← Military & Defence

Military Funeral Honors and Ceremonies

Images of solemn military funeral honors, joint services, and memorial ceremonies honoring fallen servicemen, emphasizing respect and patriotism.

Soldier funeral at Arlington National Cemetery

American and Korean members of a joint services honor guard salute as pallbearers carry a flag-draped coffin toward a C-141B Starlifter aircraft. The coffin contains the body of one of the 19 Marines from Co. C., 1ST Bn., 5th Marines, who were killed in the crash of a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter during the joint U.S./Korean exercise Team Spirit '89. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '89 Base: Osan Air Base Country: South Korea

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

A joint services casket team takes the casket of the Unknown Serviceman of the Vietnam Era from a hearse, to be aboard the frigate USS BREWTON (FF 1086). The casket will be transported by ship to Alameda, California, and then transferred to Arlington National Cemetery for interment at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A joint services casket team, preceded by a joint services color guard, carries the casket of the Unknown Serviceman of the Vietnam Era into the east entrance of the Capitol. Lining the steps is a joint services honor cordon. The Unknown will lie in state in the rotunda until Memorial Day, when he will be taken to Arlington National Cemetery for burial. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DA-SC-85-07783. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

Soldier funeral at Arlington National Cemetery

US Air Force (USAF) Honor Guardsmen AIRMAN First Class (A1C) Richard Hardin and SENIOR AIRMAN (SRA) Thomas Boyle from Bolling Air Force Base (AFB), District of Columbia (DC), pay tribute to former Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF), John L. McLucas, by placing his remains and a US flag on the US Army (USA) honor guard caisson during his funeral at the Arlington National Cemetery (ANC). Base: Arlington National Cemetery State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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. 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.

Body Bearers with Bravo Company, Marine Barracks Washington, prepare to fold the U.S. flag during a full honors funeral for Sgt. Maj. John L. Canley at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Aug 25, 2022. Canley was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2018 for his actions in 1968 during the battle of Hue City, Vietnam. His award citation notes that while serving as the company gunnery sergeant for Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Sgt. Maj. Canley and his Marines fought off multiple attacks as they patrolled the city streets to relieve another company of Marines.

US Air Force in Europe Honor Guard members prepare to remove the flag draped remains of coalition military members who were killed as a result of a training accident March 12, 2001 in Kuwait. The coffins arrived on a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on 15 March 2001. (Duplicate image, see also DFSD0201425 or search 010315F3329S503). Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Honor Guard carries the remains of Pfc. Michaux Turbeville, 31, of Dillon, South Carolina, killed during the Korean War, to his graveside service at Arlington National Cemetery on May 16, 2022. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified Turbeville's remains in 2021. (Defense Photo by Ashley M. Wright)

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, march on the colors at the Memorial Day Ceremony, and parade 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.

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.

DF-SC-86-03796. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221001-N-EF547-1033 SAN DIEGO OPAREA (Oct. 1, 2022) Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) conducts a burial at sea ceremony. Lake Champlain is operating in the Pacific Ocean and is homeported in San Diego.

Members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) participate in a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, Nov. 7, 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.

USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) color guard bow their heads in prayer during a burial at sea ceremony on the ships aircraft elevator 3, July 12, 2022. During the ceremony, 30 service members and family remains were committed to the sea. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting an independent steaming operation.

Service members of the joint forces honor guard provide military honors during the arrival of former President George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, from Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Texas Dec. 5, 2018. Nearly 4,000 military and civilian personnel from across all branches of the U.S. armed forces, including Reserve and National Guard components, provided ceremonial support. (Air National Guard

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (Aug. 30, 2018) A Joint Service Arrival Team carry the flag-draped casket of Sen. John S. McCain III at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Aug. 30, 2018. The former senators remains are en route to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.

