Military Graduation Ceremonies

Ceremonies featuring U.S. Marines and Airmen. Images highlight colors, flags, and traditional military attire during graduations and honors.

Usa, Virginia, Arlington. Iwo Jima Memorial, Sunset Parade which consists of a performance of 'The Commandant's Own' Drum and Bugle Corps, the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard.

U.S. Marines with the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego Color Guard present the American Flag for the National Anthem during a graduation ceremony for Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, at MCRD San Diego, Oct. 14, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation, which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions.

031110-M-8049T-037. Base: Alexandria State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Madison D. Franklin, a Marine with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, receives an award during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, Dec. 2, 2022. Franklin earned the distinction as the first female honor graduate from MCRD San Diego. She was recruited out of Recruiting Station Indianapolis, Ind.

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

Members of the Vandenberg Air Force Base Honor Guard on the parade grounds during the 30th Space Wings Change of Command ceremony. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSC

Marines with the Official U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard present the U.S. flag during a Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, Va., June 28, 2022. The guest of honor for the evening was the Honorable John P. Coffey, The General Counsel of the Navy and Mr. Mark A. Romano, Counselor for the Commandant, was the hosting official.

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.

An Ohio National Guard joint service color guard stands at attention during the Memorial Tournament Honoree Ceremony June 1, 2022, at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. The Memorial Tournament was founded by PGA legend Jack Nicklaus in 1976 and includes an annual Salute to Service day to honor the military, veterans and first responders.

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) support a wreath-laying ceremony at the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy in Section 45 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, Sept. 27, 2022. This ceremony is held yearly to commemorate President Kennedys contributions to the U.S. Army Special Forces, including authorizing the Green Beret as the official headgear for all U.S. Army Special Forces and his uncompromising support to the regiment.

Usa, Virginia, Arlington. Iwo Jima Memorial, Sunset Parade which consists of a performance of 'The Commandant's Own' Drum and Bugle Corps, the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Christine Henning, out-going sergeant major, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, renders a salute during a relief and appointment ceremony at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, March 23, 2023.The ceremony recognized Sgt. Maj. Christine Hennings service, leadership and dedication to the unit while welcoming Sgt. Maj. Joe Stewart as the squadron sergeant major.

Airmen stand at attention during a flyover at the 97th Air Mobility Wings 42nd Annual Boom Operator Symposium at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 29, 2022. The flyover included a KC-46 Pegasus and a KC-135 Stratotanker.

021010-F-0362B-003. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Marines with the Silent Drill Platoon conduct a performance for the Honor Flight Network at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., April 19, 2022. The Honor Flight Network is a non profit organization dedicated to transporting American veterans to Washington D.C. to visit war memorials, honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

A joint service color guard marches in formation during a ceremony welcoming former prisoners of war back to the United States. The POWs were held captive by Iraqi forces during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

UNITED STATES MARINE HONOR COLOR GUARD

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.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosts Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr during a bilateral exchange at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., March 30, 2023.

The U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Marine Logistics Group color guard salutes Brig. Gen. Brian Wolford, the outgoing commanding general for 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and Brig. Gen. Adam Chalkley, the oncoming 3rd MLG commanding general, for pass in review during a change of command ceremony on Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, June 24, 2022. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

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.

040531-F-9032T-016. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band supports a Navy Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 30, 2024. The wreath was laid by the Chief of Naval Operations for the Republic of Korea Adm. Yang Yong-mo.

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.

Reportage: An Honor Guard stands at attention during a flyover by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and the United States Navy Blue Angels Saturday, July 4, 2020, at the 2020 Salute to America event on the South Lawn of the White House.

DN-SC-89-07253. Country: Unknown

030411-M-1852W-017. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Futema State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: MAG-36

041108-F-0881Z-001. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marines with Marines Barracks Washington perform a 21-gun salute while taps play in honor of the lives lost by fellow Marines and service members at the conclusion of a Tuesday Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va., Aug. 9, 2011.

A U.S. Marine Corps color guard with Headquarters Battalion (HQBN), 2d Marine Division, stand at attention as part of a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 4, 2022. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Keith D. Hoge, the outgoing sergeant major, relinquished his role of battalion sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Clifford P. Fincham.

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Troy E. Black speaks with U.S. Marines assigned to 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division after a private ceremony at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery marking the 104th anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood, May 29, 2022. The Battle of Belleau Wood is remembered for the intensity of the fighting and sustained, as well as for the participation of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments. To this day, Marines assigned to these two regiments wear the French fourragere on the left shoulder of their uniforms as a reminder of their unit's distinguished service during the First World War.

U.S. Marines with the 2d Marine Division Band stand in formation 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.

