet Week New York 2022. Bataan is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.

Members of the 181st Intelligence Wing Base Honor Guard fold the flag during a retreat ceremony at Hulman Field Air National Guard Base, Ind., Sept. 10, 2022. Retreat ceremonies are held to represent two things: signifying the end of the official duty day and paying respect to the flag and everything for which it stands.

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 324th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, September 7-8, 2022. Maj. Gen. Craig D. Wills, Commander, 19th Air Force, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, reviewed the ceremony.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2022 cadets celebrate receiving their diplomas during the Graduation Ceremony at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 25, 2022. Nine-hundred-seventy cadets crossed the stage to become the Air Force/Space Forces newest second lieutenants.

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 433rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, June 8-9 2022, and it marked the return of two-day graduation events to the JBSA-Lackland Parade Field since March 2020. Maj. Gen. Michele Edmondson, 2nd Air Force commander, reviewed the ceremony.

United States Air Forces in Europe, Special Security Squadron (Elite Guard) from Ramstein, Germany, present the colors at a Memorial Day ceremony at the LaFayette Escadrille Monument in Paris, France. (Duplicate image, see also DF-SD-02-05141 or search 010527-F-0378B-022). Base: Paris Country: France (FRA)

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- U.S. Air Force Academy cadets march in formation during the pass and review portion of the Founders Day parade at Stillman Field in Colorado Spring, Colo., April 1, 2022.

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 324th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, September 7-8, 2022. Maj. Gen. Craig D. Wills, Commander, 19th Air Force, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, reviewed the ceremony.

From left to right, U.S. Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, and Lt. Gen. Davis S. Nahom take their seats during the 11th Air Force change of command ceremony at Hanger 20 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 11, 2022. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm turned over command to Lt. Gen. Davis S. Nahom as Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, and Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Commander, Pacific Air Forces, officiated before gathered family members, distinguished guests and military personnel.

LAS VEGAS -- Airmen from the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard march and perform during the Las Vegas Veterans Day Parade Nov. 11, 2010. Airmen from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Airman Leadership School also participated in the parade.

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.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Whitfield Jack, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team flight chief, performs during Air Force Week 2012 in New York City, Aug. 19, 2012. The drill team conducted several performances throughout the city during Air Force Week.

From left to right, U.S. Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, and Lt. Gen. Davis S. Nahom stand at attention during the 11th Air Force change of command ceremony at Hanger 20 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 11, 2022. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm turned over command to Lt. Gen. Davis S. Nahom as Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, and Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Commander, Pacific Air Forces, officiated before gathered family members, distinguished guests and military personnel.

Airmen salute during the 673d Air Base Wing and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, change of command ceremony at Heritage Park on JBER, June 28, 2022. U.S. Air Force Col. Kirsten G. Aguilar turned over command to Air Force Col. David J. Wilson as Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, commander Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Region, Alaskan Command, and 11th Air Force, officiated before gathered family members, distinguished guests and military personnel.

An Airman from the 422d Air Base Group honor guard, salutes a flag during a 9/11 retreat ceremony at RAF Croughton, England, Sep. 9, 2022. Airmen and guests participated in the ceremony to honor those who lost their lives during the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Visitors participate in the first Flowers of Remembrance Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., May 28, 2022. Visitors were given the opportunity to cross the plaza and place a flower in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This event pays homage to the first official Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day, which originally took place at the cemetery in 1868 as a way to honor the sacrifices of those who fought and died in the Civil War.

The 123rd Airlift Wing Honor Guard presents the colors at a ceremony during which Col. Hans F. Otto assumed command of the 123rd Medical Group during at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 11, 2022. Otto replaces Col. Michael A. Cooper, who has led the group since 2014 and is retiring.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kristina L. Schneider, left, of the 179th Airlift Wing, Ohio National Guard, and Master Sgt. Daniel P. Keller, center, of the 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho National Guard, participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, on Aug. 22, 2022. The event was part of Focus on the Force Week 2022an annual event hosted by the command chief of the Air National Guard that highlights professional development and celebrates the accomplishments of the enlisted corps.

