Military Funeral Honors

Scenes from military funerals, highlighting ceremonies and honors for fallen service members, with a focus on tradition and respect.

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (Aug. 1, 2018) An honor guard detail of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) personnel conducts an honorable carry ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Aug. 1, 2018. Carry teams will move 55 flag-draped transfer cases, containing what are believed to be the remains of American service members lost in the Korean War to the DPAA laboratory at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for identification.

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 in Section 75 of 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.

Members of the United States Air Force Honor Guard load the casket of the fifth chief master sergeant of the Air Force, Robert D. Gaylor into a hearse, Feb. 10, 2024 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Joint Base San Antonio hosted the memorial service and interment services for Gaylor, across JBSA-Lackland, Texas, and Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Gaylor left his home in Indiana to enlist in the Air Force and then called the San Antonio area his post-military home for more than four decades. He is survived by his son, Kenny, and daughters Carol and Elaine. Air Force

U.S. Marines from 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division transfer the dignified remains of U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jack Brown at Norfolk International Airport, Va., Aug 10, 2022. The U.S. Marine was identified and recovered during the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) investigative efforts to locate and identify remains of fallen heroes. Brown was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his acts of valor and giving the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle of Saipan in World War II.

Marines from the The Presidents Own Marine Band, Marines from the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. (8th and I), and the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Brendan ODonnell in Section 83 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Oct. 14, 2022.ODonnell entered the Marine Corps in October of 1950 and fought in the Korean War as a second lieutenant. By early April 1951, ODonnell had become a platoon leader in Company D, 2nd Battalion of the 7th Marine Regiment, supporting the Armys 1st Cavalry Division. His platoon was fighting to the Kansas Line, along the 38th parallel the dividing line between North and South Korea. On April 10, 1951, ODonnells platoon spearheaded a company-sized attack on an enemy ridgeline, killing 27, wounding 35 and capturing seven. As enemy fire rained in from the adjacent hills, he constantly exposed himself while setting up a defensive position. Mortars t

U.S. Soldiers carry Pvt. Andrew J. Ladner's casket during a memorial service for Ladner at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Long Beach, Mississippi, April 9, 2022. Ladner, 30, of Harrison County, Mississippi, was listed as killed in action, but his remains were not accounted for until accounted for on July 9, 2021 in New Guinea.

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

ARLINGTON, Va (March 8, 2013) Members of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard escort the remains of two Sailors recovered from the ironclad USS Monitor during a military funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. Monitor sank off Cape Hatteras, N.C., in 1862. The Sailors are being interred with full military honors.

Members of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard spread the U.S. flag over the coffin of LCDR James T. Ruffin during funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery. LCDR 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)

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (Aug. 1, 2018) An honor guard detail of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) personnel conducts an honorable carry ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Aug. 1, 2018. Carry teams will move 55 flag-draped transfer cases, containing what are believed to be the remains of American service members lost in the Korean War to the DPAA laboratory at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for identification.

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.

Marine Corp pallbearers carry former astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn to be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on Thursday, April 6, 2017, the day on which he and his wife Annie were married in 1943. Glenn was the first American to orbit Earth on Feb. 20, 1962, in a five-hour flight aboard the Friendship 7 spacecraft. In 1998, he broke another record by returning to space at the age of 77 on the Space Shuttle Discovery.

Joint Base San Antonio Honor Guard member Airman 1st Class Dilnara Dolkun salutes a weighted casket during funeral detail training at JBSA-Lackland, Texas, Jan. 20, 2023. The base honor guard team provides military funeral honors for active-duty members, retirees and veterans.

060729-N-5330L-004. Base: Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

FORT HOOD, Texas - The remains of Sgt. Amy S. Krueger are carried to the waiting aircraft by the Fort Hood honor detail. Krueger was killed during the Nov. 5 massacre at Fort Hood. .

Soldier funeral at Arlington National Cemetery

Pall bearers carry a flag-draped casket containing the body of one of four Navy servicemen killed in the initial phase of the United States (US) military action in Panama. The four servicemen were members of a SEAL (Sea-Air-Land) team that secured Patilla Airfield in the early morning hours of December 20. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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, Oct.l 17, 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.

Combined United States Army and Air Force Honor Guard members prepare to remove the flag draped remains of the six coalition military personnel who were killed as a result of a training accident on March 12 2001 in Kuwait, from a C-17 Globemaster III at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (Duplicate image, see also DFSD0201424 or search 010315F3329S501). Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Soldier funeral at Arlington National Cemetery

01/13/2014 Washington, United States The President of the Government, Mariano Rajoy during his visit to Arlington Cemetery. Photography: Diego Crespo / Moncloa Presidency of the Government ARCHDC.

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.