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, march to the Peatross Parade Deck in their Dress Blues aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, Dec. 9, 2022. These Marines have spent 13 weeks working on close-order drill, marksmanship, and traditions of the Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney, outgoing commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force, and Lt. Gen. David A. Ottignon, the oncoming commanding general, at the change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, August 18, 2022. Lt. Gen. Jurney relinquished command to Lt. Gen. Ottignon.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Osman Sesay, commanding officer, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, presents arms during a realignment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, June 24, 2022. CLB-3 realigned under 3d MLR as part of Force Design 2030. While the 3d MLR is not envisioned to be fully operational for several years, the realignment is a significant step towards that end.

Joint-service color guards march during a ceremony for the dedication of the GEN Douglas MacArthur corridor of the Pentagon. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marines with Delta Company, 1st Marine Training Battalion, march to the Peatross Parade Deck in their Dress Blues aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, Dec. 2, 2022. The Marines have spent the last 13 weeks learning close-order drill, marksmanship, martial arts, and Marine Corp traditions.

Marines with Marine Barracks Washington execute pass in review during a Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, Va., July 26, 2022. The hosting official for the evening was General Ryan P. Heritage, Commanding General, Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command & Marine Corps Space Command. The guest of honor was Lt. Gen. incoming Deputy Commander for United States Cyber Command.

Marines with the Official U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard stand at the position of attention during a Tuesday Sunsent Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, Va, June 26, 2023. The hosting official for the evening was Mrs. Dee Reardon, Assistant Deputy Commandant Installation and Logistics, and the guest of honor was the Honorable William L. LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquistion and Sustainment.

US Army

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.

New U.S. Marines from Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, march across the parade deck during their graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, Oct. 21, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation, which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions.

Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), along with members of the U.S. Army Band Pershings Own, provide ceremonial support during a Full Honor Arrival Ceremony held in honor of the Chief of Staff of the German Army, Lt. Gen. Alfons Mais, at Whipple Field on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Feb. 1, 2024. Mias was awarded the Legion of Merit by the ceremony's host, U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George. The arrival was followed by a Full Honor Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Va. Army

020413-F-9796L-001. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

U.S. Army soldiers of 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment marched in the Yorktown Parade, at Yorktown Victory Monument in Fort Eustis, Virginia, October 20, 2022.

Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division Color Guard retire the colors at a memorialization ceremony at Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Dec. 1st, 2022. During this memorialization ceremony, 3rd Infantry Division rededicated four gates to honor historic Dogface Soldiers including Sgt. Mendonca Leroy Anthony, Sgt. 1st Class Marshall John Winston, Col. McGarr Lionel Charles, and Pvt. 1st Class Barkley John Lewis.

A US Air Force Honor Guard Team marches into place during the Fallen Soldier Ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The Ceremony Honors the six Coalition Soldiers killed during training exercises in Kuwait on 12 March 2001. (Duplicate image, see also DFSD0202959 or search 010315F2715C500). Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

DULLES, Va. (March 7, 2013) A member of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard conducts a hand salute during a dignified transfer of remains ceremony at Washington Dulles International Airport for one of two Sailors recovered from the ironclad USS Monitor. Monitor sank off Cape Hatteras, N.C., in 1862. The two Sailors will be interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Jason G. Woodworth, the commanding general for Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, salutes Lt. Col. Frank A. Savarese, the outgoing commanding officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, during a change of command ceremony on MCAS Camp Pendleton, California, June 10, 2022. Savarese commanded H&HS as it made history by becoming a flying squadron for the first time in the units existence. The Marines of H&HS support other Camp Pendleton units with their airlift capabilities and ability to transport critical personnel and equipment.

Three embarked U.S. Marines of the crew of the tank landing ship USS TUSCALOOSA (LST-1187) stand at parade-rest manning the rail during the decommissioning ceremony for the ship at the 32nd St. Naval Station. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Jason Woodworth, left, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Curtis Rice, right, the sergeant major of MCI-West, MCB Camp Pendleton, present Marissa Gonzalez, a financial management analyst for MCI-West, MCB Camp Pendleton, with the Employee of the Quarter for fourth quarter during a Civilian Length of Service Award ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 7, 2022. The installation recognized civilian workers for their federal length of service accomplishments, including honorable military and civilian service time.

U.S. National Guardsmen of the Level Two Course of the Missouri Military Funeral Honors Program, are testing at the Ike Skelton Training Site, Jefferson City, Missouri, April 29, 2022. Every year the Missouri Military Funeral Honors Program Level Two Course is taught to National Guardsmen.

040531-F-4350W-003. Base: Cambridge Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Marines present arms during the recommissioning ceremony for the battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62). Base: Long Beach Naval Shipyard State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020418-F-2902B-008. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Kandahar Air Base Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Batttalion, march to the Peatross Parade Deck in their Dress Blues aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, Dec. 9, 2022. These Marines have spent 13 weeks working on close-order drill, marksmanship, and traditions of the Marine Corps

The U.S. Navy Honor Guard support a Navy Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 30, 2024. The wreath was laid by the Chief of Naval Operations for the Republic of Korea Adm. Yang Yong-mo.