041008-F-0577W-036. Base: Fort Logan National Cemetery State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 321st Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, June 2, 2022. Col. Leonard Rose, Air Education and Training Command chief of security forces, reviewed the ceremony.

DN-SC-85-10417. Base: Camp Zama State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Basic cadets from the class of 2027 arrive at the U.S. Air Force Academy for in-processing (I-Day), on June 28, 2023, in Colorado Springs, Colo. I-Day marks the start of their journey of becoming a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.

040531-F-4350W-009. Base: Cambridge Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A child waves as the U.S. Air Force Total Force Band plays in the Tournament of Roses Parade Jan. 1, 2022, in Pasadena, California. Americas Air Force participated in Americas New Year Celebration that includes the Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl Game, to kick-off 2022 and a yearlong celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Department of the Air Force.

031105-M-8049T-040. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the United States Air Force Honor Guard Precision Drill Team, 11th Wing, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C., perform for the residents of Ely, England. This was the first time the team performed for a British crowd. (Duplicate image, see also DF-SD-01-07657 or search 000824-F-4177H-003). Base: Ely Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

U.S. Army Spc. William J. Doyle, left, 104th Brigade Engineer Battalion, carries an urn containing the cremains of a veteran while Sgt. Bless E. Sherrill, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, both with the New Jersey Army National Guard, carries an American flag during the 38th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, New Jersey, Sept. 15, 2022. The cremains of World War I U.S. Army veterans Verna W. Hanway and Hans Lauritson; World War II U.S. Army veterans John Countryman, Robert L. Mabee, Albert T Whiteside, Jr., Elmer A. Willis and World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran Peter Truszkowski, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 59 years. NJMOHs mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the veterans cremains. (New Jersey National Guard photo by Mark C. Olsen)

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)

U.S. Air Force Col. Jonathan Burdick, 6th Operations Group commander, awards Lt. Col. Ivan Blackwell, outgoing commander of the 91st Air Refueling Squadron, a meritorious service medal during a change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 8, 2022. The Meritorious Service Medal is a military award presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States.

DF-ST-86-09346. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT RODEO '85 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-10184. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A view of the military personnel attending the ceremony for the dedication of the U.S. Central Command building. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Maj. Gen. Allan M. Pepin, commanding general, Joint Task Force - National Capital Region and the U.S. Military District of Washington, waits for the arrival of the French President Emmanuel Macron to Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Nov. 30, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach delivers remarks during the 11th Air Force change of command ceremony at Hanger 20 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 11, 2022. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm turned over command to Lt. Gen. Davis S. Nahom as Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, and Gen. Ken S. Wilsbach, Commander, Pacific Air Forces, officiated before gathered family members, distinguished guests and military personnel.

The Washington Nationals hosted National Guard Day at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C., June 28, 2022. Pre-game recognition ceremonies included National Guard members lining the field, a ceremonial first pitch from Air Force Maj. Gen. Keith MacDonald, Color Guard drills and renditions of the National Anthem and God Bless America sung by Army Sgt. Victoria Golding. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Master Sgt. Erich B. Smith)

Pvt. Tyrice Melvin, marches with the 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, during the pass and review portion of the unit's graduation July 28. Melvin met the graduation guest speaker, Maj. Gen. Milford H. Beagle Jr., 10th Mountain Division commander, on a flight from Germany. The two spoke about the Army and Basic Combat Training.

DF-SC-85-04100. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

MAJ. GEN. James G. Andrus, Third Air Force Commander, helps the 774th Air Base Group's Commander, COL. Edward J. Atkins incase the 774th ABG's flag, until the 774th is called once more for duty. Base: Raf Chicksands Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Clemson University's Army and Air Force ROTC units held a joint ceremony to commission 33 second lieutenants into military service, May 11, 2022. Eighteen students received commissions into the Army, 14 into the Air Force, and one received a commission into the Space Force. After the ceremony the new officers received their first salutes during a Silver Dollar Salute ceremony in Military Heritage Plaza. (Photo by Ken Scar)

DF-SC-86-11399. Base: Sunnyvale Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets celebrate at their graduation ceremony, May 25, 2022. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III delivered the keynote address at the ceremony. (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 331st Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, August 17-18, 2022. Maj. Gen. Michele C. Edmondson, Commander, Second Air Force, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, reviewed the ceremony.