DA-SC-85-00596. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Richard Cole, center left, the last surviving Doolittle Raider, salutes during a funeral service for fellow Raider and former Staff Sgt. David J. Thatcher in Missoula, Mont., June 27, 2016. The Raiders, 79 volunteers led by Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle, flew a mission to strike military targets in Japan four months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Air Force

040609-N-9712C-004. Base: Naval Base, Point Mugu State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030124-M-4815H-018. Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

110822-N-AG285-281 GULF OF ADEN (Aug. 22, 2011) Sailors and Marines carry a casket during a burial at sea ceremony for three U.S. Navy veterans aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41). Whidbey Island is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Members of the 101st Airborne Division Honor Guard 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 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: Gander State: Newfoundland (NF) Country: Canada (CAN)

020404-F-9082S-004. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

Service members conduct an Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath-Laying Ceremony at President William H. Tafts Memorial Gravesite in Section 30, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 15, 2022.The wreath-laying ceremony was held to commemorate Taft's 165th birthday and was hosted by Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director, Army National Military Cemeteries. The wreath was laid by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John H. Phillips, military deputy to the deputy chief of staff, G-6, United States Army Reserve.

020223-F-9082S-062. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: PACOM

United States Air Force Color Guard carry the remains of USAF First Lieutenant Michael Blassie's body from the rear of the hearse to his final resting place at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. 1LT Blassie was shot down and killed in South Vietnam on May 11th, 1972. A mix up with dog tags and body identification led the remains listed as Unknown and buried in the tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery (Not shown). Using DNA testing on May 14th, 1998, the remains were indentified as those of 1LT Blassie and services were held in his honor. This image is seen in the September 1998 edition of AIRMAN Magazine. Base: Saint Louis State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) service members load a casket during a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, April 4th, 2023. Approximately 63 individuals were disinterred as part of the Enoura Maru project: an on-going effort by DPAA to disinter, transport, and identify missing POWs from World War II. The remains were taken to the DPAA laboratory on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for further scientific analysis and possible identification.

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.

Pastor Mark Bedford from First Presbyterian Church officiates at the funeral of former 185th Commander Col. Warren G.Bud Nelson at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Sioux City, Iowa on October 14, 2022. Nelson was the last World War II veteran to serve as 185th Commander when he retired in 1980, he passed this week away at the age of 97. U.S. Air National Guard photo Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot 185th ARW Wing PA

California State Guard members present honorary wreaths to display for fallen troops during the annual Memorial Day Observance Ceremony at Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, San Jose, California, May 30 2022. The 129th Rescue Wing was invited to host an HH-60G Pave Hawk flyover event for the annual ceremony, which honored veterans of all armed forces of the United States.

Members of Charlie Company, 3rd Infantry prepares a flag draped casket for travel on a caisson. Base: Fort Meyer State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Army Reserve Soldiers stationed in New York lent a hand to honor a long-missing casualty of World War II Nov. 19 at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Queens, New York. First Lt. John Joseph Heffernan Jr. served in the 490th Bombardment Squadron with the U.S. Army Air Corps. On Feb. 22, 1944, at age 24, he and six crewmates were lost when their B25G bomber caught fire and crashed into a field in Burma. From January to March 2019, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency conducted a recovery mission at the crash site of Heffernans bomber in Burma, now known as Myanmar. On Nov. 2, 2021, the DPAA positively identified Heffernans remains through DNA technology, from among those recovered.

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard pallbearer team accompany 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

Sentinels from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment conduct the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Oct. 4, 2022.

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.

070402-A-5560M-006. Base: Muniz Air Base State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Lorence Boynes places a wreath at the USS Serpens Memorial in Section 34 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 27, 2023. This year marks the 78th anniversary of the explosion and destruction of the USS Serpens (AK-97). 250 service members lost their lives in this incident. This was the largest single disaster in the history of the Coast Guard.

U.S. Army Col. Todd J. Allison (right), Deputy Commanding Officer of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command and Command Sgt. Maj. Kofie B. Primus (left), 21st TSC senior enlisted advisor, lay a wreath to honor the fallen warriors of the September 11th attack at the Daenner Chapel, Kaiserslautern, Germany, September 8, 2022. The memorial ceremony was held to honor patriots and their families who have sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom.

