Military Memorial Ceremonies

Images of military personnel participating in solemn wreath-laying and memorial ceremonies, honoring fallen heroes and events in U.S. history.

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

230215-N-FK318-1173ARLINGTON, Va. (Feb. 15, 2023) A wreath bearer lays a wreath at the USS Maine Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery Feb. 15, during a commemoration ceremony for the 125th anniversary of the explosion and sinking of Maine. In January 1898, Maine was sent to Havana, Cuba, to protect American interests during the long-standing revolt of the Cubans against the Spanish government. During the evening of Feb. 15, Maine sank when its forward gunpowder magazines exploded, killing nearly three-quarters of the battleship's crew.

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

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John H. Phillips, military deputy to the deputy chief of staff, G-6, United States Army Reserve, participates in 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.

Poland, , Warsaw, Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Coast Guard members, family, and friends bow their heads in remembrance of the eleven lives lost on the anniversary of the sinking of the USCGC Cuyahoga (WIX 157) in Chesapeake Bay after colliding with the Argentine-flagged M/V Santa Cruz II. Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown hosted a memorial ceremony to honor those who perished on the 44th anniversary of the tragedy.

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

As Taps is ceremonially played, Maj. Gen. David J. Francis, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commander, along with Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael L. Lewis, chief warrant officer of the Aviation branch, and Command Sgt. Maj. James D. Wilson, aviation branch command sergeant major, salute a wreath emplaced to honor those who gave their lives in defense of our nation during a Memorial Day Ceremony at Fort Rucker, Ala., May 27, 2022.

220409-N-VP266-1105 WASHINGTON (April 9, 2022) -- Visitors attending the 31st Annual Blessing of the Fleets ceremony, bow their heads at the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony at Navy Memorial in Washington April 9, 2022 . The Blessing of the Fleet is a centuries-old tradition to safeguard crews and ships from the danger of the seas. This years blessing includes water from the Seven Seas and the Great Lakes.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 11, 2012) Chief (select) Damage Controlman Kenneth Bottorff , left, and Chief (select) Construction Electrician Alphonso Gomillion render salutes after laying wreaths at the 9/11 Memorial outside of the Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka's Chief Petty Officer's Club during a remembrance ceremony for the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

CAMBRIDGE, England (May 27, 2019) Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Italy, second from right, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom Robert Wood Johnson, right, stand during a moment of silence at a Memorial Day ceremony at Cambridge American Military Cemetery in Cambridge, England, May 27, 2019. CNE-CNA/C6F, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

Brig. Gen. Jesse R. Cross and Command Sgt. Maj. Nathan Hunt, Quartermaster Center and School, honor the fifth president's gravesite with a wreath April 28. The ceremony commemorated the 250th birthday of President James Monroe.

U.S. Airmen with the 156th Wing, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, honor the nine Airmen who perished in the Rican 68 C-130 airplane crash in Savannah, Georgia, May 2, 2018, during a remembrance ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, May 2, 2022.

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich at podium, with Interior Secretary Gale Norton, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz behind, left to right, during unveiling of plaque, at War Correspondents Memorial, Burkittsville, Maryland, honoring four journalists killed during war-related coverage in Iraq, Pakistan

Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) participate in the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance Dedication Ceremony in Washington, D.C., July 27, 2022. The Wall of Remembrance will feature the names of more than 36,000 Americans who died supporting the War and over 7,100 Koreans who died while augmenting the Army. Doug Emhoff, The Second Gentleman, Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser, Lee Jong-sup, Minister of Defense of South Korea, Gen. John H. Tilleli (Ret.), Chairman of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, laid a wreath in honor of those who served and gave their lives in the conflict.