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 433rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, August 10-11, 2022. Brig. Gen. Brenda P. Cartier, Director of Operations and Communications, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, reviewed the ceremony.

Remains of U.S. Army Air Corps Cpl. LaVerne Dirk Van Dyke, B-25 crew member, is laid to rest at the Zeeland Cemetery, Michigan, May 12, 2022. Van Dyke's great-niece, Beth Klomparen and great-nephew, Steve Klomparen accepted the ceremonial folded flag from Wright-Patterson Air Force Honor Guard 80 years after Van Dykes death. Remains of six crew members were found in a remote area of Papua New Guinea in 1998. The DNA analysis process to identify the remains took 20 years and another three years to bring Van Dyke home to his final resting place.

U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May holds a Memorial Day Weekend Sunset Parade for Coast Guard Gold Star families, May 29, 2022, in Cape May, N.J. The Coast Guard Gold Star Program is the Coast Guard's official program for providing long-term support to surviving families of Coast Guard members who die while in an Active status.

More than 600 Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 321 Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training on April 7, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Col. Todd Dyer, 99th Air Base Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Trey Morgan III, 99th Air Base Wing command chief, reviewed the ceremony.

From left, Polish army officers, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Ford, first sergeant of Bravo Company, 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Patrick Reardon, commander assigned to 64th BSB, wait for the start of the Polish Oath Keeping ceremony at Zielona Góra, Poland, July 30, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward-deployed corps in Europe.

Visitors participate in the first Flowers of Remembrance Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., May 28, 2022. Visitors were given the opportunity to cross the plaza and place a flower in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This event pays homage to the first official Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day, which originally took place at the cemetery in 1868 as a way to honor the sacrifices of those who fought and died in the Civil War.

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.

Students with the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps render honors at the Prisoner of War and Missing in Action table during the Memorial Day Ceremony in Beaufort, South Carolina, May 30, 2022. Memorial Day is a day to honor all the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Members of the U.S. Air Force Color Guard observe activity at one of the Inauguration Day functions for George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Tomb guards from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) conduct the Changing of the Guard during snowfall at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 19, 2024.

The Western Air Defense Sector Honor Guard post the colors during the 225th Air Defense Group change of command ceremony at the Pierce County Readiness Center, Camp Murray, Washington, Dec. 3, 2022. Brig. Gen. Gent Welsh, Washington Air National Guard commander, presided over the ceremony where Col. Raed Gyekis relinquished command to Col. Ricardo Camel

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 433rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 5-6, 2022. Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, reviewed the ceremony.

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 Lt. Col. James Megellas, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 2, 2022.Megellas is considered the most decorated officers in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division. His awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and other military honors for his World War II European service. Megellas is being considered for the Medal of Honor for his service and leadership during the Battle of the Bulge, an upgrade of the Silver Star he received for this service.Megellass grandson, James Megellas, received the U.S. flag from his service.

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.

RUSSIA, Moscow: Sentries at the Tomb of Honour for WW II victims at the Kremlin wall

502nd Security Forces Group renders a salute during the 502nd Air Base Wing Change of command ceremony, May 3, 2022, Pfingston Basic Military Training Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The 502d Air Base Wing is host to Joint Base San Antonio which unifies 11 geographically distinct locations including JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, JBSA-Lackland, JBSA-Randolph and JBSA-Camp Bullis.

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (Sept. 22, 2022) Sailors assigned to Naval Station Mayport's Funeral Honors Team practice ceremonial movements, Sept. 22, 2022. Naval Station Mayport's volunteer Funeral Honors Team services an average of 1,000 funerals each year across 15 local counties and the Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Mr. Sébastien Chenu (National Rally) Vice-President of the National Assembly, welcomed by a guard of honor of Republican Guards and drums, on his way to the Sessions Hall. National Assembly. Paris. Ile-de-France. 2024-06-06.

Louisiana Army National Guard Soldiers from the Honor Guard team fire their rifles to salute the fallen Soldiers of the Battle of New Orleans during a ceremony in Jackson Square, Jan. 8. The event is sponsored by the U.S. Daughters of 1812.

