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Military Honor Ceremonies

Photographs from military ceremonies at sports events, capturing service members in uniform as they pay tribute to national and state flags.

Soldiers with the 1st Infantry Division salute as the national anthem plays during a rehearsal formation at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. The Soldiers were part of a pre-game ceremony which jointly honored purple heart recipients as part of Sporting Kansas City's Purple Heart day, and served as an opportunity to engage with the community at large.

221005-N-VX158-1124 SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 5, 2022) Sourdough Sam, right, mascot for the San Francisco 49ers, plays corn hole with service members assigned to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) during an event in support of San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW). SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience Americas Sea services. During Fleet Week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.

U.S. Airmen with the USAF Band of the Golden West, stationed at Travis Air Force Base, California, practice before a San Francisco 49ers football game at Levis Stadium, Santa Clara, California, Nov. 13, 2022. They performed as part of the 49ers Salute to Service night that honored Veterans Day and paid respect to all Veterans in attendance.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Rudolph Taute, commander of the 129th Rescue Squadron, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, talks on the radio with pilots of two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters from his squadron as they depart the airspace over CEFCU Stadium, Sept. 1, 2022, at San Jose State University in San Jose, California, after flying over the pregame ceremony of the Spartans home football game against Portland State. The helicopter flyover was conducted in coordination with routine training operations and held in conjunction with the schools military appreciation night coordinated by U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachment 045.

Tech. Sgt. Andrew Brockman, 96th Maintenance Group, stands next to NASCAR driver, Erik Jones, before the Talladega Superspeedway race April 24, 2022 in Alabama. Brockman received a trip to the NASCAR race after winning an AFRS and Petty GMS design contest to create a paint scheme for one of the 2022 Air Force-sponsored cars. The Airman saw his car design come to life and even lead the race during various points of the race. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

71st Ordnance Group (EOD) supported the Fountain Fort Carson High School (FFCHS) as they conducted a military appreciation night during their home football game against Pueblo West, Colorado Springs, Co., Sept. 9, 2022 Command Sgt. Major Dave Silva gave an inspiring pep talk to the football team; the coin toss was done by Group Commander Col. Michael Schoonover; the football team ran out with 71st EOD Colors as well; and EOD technicians and Soldiers within 71st EOD Group held a static display at the entrance to the event as well as cheering on the team from the stands.

71st Ordnance Group (EOD) supported the Fountain Fort Carson High School (FFCHS) as they conducted a military appreciation night during their home football game against Pueblo West, Colorado Springs, Co., Sept. 9, 2022 Command Sgt. Major Dave Silva gave an inspiring pep talk to the football team; the coin toss was done by Group Commander Col. Michael Schoonover; the football team ran out with 71st EOD Colors as well; and EOD technicians and Soldiers within 71st EOD Group held a static display at the entrance to the event as well as cheering on the team from the stands.

WASHINGTON (April 12, 2013) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus enlists 18 new Sailors prior to the "Salute to the Navy" game at Nationals Park. The opening ceremony paid tribute to Sailors and their spouses while simultaneously increasing public awareness of the Navy and their mission.

041204-N-2383B-227. Base: Philadelphia State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Military Appreciation Night for the annual Bally Sports Salutes telecast, at Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Mo., July 15, 2022. Soldiers with the 35th Infantry Division connected with their families and friends from Kuwait during a live broadcast.

Barracks Marines conduct pass in review during a Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, July 8, 2022. The hosting official for the evening was Lieutenant General Christopher J. Majoney, Deputy Commandant for Programs & Resources and Honorable Michael J. McCord, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer as the guest of honor.

Close-up of Army College Football decoration during homecoming activities, West Point, NY

170701-N-LQ926-345CHICAGO (July 1, 2017) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steven Giordano visits retired Machinists Mate 2nd Class Joseph Engfer, from Ranchester, Wyo., with Team Navy during the 2017 Warrior Games at McCormick Place in Chicago. Team Navy is comprised of athletes from Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor, the Navy's sole organization for coordinating the non-medical care of seriously wounded, ill, and injured Sailors and Coast Guard members, providing resources and support to their families.