020329-F-1644L-016. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

An Army color guard stands at attention as pallbearers carry the caskets of a U.S. Army soldier away from a C-141 Starlifter aircraft. The C-141 returned the bodies of three soldiers who were killed in a helicopter crash in Korea on July 14, 1977. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040121-F-5253G-066. Base: Arlington National Cemetery State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, retire the colors during the 80th annual Evening Colors Ceremony at the Santa Margarita Ranch House on Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 15, 2022. The ceremony was held to commemorate the official dedication of Camp Pendleton, which took place in September 1942. The base was named after Maj. Gen. Joseph H. Pendleton, who had long advocated for a West Coast training base to be established.

020314-F-2703B-576. Base: Arlington National Cemetery State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Luigi Morillas with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, presents the colors during the 80th annual Evening Colors Ceremony at the Santa Margarita Ranch House on Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 15, 2022. The ceremony was held to commemorate the official dedication of Camp Pendleton, which took place in September 1942. The base was named after Maj. Gen. Joseph H. Pendleton, who had long advocated for a West Coast training base to be established.

U.S. service members with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) transfer the remains of a service member during a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, August 11, 2022. The disinterred remains were transferred to the DPAA laboratory for identification. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our Nation.

070412-A-9759M-039. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: JOINT POW/MIA ACCOUNTING PACIFIC

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Alec Hagerty, left, and Lance Cpl. Chase Light, right, members of the U.S. Marine Corps funeral detail, salute the remains of Pvt. Eugene Miller during a funeral ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP), Honolulu, Hawaii, Jan. 16, 2024. In 1946, as part of post-war efforts to recover missing soldiers, the 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company centralized all of the American remains found in Tarawa at Lone Palm Cemetery for later repatriation. The 94 sets of remains that were recovered but could not be identified were buried as unknowns at the NMCP in Honolulu. In July 2021, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) disinterred the grave and sent the remains to the DPAA laboratory for forensic analysis. The laboratory analysis and the totality of the circumstantial evidence available established the remains as those of Pvt. Miller.

Army Sgt. Howard R. Belden, 19, of Hague, New York, killed during the Korean War, was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, May 12, 2022. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency accounted for Belden on Oct. 14, 2021. In attendance at the funeral was Belden's sister, Barbara Curtis, and three of his brothers, Arthur, Daniel, and Arnold.

040609-F-3715H-013. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) drape an American 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.

Changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC.

Members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) escort a distinerred 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.

120619-N-HG414-427 ARLINGTON, Va. (June 19, 2012) Canine handlers and their dogs stand during the funeral ceremony for Master at Arms 2nd Class Sean Brazas at Arlington National Cemetery. Brazas, a canine handler, died May 30 while conducting combat operations in Panjwa'l, Afghanistan.

A joint services casket team removes the flag from the casket of the Unknown Serviceman of the Vietnam Era, prior to interment at the Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

On December 17, 1999, at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, caskets containing the reamins of fallen U.S. Marines from World War II, rest silently in a C-130 Hercules cargo plane. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) unfold an American 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.

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) support military funeral honors for U.S. Army Master Sgt. Gable Gifford in Section 55 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, June 22, 2021.Gifford served in the U.S. Army for over 20 years and had deployed five times to Colombia, Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations.His spouse, Candance Gifford, received the U.S. flag from her husbands casket.

A U.S. Air Force carry team transfers the remains of Tech. Sgt. Lee E. Ware of Simi Valley, California Aug. 9, 2022 at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. Ware was assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England.

Senior Airman Dawson McCartney, 33rd Maintenance Squadron, completes a fold of the American flag 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.

031023-M-3692C-059. Base: Camp Johnson State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

United States Air Force Honor Guard lowers the casket of the sixth Chief Master Sgt. of the AF James M. McCoy during his homegoing celebration held at the Omaha National Cemetery July 29. Chief McCoy died at the age of 91 shortly before his 92nd birthday.

040602-F-8572B-003. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sailors assigned to Navy Region Hawaii and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) conduct an interment ceremony held at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Sept. 21, 2022. DPAA and attending family members paid their respects and honored the life of Petty Officer 1st Class Beoin Corzatt, who was assigned to the USS Oklahoma when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft during World War II. Corzatt was accounted for on Dec. 17, 2020, nearly 80 years after the attacks on Pearl Harbor.

ARLINGTON, Va. (Dec. 7, 2012) Sailors assigned to Naval History and Heritage Command render a hand salute during a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery commemorating the 71st anniversary of the Dec. 7, 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The Naval Order of the United States has hosted the event for more than 40 years.