Members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) salute the remains of an unknown service member during a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 6, 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. Secretary of State John Kerry, joined by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, and Ohio Governor John Kasich, watches as a Marine honor guard changes positions next to the body of astronaut John Glenn, the Secretary�s friend and former U.S. Senate colleague, as it lies in repose in the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, on December 16, 2016.

SGT Jose Diaz, left, and GYSGT Edward Slaubaugh retire the evening colors aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Caribbean Sea

Members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) participate in a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, Oct. 24, 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 the nation.

A bugler from the U.S. Army Band, "Pershing's Own", plays "Taps" during an Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath-Laying Ceremony at President William H. Tafts Memorial Gravesite in Section 30, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 15, 2022.The wreath-laying ceremony was held to commemorate Taft's 165th birthday and was hosted by Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director, Army National Military Cemeteries. The wreath was laid by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John H. Phillips, military deputy to the deputy chief of staff, G-6, United States Army Reserve.

A bugler from the U.S. Army Band, "Pershing's Own", plays "Taps" during an Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath-Laying Ceremony at President William H. Tafts Memorial Gravesite in Section 30, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 15, 2022.The wreath-laying ceremony was held to commemorate Taft's 165th birthday and was hosted by Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director, Army National Military Cemeteries. The wreath was laid by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John H. Phillips, military deputy to the deputy chief of staff, G-6, United States Army Reserve.

Pallbearers pass between the American and Korean members of a joint services honor guard as they carry a flag-draped coffin into a C-141B Starlifter aircraft. The coffin contains the body of one of the 19 Marines from Co. C., 1ST Bn., 5th Marines, who were killed in the crash of a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter during the joint U.S./Korean exercise Team Spirit '89. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '89 Base: Osan Air Base Country: South Korea

An opening ceremony is held for Exercise Yama Sakura 83 at Camp Asaka, Japan, Dec. 5, 2022. As a part of U.S. Army Pacific Operation Pathways, Yama Sakura 83 is the largest and most complex U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force bilateral command post exercise to date.

090606-N-5251G-055PACIFIC OCEAN (June 6, 2009) - Executive Officer, Cmdr. Bruce Stanley and Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Mamudu Cole, carry the Battle of Midway wreath to cast it overboard during a remembrance ceremony aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Thach (FFG 43). The ceremony was held to honor the courageous shipmates who fought in the battle of June 1943. Thach is underway on a routine deployment to the Western Pacific.

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.

DN-SC-89-07249. Country: Unknown

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) members march next to 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 service members lost during WWII and the Korean War. This ceremony marked the completion of phase four out of seven disinterment phases for 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.

Honor guardsmen assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing fold the American flag during a retirement ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 31, 2022. MacDill honor guardsmen provide support to military ceremonies honoring distinguished guests, change of command ceremonies, retreats, retirements, parades and other appropriate community events attended by the general public. They are responsible for the largest area of responsibility in Florida, covering approximately 17,504 square miles across 19 counties. (U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster)

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel renders honors as a carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Army Pfc. Cody Patterson who died in Afghanistan, during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Del., Oct. 9, 2013. Official

120221-N-VH839-043PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Feb. 21, 2012) Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) fold the ensign as the ship departs Pearl Harbor. John C. Stennis is returning to homeport in Bremerton, Wash., after completing a seven-month deployment.

As the American flag flies at half-mast, members of the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, UK, lower their heads during a three-minute period of silence. The event is in memory of the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centers Twin Towers in New York and at the Pentagon. Hijackers deliberately flew civilian airliners into the buildings, killing themselves, the passengers and thousands on the ground. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

DA-SC-85-00819. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Belgian Chief of Defence Adm. Michel Hofmann; Defense Attaché to the US and Canada Rear Adm. Garl Gillis; and Belgian Navy Commander Rear Adm. Jan De Beurme; participate in a Public Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., April 5, 2023. As part of his visit to ANC, Hofman returned three recently re-ribboned Croix de Guerre Belgian medals which were originally presented to the Unknown Soldiers.