BONY, France - Rear Adm. Michael T. Curran, director of Logistics, Supply and Ordnance at U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, U.S. Sixth Fleet, renders a salute during a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Memorial Day and honor the Allied troops that died in the Battle of Saint Quentin Canal at the Somme American Cemetery in Bony, France, May 29, 2022. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

Cdr. Douglas Kennedy, chief staff officer at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo, Sasebo City representatives and local Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) leaders participate in an opening ceremony for the Sasebo JSDF Parade in Sasebo, Japan Nov. 5, 2022. The parade is held annually through downtown Sasebo to commemorate Self-Defense Forces Day and to recognize local JSDF units and their host citys support.

A firing party from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) fires 3-rifle volleys during military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Army Lt. Col. James Megellas in Section 75 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 2, 2022.Megellas is considered the most decorated officers in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division. His awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and other military honors for his World War II European service. Megellas is being considered for the Medal of Honor for his service and leadership during the Battle of the Bulge, an upgrade of the Silver Star he received for this service.Megellass grandson, James Megellas, received the U.S. flag from his service.

New Armed Forces Seserve Center & 63rd Regional Support Command Headquarters, Moffett Field, CA ribbon cutting ceremonies.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, joined by a U.S. Army Colonel, pauses after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park at Anzac Square in Wellington, New Zealand, on November 13, 2016.

DA-ST-88-05122. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Visit of United Kingdom's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, to Washington, D.C., with protective detail personnel providing security

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, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 28, 2022. The wreath was laid by Hanke Bruins Slot, minister of interior and kingdom affairs, Netherlands.

Chief of Navy Reserve, Commander Navy Reserve Force, Vice Adm. John Mustin, renders honors during the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway commemoration ceremony held at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., June 6. The wreath was placed at the monument to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Midway victory and honor those who served.

Armored Corps memorial Latrun Israel

Visit of United Kingdom's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, to Washington, D.C., with protective detail personnel providing security

(From left to right) Vice President Kamala Karris, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough, and Maj. Gen. Allan M. Pepin, commanding general, Joint Task Force - National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington participate in a Presidential Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the 69th National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, Nov. 11, 2022.

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

The U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard present the colors during the U.S. Independence Day celebration at the U.S. Embassy Lima in Peru on July 4, 2010. Also featured in the photo (left to right) are Josefina Garcia Nores, Peruvian President Alan Garcia Perez, U.S. Ambassador to Peru Michael McKinley, and his wife, Fatima McKinley.

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.

Distinguished guests attend the unveiling of a statue honoring LT. COL. William Leftwich, who died in a helicopter crash in Vietnam in 1970. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Raymond F. Chandler III, Sergeant Major of the Army, and Australian Army officials stand at attention during a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington,Va. Feb. 9, 2012.

Veterans Day Ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, 11:00AM. President John F. Kennedy and others stand at attention in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during Veterans Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Standing next to President Kennedy (L-R): Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, General David M. Shoup; Commanding General of the Military District of Washington, Major General Philip C. Wehle. Standing behind President Kennedy (L-R): Administrator of the Veterans Administration (VA), General John S. Gleason; Military Aide to the President, General Chester V. Clifton; Air Force Aide to the President, Brigadier General Godfrey T. McHugh; Naval Aide to the President, Captain Tazewell Shepard; President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Luther Skaggs, Jr. Also pictured: Assistant Press Secretary, Malcolm Kilduff; White House Secret Service agents, Emory Roberts and Jack Ready.

Lt. Gen. Viorel Pană, left, Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff, walks with Maj. Gen. Joel Jackson, right, commander of Air Force District of Washington, after placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., June 27, 2023.

Soldiers with the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) provide ceremonial support during an Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Feb. 13, 2024. The wreath was laid by the Chief of Staff of the India Army, General Manoj Pande, and hosted by Maj. Gen. Trevor J. Bredenkamp, Commanding General, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, U.S. Army Military District of Washington and Gen. Randy A. George, Chief of Staff of the United States Army. Army

The US Air Force Honor Guard carries the casket of the late Senator and former US Air Force Major General Barry M. Goldwater out of Arizona State Universities' Gammage Auditorium, Tempe, AZ, after the memorial service on 3 June 1998, while pilots representing each squadron from the 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, AZ, salute the departing funeral party. Base: Tempe State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