Mourners look on as members of the 101st Airborne Division Honor Guard place a casket containing the remains of a member of the 3rd Bn., 502nd Inf., 101st Airborne Div., onto a bier for a memorial ceremony. On December 12, 1985, 248 soldiers of the 3rd Battalion were killed in plane crash at Gander Airport, Newfoundland, Canada, They were returning to the United States after participating in peacekeeping duty with the Multi-national Force and Observers in the Sinai Desert. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the US Air Force 86th Airlift Wing Honor Guard carry the remains of fallen sailors from USS COLE (DDG 67) from a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on October 13, 2000. The sailors were caught in the explosion during the bombing of Cole in the Yemen port city of Aden. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

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-A-1070B-100. Base: Grand Rapids State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHEAST

Army 1st Lt. George S. Crisp, 24, of Alba, Texas, killed during the Korean War, was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, on May 24, 2022. Crisp was among the service members returned to the U.S. by North Korea in 2018, and was accounted for by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency on Sept. 3, 2019. (DoD photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sean Everette)

060329-N-5062N-001. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan honoring the victims of the bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon at Andrews Air Force Base, Prince George's County, Maryland, USA, President Ronald Reagan White House Photographic Office, April 23, 1983

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.

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Honor Guard carry the transfer case of a service member recovered during Operation Colony Glacier at JBER, Alaska, June 26, 2022. The transfer cases will go to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, for identification of remains and personal effects before being returned to families. Operation Colony Glacier is an effort to recover the remains of service members and wreckage from a 1952 flight which had 52 military members on board. As of June 2022, 47 of the 52 service members remains have been recovered and identified.

Desmond Doss: Medal of Honor Hero Resting at Chattanooga National Cemetery, Renowned WWII Medic Who Saved 100 Lives Without Bearing Arms Desmond Doss is buried at Chattanooga National Cemetery in Tennessee. He was a Medal of Honor recipient for his heroic actions during WWII as a combat medic, saving up to 100 lives without carrying a weapon. Copyright: xZoonar.com/WalterxGxArcexSr/GrindstonexMediaxGroup/WalterxArcexPhotographyx 22257463

Service members from the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, prepare to fold the National Flag during Navy Electricians Mate 3rd Class Roman W. Sadlowski's full honors military funeral in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 19, 2022.On Dec. 7, 1941, Sadlowski was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to capsize quickly. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Sadlowski.Between June and November 2015, DPAA personnel exhumed the USS Oklahoma Unknown remains from the Punchbowl for analysis.To identify Sadlowskis remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis and circumstantial and material evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis.

020329-F-8063B-003. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jason Hickman, Sergeant of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, supports an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., July 26, 2022. The wreath was laid by Lee Jong-sup, minister of national defense, Republic of Korea.

The Utah National Guard Honor Guard conducts Funeral Honors for the surviving family of U.S. Army Air Corps Sgt. Elvin L. Phillips, an Airman who was killed 79 years ago during World War II. Family from several states, friends, first responders, and service members gathered to render respect during the funeral at Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park in Bluffdale, Utah, Oct. 11, 2022.

041215-F-9471G-001. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sailors assigned to Navy Region Hawaii and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) conduct an interment ceremony held at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Sept. 21, 2022. DPAA and attending family members payed their respects and honored the life of Petty Officer 1st Class Beoin Corzatt, who was assigned to the USS Oklahoma when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft during World War II. Corzatt was accounted for on Dec. 17, 2020, nearly 80 years after the attacks on Pearl Harbor.

Members of Whiteman Honor Guard march in position to present colors to the National Anthem during the Lt. Whiteman Wreath Laying Ceremony at Memorial Park Cemetary in Sedalia, Missouri, May 21, 2022. Whiteman Honor Guard participated in the ceremony to pay respects to 2nd Lieutenant George A. Whiteman, being the first air casuality of World War 2

U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams, the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient, lays in honor at the U.S. Capitol on July 14, 2022. Williams, known for his valiant service at the Battle of Iwo Jima, passed away on June 29, 2022. He served 20 years in the United States Marine Corps and was awarded the militarys highest decoration for combat service, the Congressional Medal of Honor, by President Harry S. Truman in 1945. (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Karis Mattingly)

Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Phillip Jean-Gilles, from Miami, USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) executive assistant to the command master chief, places a rose during a wreath laying ceremony in honor of former President Gerald R. Ford and First Lady Betty Ford at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, September 1, 2022. Twelve Ford Sailors traveled to Michigan for the ships annual namesake visit to learn about the legacy of President Gerald R. Ford and connect with local community members in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor and Albion, Michigan.

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard pallbearer team carry the casket of fifth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert D. Gaylor 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

Soldiers from the U.S. Army 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), along with service members from all armed forces service branches, place over 265,000 U.S. flags at every gravesite, columbarium court column, and niche wall column as part of Flags-In at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, May 27, 2021.For more than 50 years, soldiers from The Old Guard have honored our nations fallen military heroes by placing U.S. flags at the gravesites of service members buried at both Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldiers and Airmens Home National Cemetery just prior to the Memorial Day weekend. For the first time in 20 years, members from the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Coast Guard placed flags alongside soldiers from The Old Guard across the 639 acres of Arlington National Cemetery.