Members of the Atlanta Falcons football team pose for a photo with Staff Sgt. Elliott Glass, 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron June 10 during a USO community outreach visit to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The AF members received a maintenance group immersion and met with Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo/Ilka Cole)

A ceremonial honor guard exits the field after presenting the colors at Georgia Military College (GMC) prior to a football game held in Milledgeville, Georgia, Sept. 17, 2022. Georgia Air National Guard leaders, recruiters, and Airmen engaged with the community during the event prior to the game.

230628-N-ZQ263-2126 SAN DIEGO (June 28, 2023) Friends and family hold up signs as the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) returns from deployment. Nimitz arrives in San Diego concluding a seven-month deployment to U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operations (AO). Nimitzs presence in U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet AOs reinforced the United States commitment to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III participates in a live interview prior to the annual Army-Navy football game, Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 10, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)

U.S. Armys 344th Military Intelligence Battalion, C Company guidon waves in the wind, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, May 26, 2022. Historically the guidon would lead Soldiers into battle.

University of Arizona Wildcats football team players visit Davis-Monthan during the UoA Community Partnership Day at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Aug. 29, 2022. During the event, DM showcased its 355th Security Forces Squadron military working dog teams, the 355th Civil Engineering Squadron explosive ordnance disposal capabilities and some light training with the 48th Rescue Squadron pararescuemen.

BOSTON (Aug. 9, 2022) - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday conducts an interview with New England Sports Radio Station WEEI during a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, Boston. The celebration of military service included CNO administering the oath of enlistment to future U.S. Navy Sailors, a flyover by Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, a U.S. Navy Band vocalist singing the national anthem, and USS Constitutions color guard parading the colors.

Airmen with the 81st Training Wing Honor Guard present the colors during the National Anthem at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi, Jan. 12, 2024. The Mississippi Sea Wolves hosted military members and their families for military appreciation night.

041215-F-0108B-004. Base: Misawa Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

LTC Backman of the Air Force Recruiting Service administers the oath of enlistment to a group of approximately 150 members of the Air Force Delayed Enlistment Program during a ceremony at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Several active-duty airmen are also re-enlisting during the ceremony, which is being held prior to the start of a professional football game. Base: Los Angeles State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) - Miscellaneous - 26-HK-126-28. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. service members attend the Kansas City Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri, Aug. 18, 2022. Military units from across the region were invited to attend the Chiefs Military Appreciation Day.

021018-F-3329S-002. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Military Appreciation Night for the annual Bally Sports Salutes telecast, at Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Mo., July 15, 2022. Soldiers with the 35th Infantry Division connected with their families and friends from Kuwait during a live broadcast.

050513-A-5399B-996. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220529-N-OM737-1159NEW YORK (May 29, 2022) - Sailors assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) enjoy a concert featuring recording artist John Legend during Fleet Week New York, May 29, 2022. Bataan is participating in Fleet Week New York. Bataan is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.

040822-F-7552L-002. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

AUSTIN, Texas - (August 27, 2022) NTAG San Antonio Commanding Officer, CDR. Stephanie Simoni leads thirteen Future Sailors in the Oath of Enlistment during the 2022 Pro Bull Riding (PBR) Team Series Gamber Days at the newly opened Moody Center in the States Capital city.

Maj. Gen. John B. Richardson IV, commanding general, 1st Cavalry Division, gives a speech at the Killeen Rodeo May 19 at Killeen, Texas. The Killeen Rodeo also celebrated Military Appreciation Night and showed their appreciation for those in the military service.

The children of a deployed 35th Infantry Division Soldier hold a sign of Staff Sgt. Crabaugh at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 11, 2022. Families and friends of the 35th Infantry Division attended the Military Appreciation Royals baseball game to show support. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Spc. Rose Di Trolio)

The children of a deployed 35th Infantry Division Soldier hold a sign of Staff Sgt. Crabaugh at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 11, 2022. Families and friends of the 35th Infantry Division attended the Military Appreciation Royals baseball game to show support. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Spc. Rose Di Trolio)

Military Appreciation Night for the annual Bally Sports Salutes telecast, at Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri, July 15, 2022. Soldiers with the 35th Infantry Division connected with their families and friends from Kuwait during a live broadcast.