230330-N-KU796-1146 BUSAN, Republic of Korea (March 30, 2023) Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, commander, Carrier Strike Group 11, visits the wall of remembrance at the United Nations Memorial, Busan, Republic of Korea. The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is in the U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Kolasheski, commanding general, V Corps, places the first wreath during a ceremony honoring the fallen soldiers and service members of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy at the Normandy American Cemetery, France, May 29, 2022. The ceremony included both French and U.S. service members, including Soldiers from V Corps, 173rd Airborne Brigade and the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Band & Chorus, to commemorate the 78th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. (U.S. Army photos by Pfc. Destinee Rodriguez)

050704-N-9851B-008. Base: Vladivostok State: Primorsky Krai Country: Russia (RUS) Scene Major Command Shown: DDG-54

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

031103-A-1409B-001. Base: Fort Gordon State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Family, friends and shipmates pay their respects to LT. CDR. J. Stacy Bates and LT. Graham Alden Higgins outside AIRMAN Memorial Chapel in a memorial service for the fallen aviators. Bates and Higgins, attached to Fighter Squadron Two One Three (VF-213), the Blacklions, died when the F-14 Tomcat aircraft they were flying crashed near Nashville, Tennessee while returning from a cross-country flight on January 29, 1996. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Family and friends of fallen Airmen listen as U.S. Air Force Chaplain Jeffrey Kidd, 145th Airlift Wing, presents a message of hope and peace during the Annual Memorial Wall Dedication Ceremony held at the North Carolina Air National Guard Base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, April 3, 2022. The Annual Memorial Wall Dedication Ceremony commemorated thirty-three Airmen that served in the North Carolina Air National Guard and passed away during the year 2021.

Hurlburt Field Ceremonial Honor Guardsmen carry a wreath in honor of the 20th anniversary of Chariot 55 at Hurlburt Field, Florida, June 10, 2022. Chariot 55, an MC-130H Combat Talon II, crashed shortly after takeoff during a nighttime exfiltration mission near Gardez, Afghanistan on June 12, 2002.

010417-D-9880W-001. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Col. Jim Sadler, U.S. Army attaché of the U.S. embassy in Hague, represents the United States in a ceremony during the anniversary of Operation Market Garden at the Robert Frost Bridge, Arnhem, Netherlands., Sep. 16, 2022. These European citizen remember the sacrifice from the 1st British Parachute Regiment and honor the ones who lost their lives liberating the Netherlands during World War II.

During a joint disaster relief exercise COOPERATION FROM THE SEA, Russian and visiting Brigadier General Jerry D. Humble (right), Commander 3rd Marine Division and Rear Admiral Harry M. Highfill (center), Commander US Navy's Amphibious Group 1, salute a World War II eternal flame memorial to fallen Russian sailors. Subject Operation/Series: COOPERATION FROM THE SEA Base: Vladivostok State: Siberia Country: Russia (RUS)

Mrs. Fern Sumpter-Winbush, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) principal deputy director, Mr. Johnie Webb, DPAA Deputy Director of Outreach and Communications Directorate, Mr. Ray Kapaun, nephew to Medal of Honor Recipient U.S. Army Chaplain (Capt.) Emil Joseph Kapaun, and U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Ronald Gardner, DPAA senior enlisted advisor, represent DPAA along with U.S. Army Capt. David Kim, DPAA team member, as he lays the DPAA wreath during the National Memorial Cemetery Ceremony of the Pacific, Honolulu, Sept. 16, 2022. The event is held every year on the third Friday of September, honoring prisoners of war and missing-in-action service members. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stands with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg prior to a bilateral exchange at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Feb. 8, 2023.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, keynote speaker, addresses guests during the 13th Annual Montford Point Marine Day Ceremony at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Aug. 25, 2022. The annual Montford Point Marine Day Ceremony honors the first African Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps and recognizes their accomplishments, sacrifices and dedication to our country.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 28, 2022) Vice President Kamala Harris passes through honor side boys while coming aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Howard (DDG 83) during her visit to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). The vice presidents tour of the ship and her remarks to U.S. service members highlight the administrations continued commitment to its alliances in the region.