The U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Marine Logistics Group color guard salutes Brig. Gen. Brian Wolford, the outgoing commanding general during a change of command ceremony on Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, June 24, 2022. During the ceremony, Wolford relinquished command of 3rd MLG to Brig. Gen. Adam L. Chalkley. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

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.

Office of Administration - 2nd Annual Veterans Owned Business Conference

U.S. Airmen present arms as the U.S. flag is lowered during the fallen warrior retreat ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Feb. 22, 2024. The retreat ceremony was held to remember several fallen warriors. Air Force

Marines with the Silent Drill Platoon, conduct their chaos sequence during a Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, June 10, 2022. The hosting official for the evening was Lt. Gen. Matthew G. Glavy, Deputy Commandant for Information, and the guest of honor was the Honorable Ronald S. Moultrie, Under Secretary of Defense Intelligence and Security.

010806-D-9880W-015. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon perform at halftime during the Toms River North vs. Toms River South Great American Rivalry Series football game in Toms River, New Jersey, Sept. 30, 2022. The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon is a 24-man rifle platoon that performs a unique precision drill exhibition.

221007-N-JO823-1052 SEA OF JAPAN (Oct. 7, 2022) Sailors parade the colors during a change of command ceremony aboard the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Sea of Japan, Oct. 7. During the ceremony, Goldhammer was properly relieved by Capt. Daryle Cardone as the commanding officer. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) participate in an Army Full Honor Wreath Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., July 15, 2022. The wreath was laid by The Honorable Lourdes Aflague Leon Guerrero, Governor of Guam, and The Honorable Michael F.Q. San Nicolas, Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives in the 116th U.S. Congress, in honor of the liberation of Guam, and was hosted by Maj. Gen. Allan M. Pepin, commanding general, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Derrick V. Lewis II, the executive officer of Recruiting Station Sacramento, recites Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeunes birthday message during the 247th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada on Nov. 12, 2022. Marines across the globe recognize and acknowledge the sacrifices made to defend democracy, and the Marine Corps enduring legacy as Americas premier fighting force.

Marines with The Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington, conduct their bursting bomb sequence during a Virginia Military Institute football game at Lexington, Va., Oct 22, 2022. The Marines performed for thousands of cadets and family members attending the game, demonstrating the professionalism of the United States Marine Corps.

The Marine Corps honor guard stands at parade rest during the commissioning ceremony for the guided missile frigate USS UNDERWOOD (FFG-36). The ship was built by Bath Iron Works corp. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Corporal Blake A. Behrens, number two rifle inspector, Silent Drill Platoon, conducts a rifle inspection at the pre-race ceremony during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., May 28, 2022. Over the weekend NASCAR honored the service and sacrifice of U.S. service members and their families.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, provide support during the Chosin Few Memorial ceremony, on July 9, 2022, at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Marines assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 41 served as color guard during the ceremony, while two F/A-18 Hornets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112, out of NASJRB Fort Worth, provided a flyover to commemorate the event.

U.S. Marines with Recruiting Station Sacramento bow their heads for the invocation during the 247th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada on Nov. 12, 2022. Marines across the globe recognize and acknowledge the sacrifices made to defend democracy, and the Marine Corps enduring legacy as Americas premier fighting force.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company United States Army Garrison welcomes Col. Loyd W. Brown as the new Commander in a change of command ceremony May 25, 2022, at Camp Yongsun, South Korea.

Soldiers Holding Flags, Desert Storm Victory Parade, Washington, D.C.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, Director, Air National Guard salutes the Memorial Day Parade procession as they pass him by during the Memorial Day Parade in Chicago, Illinois, May 29, 2022. Loh served as the parades Grand Marshal.

111207-N-WP746-795PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 7, 2011) Marines from Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, perform a rifle salute during the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Five thousand guests, including 125 Pearl Harbor survivors and other WWII veterans, attended the National Park Service and U.S. Navy-hosted joint memorial ceremony at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument.

Service members support an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Aug. 31, 2022. The wreath was laid by Morten Bødskov, minister of defence, Denmark.

U.S. Marine participants in the Marine Forces Reserve Diversity AIMED Officer Program (DAOP), attend a Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Aug 19, 2022. DAOP provides enlisted Marines with the opportunity to see the process of commissioning in the Marine Corps firsthand so that they can make informed decisions on a potential career as an Officer.

U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment (2/11), 1st Marine Division, present the colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 17, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. David Tumanjan relinquished his post as the commanding officer of 2/11 to Lt. Col. Jeremy Colwell.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., to view Marine Corps Evening Parade, deliver remarks, and attend reception at the site, a National Historic Landmark

U.S. Marines with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, exchange the platoon guidons during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Oct. 7, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation, which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions.

The Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz color guard moves into position during the Officer In Charge of Construction (OICC) Marine Corps Marianas change of command ceremony held at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 8, 2022. In 2016, OICC Marine Corps Marianas was established to support the Defense Policy Review Initiative in overseeing the $8.7 billion construction program, with $3.1 billion provided by the Government of Japan, to construct MCB Camp Blaz and other facilities across Guam. To date, the command has overseen the completion of 18 projects valued at $882 million with 39 active projects valued at $3.3 billion under construction.

Soldiers in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) prepare to reenlist in Bastogne, Belgium on December 10, 2022. This reenlistment ceremony was connected with the 78th Commemoration of the Battle of the Bulge parade earlier that day.

Gen. James Amos recieves the Marine Corps Colors from Gen. James T. Conway during a change-of-command ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington Oct. 22. Conway relinguished command of the Marine Corps to Amos, who became the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

061026-N-6700F-001. Base: Limassol Country: Cyprus (CYP)

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Shantese Ratledge (Center), the Commander of the troops for the Relinquishment of Responsibility ceremony, prepares the Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 1st Infantry Division for the arrival of the official party to the ceremony at King Field House, Fort Riley, Kansas on June 23, 2022.

030411-M-1852W-004. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Futema State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: MAG-36

U.S. Marines with the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VMFA-211) color guard participate in a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, June 9, 2022. Lt. Col. Andrew DAmbrogi commanded VMFA-211 for a year and a half and is now passing on the responsibility to Lt. Col. Jesse Peppers, who was previously assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort as an instructor pilot.

Regional Command Southwest held a ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, signifying assumption of command of all international forces in southwest Afghanistan, July 3. The commands establishment allows a greater partnership between Afghan national security forces and ISAF and provides greater levels of security for governance and development to continue to spread in the region.

U.S. Marines with the 2d Marine Division Band stand in formation 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.

Rear view of the Navy Ceremonial Honor Guard marching in formation towards the Tomb of the Unknowns during Veterans Day ceremonies. They are carrying M-14 .308 caliber rifles with attached bayonets. Base: Arlington National Cemetery State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 1-178th Field Artillery Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, celebrate the Saint Barbaras Day Ball, Dec. 3, 2022, Columbia, South Carolina. The legend of St. Barbara as she is known to be the patron saint of artillerymen, a day that those celebrate and amongst the 1-178th FA BN which have a rich history and share the same pride and devotion to community service as a citizen-soldier that their forefathers displayed when they followed the Swamp Fox Francis Marion into the swamps of the low-country of South Carolina, helped The Gamecock Thomas Sumter at the High Hills of Santee, and stood with Andrew Pickens at the Battle of Cowpens.

U.S. Marine Corps drill instructors with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, retire the platoon guidons during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 12, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marines Corps customs and traditions.

Maj. Brian Dix, the commanding officer of the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, directs the D&B during the ceremony marking the 93rd anniversary of the Battle for Belleau Wood in Belleau, France May 30.

Members of the Wiesbaden High School JROTC Warrior Battalion prepare to present the colors during the Gold Star Families Tree Memorial unveiling outside of the Wiesbaden Sports and Fitness Center on Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Hessen, DE, Oct. 11, 2022. U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden organized the ceremony with the help of Army Community Services.

Lieutentant General John Rhodes recieves the colors from Sergeant Major Michael Bennett, as he relenquished his command as Commanding General Marine Corps Combat Development Command to Lieutentant General Bruce Knutson at Lejuene Hall, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Capt. Warren Judge, the commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., and members of the recruit ceremonial honor guard participate in the Cape May County Veterans Day ceremony, Nov. 11, 2022, along with other dignitaries including Congressman Jeff Van Drew, Cape May County Commissioners, and other first responders. Every member of our Coast Guard workforce protects our Nation's security and prosperity in times of war and peace. The missions we perform along the U.S. coastlines, on the Great Lakes, on the inland rivers, and around the world enable a safe, secure, and stable maritime system on which our Nation depends.

Marines kneel down beside the battlefield cross to pay their final respects to Sgt. Bradley Atwell during a memorial ceremony, Sept. 20. During the ceremony, Marines paid tribute to Atwell, an aircraft electrical, instrument and flight control systems technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, from Kokomo, Ind. Atwell was killed in action while engaging insurgents during an attack on Camp Bastion, Sept. 14.

As part of military medicine's "Pivot to Readiness", the U.S. Army Medical Command is reorganizing and re-designating its Regional Health Commands to Medical Readiness Commands. During four ceremonies the Regional Health Commands will reflag and become Medical Readiness Commands.We are building the future of Army Medicine. Medical reform and restructuring will enhance the ability to recruit, organize, train, and equip medical Soldiers and leaders capable of supporting the current and future force.

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