021024-F-3329S-008. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

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.

Space Launch Delta 30 leadership along with Airmen and Guardians from the SLD 30 Delta Staff Agencies conduct a Retreat Ceremony April 27, 2022, at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. Retreat marks the end of the duty day, and the ceremony is conducted during the playing of the National Anthem with the lowering and folding of the U.S. Flag in a show of respect. (U.S. Space Force photos by Michael Peterson)

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.

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

Service members from varying countries present a salute during the Iron Mike Memorial Ceremony in Normandy, France, June 5, 2022. The ceremony paid tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for peace, freedom and dignity during D-Day.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, holds the American flag during the funeral 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.

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.

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.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Newcomb, a instructor of the Missouri Military Funeral Honors Program, teaches his students at the Ike Skelton Training Site, Jefferson City, Missouri, April 26, 2022. Every year the Missouri Military Funeral Honors Program Level Two Course is taught to National Guardsmen.

A tomb guard from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) supports a Public Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., June 1, 2022. The wreath was laid by Minister of Defense of The Republic of North Macedonia Slavjanka Petrovska.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Yorktown, Virginia to deliver the keynote address at the 225th anniversary celebration of the Battle of Yorktown. Among other dignitaries on hand for the commemorative events were Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen, former U.S. Army Secretary John Marsh, French Ambassador to the U.S. Jean-David Levitte, and French Defense Minister Michelle Alliot-Marie.

040420-F-8572B-003. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030205-F-0558K-012. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A member of the Mandeville Police Department Honor Guard holds an American flag before the unveiling of a permanent memorial to Mandeville Police Captain Vincent Liberto Jr., in Mandeville, Louisiana, Sept. 14, 2022. Liberto served 10 years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve before being honorably discharged as a sergeant. He was shot and killed in the line of duty, Sept. 20, 2019. U.S. Marine Corps Col. Justin Ansel, the assistant chief of staff for the Marine Forces Reserve G-3/5 and a Mandeville resident, attended the dedication on behalf of the Marine Corps. . We as officers owe it to America to give back someone whos better physically, mentally, morally. Thats what we do in the Marine Corps, said Ansel. We make Marines; we make them better mentally, physically, and morally, and then they go back into their communities. Vinnie Liberto is just a perfect example of this. His irrational call to serve continued from his Marine Corps service to public service as a Mandeville police office

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander, (left) and Brenda Gunther, City of San Angelo mayor (right) render the proper customs and courtesies as the American flag is raised during a Memorial Day service at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, San Angelo, Texas, May 30, 2022. Memorial Day was established in 1868 by Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic.

1978 - 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.

Two Oregon National Guard Funeral Honors Team members conduct a flag folding ceremony as part of a service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Medford, Ore., on May 30, 2022.

An Air Force honor guard team transfers the remains of Staff Sgt. Robert Dale Van Fossen, of Greenbrier, Ark., May 25, 2017, at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport. Van Fossen died Nov. 22, 1952, when a Douglas C-124A-DL Globemaster II went down. The aircraft took off from McChord Air Base in Tacoma, Wash., headed for Elmendorf Air Force Base near Anchorage, Ala., with a crew of 11. Van Fossen was one of 41 passengers aboard the aircraft. Prior to enlisting in the Air Force in 1949, Van Fossen served in the Arkansas Army National Guard from 1947 through 1949.

(From left to right) Defense Attaché to the US and Canada Rear Adm. Garl Gillis; Belgian Chief of Defence Adm. Michel Hofmann and Belgian Navy Commander Rear Adm. Jan De Beurme view the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., April 5, 2023. Hofmann was at ANC to participate in a Public Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Hofman also returned three recently re-ribboned Croix de Guerre Belgian medals which were originally presented to the Unknown Soldiers.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Yorktown, Virginia to deliver the keynote address at the 225th anniversary celebration of the Battle of Yorktown. Among other dignitaries on hand for the commemorative events were Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen, former U.S. Army Secretary John Marsh, French Ambassador to the U.S. Jean-David Levitte, and French Defense Minister Michelle Alliot-Marie.

Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Editorial Usage Only)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 24, 2015) Sailors assigned to Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Nashville perform plane side honors for the remains of Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Randall Smith at Nashville International Airport. Petty Officer Smith died from his injuries two days after a shooting at NOSC Chattanooga July 16. Smith's funeral is scheduled for July 28.

A tomb guard from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) supports an Army Full Honors Wreath-Laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Aug. 23, 2022. The wreath was laid by Gen. Pierre Schill, chief of staff, French Army.

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

060329-N-1027J-008. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Navy AIRMAN Keith Lough prepares to raise the Stars and Stripes as USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) enters the harbor of Marmaris, Turkey, while the crew prepares for four days of liberty in the area. Truman is on its maiden deployment and is scheduled to return to its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia. Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass addresses the audience during the memorial service for the fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Robert D. Gaylor, Feb. 10, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Gaylor spent more than seven decades improving the Air Force through its people. He was an active proponent of professional military education and frequently delivered seminars in-person and online until his passing. Air Force

The 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General David H. Berger, stands in preparation to receive the national ensign being folded by Marines from Marine Barracks Washington D.C. during the West Virginia State Memorial services for U.S. Marine Corps CWO4 Hershel "Woody" Williams in Charleston, WV, July 3, 2022. Williams was awarded the Medal of honor on October 5, 1945 for his actions during the battle of Iwo Jima while serving with 21st Marines, 3rd Marine Division. He was the last living WWII Medal of Honor recipient at the time of his death on June 29, 2022.

040519-N-0119G-001. Base: USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

Usa, Virginia. Arlington National Cemetery, Tomb of the Unknown and the Changing of the Guard

Army Cpl. Charles E. Lee, 18, of Cincinnati, killed during the Korean War, was laid to rest on April 11, 2022, at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency accounted for Lee on June 14, 2021.In July 1950, Lee was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on July 20 after his unit was forced to retreat from the vicinity of Taejon, South Korea. He was never found, nor were any remains recovered that could be identified as Lee. He was declared non-recoverable in January 1956.To read more about Lees ID, go to: https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/2663104/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-lee-c/

LIBERTYVILLE, Il. (May 18, 2022) Sailors assigned to Naval Station Great Lakes funeral detail participate in a funeral service for a Navy veteran. Navy military funerals are conducted to recognize the proud American tradition of honorable service which Navy men and women have given to their country. Our Nation regards the memorializing of its military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.

Airmen assigned to the MacDill Air Force Base Honor Guard fold the American Flag during a retirement ceremony at MacDill AFB, Florida, Jan. 15, 2024. Flag-folding ceremonies are symbolic displays of respect that have developed into a rich military tradition. Flag handlers fold the American Flag 13 times representing the original colonies of the United States, with each fold carrying its own meaning. The flag is folded into a triangular shape with only the blue starred field showing, representing the states that U.S. veterans served while in uniform.

JACKSON, Miss. (Dec. 6, 2016) - Naval Air Station Meridian Funeral Detail Sailors carry the remains of Petty Officer 1st Class Jim Johnston at the Jackson-Evers International Airport. Johnston, a Mississippi native, died at the attack on Pearl Harbor on the USS Oklahoma. His remains were recently identified through the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency that exhumed remains from the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. He will be buried Dec. 7 with full military honors in Wesson, Miss.

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.

US Marine's honor guard member holding a folded American flag

Members of the 934th Airlift Wing salute as an empty casket is carried by a team from the 934th Airlift Wing Force Support Squadron during an exercise at Volk Field Air National Guard, Wis., April 7, 2022. The exercise was held to promote general readiness of the wing and its individual units. (Photo by Master Sgt. Trevor Saylor)

of 3