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and Lech Walesa, the former president of Poland, participate in an annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California, Feb. 6, 2024. This ceremony is an annual event to commemorate the life and legacy of the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan, and is held every year on his birthday by presidential declaration. Marine Corps

Mayor Kees van Rooij of Meierijstad, places a wreath during the memorial ceremony to commemorate operation "MARKET GARDEN" Sep. 11, 2022. This was the first of three events being held around area where operation "MARKET GARDEN" took places. Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) will in all three ceremonies throughout the Netherlands and reconnect with the Dutch citizens and together honor and remember the brave actions of the men that fought to liberate Holland from German occupation during World War II.

Veterans Day ceremony and aftermath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., where Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivered the opening remarks, and joined participating dignitaries including the former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell, along with Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Founder and President Jan Scruggs, Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation Founder and President Diane Carlson Evans, Mary "Edie" Meeks of the Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation, William Hansen of Lockheed Martin, and William Murdy of Comfort Systems. Ceremony, co-hosted by the Memorial Fund and the National Park Service, highlighted the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

U.S. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen with the South Carolina National Guard Honor Guard participate in a wreath-laying ceremony for the Armed Forces Memorial at the State House in Columbia, South Carolina, Dec. 12, 2022. The wreath is placed to honor and remember the servicemen and women who served in the armed forces and made the ultimate sacrifice. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Tim Andrews)

Chief of Navy Reserve honors the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Midway.WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 6, 2022) Vice Adm. John B. Mustin, Chief of Navy Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force, is keynote speaker during the 80th year commemoration of the Battle of Midway at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. on June 6, 2022. Mustin states during the ceremony that "the victory at Midway was primarily the result of decisions made and actions taken by individuals at decisive moments in the course of the battle. Today we commemorate those who sacrificed and refused to yield. Those who ensured American triumph at Midway. Those whose selfless dedication contributed to the defense of global freedom over tyranny. Those whose service turned the tide of war of the battle in the Pacific - and of the entire war."The Battle of Midway was a major American victory by the U.S. Navy against Japans Imperial Navy, turning the tide of war, near the island of Midway in the Pacific Ocean, June 4-7, 1942,

U.S. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen with the South Carolina National Guard Honor Guard participate in a wreath-laying ceremony for the Armed Forces Memorial at the State House in Columbia, South Carolina, Dec. 12, 2022. The wreath is placed to honor and remember the servicemen and women who served in the armed forces and made the ultimate sacrifice. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Tim Andrews)

The State of Arkansas honored and recognized the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam War veterans and their families in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Arkansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the state capitol grounds, April 29, 2023.Maj. Gen. Jonathan M. Stubbs, Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard, and retired Maj. Gen. Kendall Penn, Secretary, Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, placed the wreath at the memorial as part of the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.The last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam, March 29, 1973.

The Commandant of the Marine Corps General David H. Berger, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black and Marines from 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division pose for a photo 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.

A group of Dutch Paratroopers participate in a ceremony during the anniversary of Operation Market Garden at the Robert Frost Bridge, Arnhem, Netherlands., Sep. 16, 2022. These European citizen remember the sacrifice from the 1st British Parachute Regiment and honor the ones who lost their lives liberating the Netherlands during World War II.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Pat White, outgoing commanding general of III Armored Corps and Fort Hood, and his wife Emma White, participate in the corps' change-of-command ceremony Oct. 4, 2022, at Fort Hood, Texas. White relinquished command of the corps after more than three years in command to Lt. Gen Sean Bernabe during the ceremony.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry - joined by New Zealand Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson, a U.S. Army Colonel, Memorial Advisory Council Chair David Ledson, and Defense Minister Gerry Brownlee, pauses on November 13, 2016, before laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park at Anzac Square in Wellington, New Zealand.