DN-ST-86-02358. Base: Pasadena State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen from the 501st Combat Support Wing unveil an American flag during the national anthem at Wembley Stadium, in London, England, Oct. 30, 2022. Approximately 70 uniformed personnel represented the U.S. Air Force and nation by unveiling an American flag during the pre-game ceremonies of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos NFL game.

040806-F-7270C-033. Base: Terre Haute State: Indiana (IN) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

Sgt. Townsdins family holds a sign for the camera man at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 11, 2022. Sgt. Townsdin is currently deployed with the 35th Infantry Division. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Spc. Rose Di Trolio)

Sgt. Townsdins family holds a sign for the camera man at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 11, 2022. Sgt. Townsdin is currently deployed with the 35th Infantry Division. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Spc. Rose Di Trolio)

AUSTIN, Texas - (August 27, 2022) NTAG San Antonio Commanding Officer, CDR. Stephanie Simoni leads thirteen Future Sailors in the Oath of Enlistment during the 2022 Pro Bull Riding (PBR) Team Series Gamber Days at the newly opened Moody Center in the States Capital city.

The USAF Band of the Golden West performed during the San Francisco 49ers Salute to Service game Nov. 13, 2022, at Levis Stadium, Santa Clara, California. The performance was part of the 49ers Salute to Service night that honored Veterans Day and paid respect to all Veterans in attendance.

221209-N-WF272-1509 PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 9, 2022) Members of the U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, future Sailors and Sailors, assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, pose for a group photo at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, during the Army-Navy football game walkthrough, Dec. 9, 2022. The game will mark the 123rd meeting between the U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen and the U.S. Army Black Knights. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of Americas Navy.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Rebecca Womack, the aide-de-camp for the Deputy Commanding General for Support of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, stands before a cheering crowd, Nov. 12, 2022, at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Womack was honored as the Hometown Hero for the Chicago Wolves' Military Appreciation Game.

Watkins Memorial High School football players wear Ohio Army National Guard camouflage jerseys during their game against Teays Valley High School, Sept. 1, 2023, in Pataskala, Ohio. The Ohio Army National Guard's Operation Buckeye Guard provides jerseys, a tunnel, and a smoke machine for high school football military appreciation nights around the state.

Capt. Eric Hanks, commanding officer of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, receives a signed jersey during the "12th-Man Flag" change of command ceremony at Naval base Kitsap-Bangor in Silverdale, Washington, Sept. 7, 2022. The ceremony included a handoff of the 12th-Man Flag from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island to Marine Corps Security Force Battalion Bangor. Each year, different military units in the Pacific Northwest display and fly the flag in honor of the Seahawks' 'Salute to Service' outreach program.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- U.S. Air Force Academy cadets participate in the annual Acceptance Day Parade. During this event, cadets receive their fourth-class shoulder boards to recognize completing Basic Cadet Training (BCT) and to signify their acceptance into the Cadet Wing. The parade takes place on the Academys Stillman Field in Colorado Springs, Colo., August 5th, 2022.

The Joint Armed Forces Color Guard, along with Soldiers from the United States Army Band Pershings Own, present the colors before the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the University of Michigan Wolverines and the University of Washington Huskies on January 7-8, 2024 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.

Airman 1st Class Jessica Brown, 802d Force Support Squadron personnelist, talks with Garrett Smithley, driver for Rick Ware Racings NASCAR Cup Series, at the Exchange on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, May 5, 2022. Smithley, his racing crew and his show car toured JBSA over three days giving service members and their families an up-close look as part of their Military Salutes Program.

U.S Marine Corps Cpl. Manny, the mascot of Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, and the Western Recruiting Region, watches drill instructors with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion prepare for a graduation ceremony at MCRD San Diego, Feb. 6, 2023. Manny was named after Sgt. Johnny R. Manuelito, one of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers.