010926-F-8708H-019. Base: Moffett Federal Air Field State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 129th Rescue Wing, ANG

220901-N-EH998-1005 BAB AL-MANDEB (Sept. 1, 2022) Cmdr. Sam Sareini, commanding officer of guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) speaks to crewmembers during a frocking ceremony while transiting the Babal-Mandeb, Sept. 1. Nitze is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East Region.

More than 600 Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 321 Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training on April 7, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Col. Todd Dyer, 99th Air Base Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Trey Morgan III, 99th Air Base Wing command chief, reviewed the ceremony.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Basic cadets from the Class of 2027 arrive at the U.S. Air Force Academy for in-processing (I-Day), on June 28, 2023, in Colorado Springs, Colo. I-Day marks the start of their journey of becoming a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. C.Q. Brown, Jr. welcomes Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo, chief of staff of the Indonesian Air Force, during a full honors ceremony at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., May 19, 2022.

Airman 1st Class Avery Friedman, a 106th Rescue Wing Honor Guard member, performs taps at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, N.Y., Dec. 15, 2016. (US Air National Guard/Staff Sgt. Christopher S. Muncy)

The United States Air Force Honor Guard parades the country flags representing the international air chiefs in attendance at the Air Force 75th Anniversary Tattoo Sept. 15, 2022, at Audi Field, Washington, D.C. The parading of the flags symbolizes the unity and collective power the U.S. has built with its international partners and allies. This display was a part of the celebration of the Air Forces 75th year.

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 320th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, July 7-8, 2022. Col. Catherine Barrington, 90th Missile Wing commander, reviewed the ceremony.

040219-F-3217C-001. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

First responders with the Fort Bragg Fire and Emergency Services attend the Fort Bragg 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on the Main Post chapel on Fort Bragg, N.C., Sept. 11, 2022. The ceremony highlighted both U.S. Army Soldiers and first responders who responded and served both at home and overseas following the terrorist attacks on our nation Sept. 11, 2001.

U.S. Air Force Honor guard members from the 501st Combat Support Wing present the colors during a Ceremony of Remembrance at Stanwick Lakes, England, Feb. 22, 2024. U.S. and U.K. leaders gathered to honor 17 Airmen who died in a midair collision on Feb. 22, 1944, involving B-17 Flying Fortresses from the 303rd Bombardment Group at RAF Molesworth and the 384th Bombardment Group at RAF Grafton Underwood. The Airmen were part of Operation Argument, or "The Big Week," targeting enemy industrial sites and aircraft facilities in Central Europe to secure Allied air superiority for the upcoming landings in France in June 1944. Air Force

US Air Force Colonel Marne Peterson receives the 14th Flying Training Wing Colors during a Change of Command Ceremony held at the Wing Plaza, Columbus AFB, Mississippi. Upon receiving the Command, COL Peterson became the first female active duty Wing Commander in the United States Air Force. Base: Columbus Air Force Base State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael C. May, the state command chief for the Indiana Air National Guard, salutes as a member of the 181st Intelligence Wing Base Honor Guard presents Chief May with the flag during a retreat ceremony at Hulman Field Air National Guard Base, Ind., Sept. 10, 2022. The flag was lowered, folded in a triangle, and presented to May for his retirement.

U.S. Army Warrant Officer Cena Duran, commander of the 1st Infantry Division Band, speaks with a clarinet player from the Royal Belgian Air Force as they wait for the start of the parade leading up to the inaugural military tattoo at Vilnius, Lithuania, Aug. 27, 2022. The Big Red One Band is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly performing alongside NATO allies during a historical, inaugural military tattoo hosted by Lithuanian Armed Forces.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Basic cadets from the Class of 2027 arrive at the U.S. Air Force Academy for in-processing (I-Day), on June 28, 2023, in Colorado Springs, Colo. I-Day marks the start of their journey of becoming a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.

Soldiers of the Guard Battalion of the German Armed Forces, photographed during the welcome of Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, at the Chancellery in Berlin, 10.07.2023., Berlin, Germany, Europe

US Civil War-era Marines, military re-enactors, original Harpers Ferry Arsenal musket, Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, USA

An inactivation ceremony was held for the 553rd Air Force Band, also known as the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast, at the 193rd Regional Support Group, Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., Jan. 6, 2024. The 553rd Air Force Band traces its lineage back to the 53rd Army Air Forces Band formed in Rapid City, S.D., on Aug. 2, 1942.