Dr. Henry Kissinger, the former United States Secretary of State, poses for a photo with U.S. Marines from Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library in Simi Valley, California, Feb. 6, 2023. The ceremony was held in honor of President Reagan as a tribute to his service to the United States, and in celebration of what would have been his 112th birthday.

The 2nd Marine Division celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa by presenting a wreath of flowers to the SENIOR Veteran in honor of the men who died. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A group of Dutch Paratroopers participate in a ceremony during the anniversary of Operation Market Garden at the Robert Frost Bridge, Arnhem, Netherlands., Sep. 16, 2022. These European citizen remember the sacrifice from the 1st British Parachute Regiment and honor the ones who lost their lives liberating the Netherlands during World War II.

SHIMODA, Japan (May 21, 2022) - Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ), places a ceremonial wreath during the opening ceremony of the 83rd annual Shimoda Black Ship festival. The Shimoda Black Ship festival, or Shimoda Kurofune, celebrates Commodore Matthew C. Perry's arrival to Japan, Japan's subsequent opening to international trade, and the U.S.-Japan alliance. For 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th fleet's forward deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

Veterans Day ceremony and aftermath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., where Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivered the opening remarks, and joined participating dignitaries including the former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell, along with Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Founder and President Jan Scruggs, Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation Founder and President Diane Carlson Evans, Mary "Edie" Meeks of the Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation, William Hansen of Lockheed Martin, and William Murdy of Comfort Systems. Ceremony, co-hosted by the Memorial Fund and the National Park Service, highlighted the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

U.S. Military Members from U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, U.S.Army Garrison Italy, Aviano Air Base, Camp Darby Military Community and Military Vaterans honored their comrades who lost their life for our freedom, at Florence Memorial Cemetery, Italy, May 30, 2022. Consul General of the United States in Florence, Ragini Gupta read the Presidential Proclamation to open the commemoration ceremony. Guests of honor were the United States Ambassador for the Holy See Joseph Donnelly, the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa Commander, and the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Deputy Commanding General, Major Gen. Andrew Rohling, and the Italian Deputy Minister of Defense, Honorable Stefania Pucciarelli.

040911-F-6761G-033. Base: Stewart Air Nationa Guard Base State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Mr. Vince Speranza, a World War II veteran who served with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and U.S. Army Col. James Sadler, U.S. Embassy in the Netherlands defense attache, salute as the national anthems are played during the official ceremony of the 78th year commemoration of Operation Market Garden at Eerde, Netherlands, Sept. 17, 2022. As the Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) commemorate Market Garden 78, the 101st will continue to remain committed to collective defense and cooperative security alongside European allies and partners.

U.S. Army Honor Guard places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Va.,11 Dec. 2010. Over 7,000 volunteers placed 24,000 wreaths on the headstones of fallen servicemembers.

Post Command Sgt. Maj. Philson Tavernier and Col. Mark E. Huhtanen, Fort Jackson deputy commanding officer, carry a wreath to the post flagpole during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 9 at Centennial Park. The wreath honored of every American who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11 and the multiple conflicts of the past 20 years. Seven wreaths were laid in remembrance during the ceremony.

220520-N-GD259-1036NAVAL BASE KITSAP - BREMERTON, Wash. (May 20, 2022) Kevin Reardon, the first commanding officer of the Los Angeles-Class fast attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723), passes through sideboys at an inactivation ceremony for the boat at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility onboard Naval Station Kitsap - Bremerton May 20, 2022. Commissioned July 9, 1988, Oklahoma City is the second Navy vessel to be named after Oklahoma City.

Ceremony at Department of Interior South Building marking adoption by Department employees of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division and 10th Mountain Division as wartime focal points for volunteer activities on behalf of military family members

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

The 38th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, General David H. Berger, and the 19th Sergeant Major of the U.S. Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Philippines, Sept. 5, 2022. The ceremony honored the lives lost during the Pacific Theater of WWII.

A U.S. Marine salutes after laying flowers 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.