From right, U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Karen F. Erickson, North Dakota Air National Guard, U.S. Army Spc. Kacey Krueger, and 2nd Lt. Moranda Flemmer, both of the North Dakota Army National Guard, fold an American flag during military funeral honor team training at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, Fargo, N.D., Aug. 17, 2007.

030911-F-3050V-109. Base: Arlington National Cemetery State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The 193rd Special Operations Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard's Base Honor Guard, is shown folding the flag at a Retreat Ceremony honoring the Tuskegee Airmen on Veterans Day. Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, hosted this event and the Honor Guard from193rd SOW, Middletown, PA, performed the retreat ceremony. Base: Harrisburg State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass and prior Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force render 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

Memorial services for Ames Security Guard Johnny Green. funeral services on the NRP parade ground. Eugolies presented b Chris Christensen, Deputy Center Director, Ames Research Center, Robert Dlci, Cief, Protective Services, Roger Higby, Lt., Ames Protectives serices, Cynthia Green, Daughter, Sloan Thompson, Granddaughter - Awarding of California Commendation Medal, Col. Amos Bagdasarian 129th Rescue Wing, CA Ang, Military Shadow Box, CPO Mike Di Santo, USN, Presentation of American Flags, Robert Dolci

Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) provide ceremonial support for the National Memorial Day Observance at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, May 30, 2022. President Joseph R. Biden participated in the Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor wreath-laying ceremony hosted by Maj. Gen. Allan M. Pepin, commanding general, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington.

031111-M-3843B-004. Base: Arlington National Cemetery State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Maj. Jeremie Croiset, a French Exchange Officer, pays his respects following the 39th Annual Beirut Memorial Observance Ceremony at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Oct. 23, 2022. The memorial observance is held annually on Oct. 23 to remember the lives lost due to the terrorist attacks at U.S. Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon and Grenada.

Serene Veterans Cemetery: American Flags Wave as Memorial Celebration Honors Those Who Served Generic views of a veterans cemetery on a serene day, featuring American flags fluttering in the breeze as a memorial celebration honors those who served. Copyright: xZoonar.com/WalterxGxArcexSr/GrindstonexMediaxGroup/WalterxArcexPhotographyx 22203537

A Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) member waits at attention to load a casket onto a truck 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 service members lost during WWII and the Korean War. This ceremony marked the completion of phase four out of seven disinterment phases from the Korean War Disinterment Project. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and the nation.

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. (U.S. Army photos by: Cpl. Gabriel J. Bacchus)

030403-F-1166S-001. 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

040609-F-3050V-109. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MDW

070102-F-0207D-082. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: J

020314-F-3488S-032. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

A member of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) renders a salute to the U.S. Flag 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 service members lost during WWII and the Korean War. This ceremony marked the completion of phase four out of seven disinterment phases from the Korean War Disinterment Project. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and the nation.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, left, NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, right, stop at the gravesite of former astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn to pay their respects, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Nelson, Melroy, and Cabana had earlier laid wreaths in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance.

U.S. Marines and special guest salute during a ceremony at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, Belleau, France, May 29, 2022. This Memorial Day ceremony was held to commemorate the 104th anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood. The visit is to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their respective countries during World War I.

An honor guard from Hill Air Force Base carries the casket at the funeral of COL Mark Lane Stephensen, whose RF-4C Phantom II aircraft crashed into a hillside while evading SAM missiles over North Vietnam in 1967. Twenty-one years later, the remains of 27 Americans killed in Southeast Asia, including COL Stephensen's, were repatriated by the government of Vietnam. Base: Riverton State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Spc. Kevin Rodriguez, 126th Aviation Regiment, California National Guard, holds a folded American flag at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., July 26, 2022.

Six Navy pallbearers carry the flag-draped coffin of LT. CMDR. Albert A. Schaufelberger down the loading ramp of a transport aircraft. Schaufelberger was killed in San Salvador. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Joint-service pallbearers transfer flag-draped coffins of missing in action (MIA) soldiers to buses upon the arrival in Hawaii of the airlift returning them from Vietnam. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. service members with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) honor the fallen during a disinterment ceremony July 11, 2022, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. The remains disinterred will be transferred to the DPAA laboratory for identification. DPAA's mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation

DN-ST-89-07218. Country: Unknown

U.S. President Ronald Reagan presenting Congressional Medal of Honor before casket as Caspar Weinberger and John Ballantyne look on during Memorial day ceremony honoring the Vietnam Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, USA, President Ronald Reagan White House Photographic Office, May 28, 1984

President William Jefferson Clinton and a U.S. Army Major General salute at the conclusion of a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in the early morning hours of Veterans Day. Base: Arlington National Cemetery State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DA-SC-85-00591. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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