Three female Marines, in dress blue uniforms, raise the morning colors. First view in a series of three. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040529-F-4132J-078. Base: Savannah State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

The 1st Special Operations Wing Honor Guard poses for a group photo after welcoming President Mario Abdo Benítez, of the Republic of Paraguay, to Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 30, 2023. Paraguay and the United States have been allies under the Rio Treaty, an agreement signed by several countries in the Americas for defense solidarity, since 1947.

Commander Tim Tilghman, commanding officer of Marine Safety Unit Chicago, addresses the crowd at Chicago's Navy Pier during the 23rd annual Chicago's Christmas Ship ceremony Dec. 3, 2022. The event, which takes place during a regular buoy run by Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw (WLBB 30), brings 1,200 trees from northern Michigan to struggling families in Chicago and commemorates the loss of the original Christmas Ship, the schooner Rouse Simmons, in a Lake Michigan gale in November of 1912. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer John Masson.

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Freedom Fest attendees interact with Senior Airman Mark Pearly, member of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, following their performance during Freedom Fest on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., July 4, 2022. Freedom Fest was attended by over 5,000 Department of Defense cardholders and their guests and featured many activities and live performances to celebrate Independence Day.

Singers with the Air Force Band perform during a holiday concert at the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., Dec. 11, 2022.

040502-F-6844O-001. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Basic cadets from the class of 2026 arrive at the U.S. Air Force Academy for in-processing (I-Day), on June 23, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colo. I-Day marks the start of their journey of becoming a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.

Senior Airman Latreal Figgers, from the 96th Security Forces Squadron, salutes during a full-honors funeral demonstration at the Honor Guard graduation ceremony Jan. 26, 2024 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Approximately 13 new Airmen graduated from the 120-plus-hour course. The graduation demonstration includes flag detail, rifle volley, pallbearers and bugler for friends, family and leadership.

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy welcomes 302 young women and men to the Class of 2026 for Day One, June 27, 2022. Day One marks the start of Swab Summer, an intensive seven-week program that prepares students for military and Academy life.

The 2022 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year pose for a photo in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., Sept. 21, 2022. Each awardee was selected based on their superior leadership, job performance and personal achievement.

A memorial for Senior Airman Melanie Locklear, 305th Air Mobility Wing maintainer, is held at the McGuire Air Force Base Chapel on Nov. 30, 2022. The memorial was attended by friends, family, and colleagues where awards and decorations were presented to her spouse by Lt. Col. Matt Ratcliffe, 305th Maintenance Squadron commander.

Bob Zinsmeister (left), Training Support Center Training Supervisory SPECIALIST, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, US Army Colonel Craig Schultz, 2nd Brigade, Madison, Wisconsin, and US Army Lieutenant Colonel Robert Jackle, Training and Mobilization, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, take part in the ribbon cutting ceremony for a new engagement skills trainer at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. Base: Fort Mccoy State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Swearing-in ceremony of 1100 policemen and policewomen to the NRW Police Force, Class of 2009, Duesseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Europe

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Basic cadets from the class of 2026 arrive at the U.S. Air Force Academy for in-processing (I-Day), on June 23, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colo. I-Day marks the start of their journey of becoming a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.

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 Lt. Col. James Megellas, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 2, 2022.Megellas is considered the most decorated officers in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division. His awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and other military honors for his World War II European service. Megellas is being considered for the Medal of Honor for his service and leadership during the Battle of the Bulge, an upgrade of the Silver Star he received for this service.Megellass grandson, James Megellas, received the U.S. flag from his service.

The event coordinator and announcer for the Inaugural Military Tattoo 2022, takes a photo with the 1st Infantry Division Band, as they wait for their turn to perform at Vilnius, Lithuania, Aug. 28, 2022. The Big Red One Band is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly performing alongside NATO allies during a historical, inaugural military tattoo hosted by Lithuanian Armed Forces.

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.

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