Attendees bow their heads during the invocation portion of a change of command ceremony for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, Marine Aircraft Group 24, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Dec. 8, 2022. Lt. Col. Vanessa Clark relinquished command of VMM-268 to Lt. Col. Brandon Pope.

NEW YORK (May 28, 2022) The command triad of USS Milwaukee (LCS 5) and members of the Commodore John Barry Assembly pose in front of a wreath aboard the Milwaukee at Homeport Pier in Staten Island, New York, during Fleet Week. Fleet Week New York, now in its 34th year, is the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen and witness first hand the latest capabilities of todays maritime services. The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984 and will host nearly 3,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen this year.

020406-F-4132J-064. Base: Waving Girl Park State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division, shakes the hand of a flag bearer in a ceremony at the 1st Infantry Division Monument in Colleville-Sur-Mer, France, June 5, 2022. The event honored the men of the "Big Red One" who fought in the invasion of Normandy.

220528-N-NO067-0116 Nettuno, Italy. (May 28, 2022) A joint force honor guard parades the colors during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno, Italy, May 28, 2022. The cemetery is the final resting ground of 7,845 Americans who lost their lives while liberating Italy during World War II.

Memorial Day Ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, 10:50AM. As part of Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, President John F. Kennedy (at right, assisted by Sergeant Allen Eldredge) places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Photographers and reporters observe. Arlington, Virginia.

U.S. Army Maj. Scott King chaplain, prays during the Veterans Day Commemorative Ceremony at Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Florence, Italy Nov. 11, 2022.

WASHINGTON (Sept. 22, 2013) Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) Chuck Hagel delivers remarks during a memorial service at the Marine Barracks for the victims of the Washington Navy Yard shootings.

U.S. Army soldiers and leadership from U.S. Army V Corps and U.S. Army Garrison-Poland join the Poznan community laying wreaths to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Ławica, Jan. 6, 2024, at Poznań-Ławica Henryk Wieniawski Airport in Poznan, Poland. Celebrating Poland's historical accomplishments advances the interoperability, communication and relations between the American community and Europe.

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

Day of Remembrance. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson delivers remarks at the Space Shuttle Columbia and Space Shuttle Challenger Memorials during a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration.

Marines with Marine Barracks Washington pose for a group photo with the guest of honor and the hosting official after a 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.

Belgian Chief of Defence Adm. Michel Hofman returns three Croix de Guerre Belgian medals to Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., April 5, 2023. The medals were originally each presented to the Unknown Soldiers from WWI, WWII and the Korean War. Hofman had requested that their ribbons be replaced since they had faded due to age. This was accomplished by the 3d US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) in coordination with ANC Historians.

Opening ceremony unveiling the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, National Park Service officials including Gettysburg Superintendent John Latschar, representatives of The Gettysburg Foundation, and Civil War movie actor Stephen Lang among the dignitaries delivering remarks

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.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley is promoted by his family during a ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., August 6, 2022. Gen. Langley, who began his career in the Marine Corps as an artillery officer in 1985, is the first Black Marine to be promoted to the rank of General.

031125-D-2987S-025. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-87-10246. Base: Bordeaux Country: France (FRA)

US President Joe Biden, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley and Army Chaplain Col. James J. Foster attend the 21st 9/11 Pentagon Observance Ceremony on Sept. 11, 2022, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

U.S. Space Force Col. Robert Long, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, speaks to guests at the 21st anniversary of the Veterans Memorial in Santa Maria, Calif., Dec. 7, 2022. The U.S. Space Force was recognized with a freedom monument beside its sister services, and SLD 30 was gifted a plaque commemorating the men and women who serve at the installation.

Amy Resnik, sister-in-law, left, and Chuck Resnik, brother of the late space shuttle Challenger astronaut Judy Resnik, along with acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, third from left, lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns during NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration.

Whiteman Air Force Bases Honor Guard Airmen prepare to lay the ceremonial wreath during a 9/11 ceremony on Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri Sept. 19, 2022. Whiteman commemorates the events of 9/11 by remembering those who were lost during the attack.

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