221112-N-WF272-2476 BALTIMORE (Nov. 12, 2022) U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro meets future U.S. Navy Sailors, recruited by Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, during the Navy-Notre Dame football game held at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Nov. 12, 2022. The game marked the 23rd time the city of Baltimore has hosted a Navy-Notre Dame game and the first since 2008. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of Americas Navy.

NFL cheerleaders Mary Naylor, left, Meghan Pederson, center, and Kacey Mejias-Thompson pose for a picture during the Armed Forces Entertainments Pro Blitz Tour 2024 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Feb. 2, 2024. The visit provided service members and their families the opportunity to meet retired and current NFL cheerleaders and Football Hall of Fame Honorees. Marine Corps

001230-F-2907C-506. Base: San Jose State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFA

041230-N-9693M-686. Base: San Francisco State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

050829-F-6911G-052. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Military Appreciation Night for the annual Bally Sports Salutes telecast, at Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Mo., July 15, 2022. Soldiers with the 35th Infantry Division connected with their families and friends from Kuwait during a live broadcast.

040502-F-7709W-003. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

The family of a deployed 35th Infantry Division Soldier holds a sign for Sgt. Townsdin at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 11, 2022. Families and friends of the 35th Infantry Division attended the Military Appreciation Royals baseball game to show support. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Spc. Rose Di Trolio)

220528-N-GF276-1173NEW YORK (May 28, 2022) - Colin Holderman and Stephen Nogosek, players for the New York Mets, stand on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD5) May 28, 2022. Bataan is participating in Fleet Week New York 2022. Bataan is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.

Col. Matthew Gaetke, left, 8th Fighter Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Steven G. Creek, right, 8th FW command chief, present the Civilian Category III of the Year award to Donnie Parish from the 8th Mission Support Group, center at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Feb. 16, 2024. The ceremony recognized 16 annual award winners as well as all the nominees for their accomplishments and contributions to Kunsan AB in the previous year. Air Force

Multiple families of deployed 35th Infantry Division Soldiers hold signs to show their support at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 11, 2022. The 35th Infantry Division mobilizes and deploys to a theater of operations. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Spc. Rose Di Trolio)

140 Chicagoland Soldiers and JROTC Cadets from the George S. Patton Military Academy unfurl American and Canadian Flags during the singing of the National Anthem at the 2009 NHL Winter Classic. The Winter Classic was played in Chicago's Wrigley Field, Jan. 1.

061013-N-9769P-001. Base: Concord State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NAVY RECRUITING COMMAND

Mrs. MacArthur, widow of GEN Douglas MacArthur, visits with cadets of the US Military Academy prior to the first baseball game of the season. Base: West Point State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

SAN DIEGO (Sept. 22, 2022) Sailors assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) watch a baseball game between the San Diego Padres and the St. Louis Cardinals during the ships command picnic, Sept. 22. Essex is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego.

SAN DIEGO (Sept. 22, 2022) Sailors assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) watch a baseball game between the San Diego Padres and the St. Louis Cardinals during the ships command picnic, Sept. 22. Essex is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego.

Staff Sgt. Princeton Crockett, Logistics Noncommissioned Officer Academy, stands by as NFL player Kyle Dugger signs a jersey during an autograph session Feb. 16 at the Fort Lee Commissary.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Aaron Webster, Marine Corps Recruiting Command national partnership engagement officer, and Staff Sgt. Ian Mills, an imagery analysis specialist with Marine Corps Intelligence Activity , present the dog tag awards to the Halo World Championships competitors at the Seattle Convention Center, Seattle, Wash., on Oct 23, 2022. Top players were presented with customized dog tags unique to their individual achievements. The Marine Corps emphasizes the importance of prompt recognition of an individual's achievement or service as it is vital to the morale of not just the individual but the entire unit.

The Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, and his wife, Kelly, walked the red carpet and conducted media interviews at the Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May, 29, 2022.

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