Presidential Military Engagements

Images of U.S. presidents and military leaders during ceremonies and briefings, showcasing solemn military tributes and official gatherings.

President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the Memorial Observance Ceremony at the Pentagon on 9-11-16

President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the Memorial Observance Ceremony at the Pentagon on 9-11-16

President Barack Obama, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, bow their heads as Chaplain Col. Michael Brainerd delivers the invocation during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Amphitheater in Arlington, Va., May 26, 2014.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III thanks Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby for his service during a media brief with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley following a Ukrainian Defense Contact Group meeting in the Pentagon Briefing Room from the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 23, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

220518-N-OH262-0236 WASHINGTON D.C. (May 18, 2022)--David Yoho, a World War II era Merchant Mariner, addresses the audience during the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony held to honor Merchant Mariners of WWII at the U.S. Capital, May 18. During WWII Merchant Mariners put their lives on the line for their country, braving German and Japanese submarines, in their Liberty Ships, as they delivered critical supplies for service members serving in the European and Pacific theaters.

L-R General Ray Odierno, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, President Obama, Chairman Martin Dempsey, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mark Ferguson meet to discuss sexual assault in the military.

A U.S. Secret Service Agent provides security as the President of the United States, Joe Biden, not shown, prepares to depart New York City, New York, Sept. 22, 2022, on Marine One.

President Joseph Biden speaks at the 154th National Memorial Day Observance in the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., May 30, 2022.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III conducts a press briefing after the release of the unclassified National Defense Strategy, Nuclear Posture Review, and Missile Defense Review at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Oct. 27 2022.

Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, speaks at the Gold Star Family Dinner and Tree Lighting ceremony held at The Phillips Pavilion at the Oklahoma Governor's Mansion in Oklahoma City, Dec. 3, 2022. The Gold Star Family Dinner and Tree Lighting ceremony was held to honor the 20 Oklahoma National Guard members who have died overseas since Sept. 11, 2001. (Oklahoma Army National Guard photo by Spc. Caleb Stone)

President Bush attends wreath-laying ceremony at the Pentagon, commemorating 5th anniversary of 911 attacks

President Barack Obama shakes hands with a White House Military Officer during a departure ceremony in the Oval Office on June 24, 2009.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder speaks during a press conference at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Jan. 24, 2023.

President Barack Obama participates in a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in Seoul, Republic of Korea on April 25, 2014.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry listens while President Barack Obama gives remarks prior to receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor at the White House, July 12. Petry received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during a mission on May 26, 2008, serving as a squad leader with Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment while conducting a mission in rural eastern Afghanistan with his unit to capture a high-value insurgent target. Early in the mission, the squad came under heavy enemy fire and Petry was shot in both legs. Despite his wounds, the Ranger gallantly continued fighting alongside his brothers in arms. When an enemy hand grenade landed just inches away, Petry grabbed it to protect fellow Rangers. As he released the grenade to throw it, the explosive detonated and he lost his right hand.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder speaks during a press briefing, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 20, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brittany A. Chase)

Members of the press question Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby during a press briefing, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 2, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

060328-F-5107H-003. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, left, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, prepare to be escorted to the Tomb of the Unknowns for a wreath laying as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration.

Senator Barack Obama introduces the 'Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007

Dec. 19, 2009 We returned from Copenhagen to a huge snowstorm in Washington. At one point, it didn’t even look like we could land at Andrews Air Force Base. Later that day, a Saturday, the President surveyed the snowfall from the Oval Office.”

President Barack Obama meets with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Gen. David Petraeus, Commanding General of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, in the Oval Office, March 14, 2011.

President Barack Obama meets with National Commander of the American Legion Dave Rehbein, left, and Executive Director Peter Gaytan, right, in the Oval Office Tuesday, August 4, 2009.

President Joe Biden salutes a U.S. Marine as he disembarks Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, returning from his visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken hosts a ceremony to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. on September 10, 2021.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder and Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (RUE) Laura Cooper conduct a joint press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Oct. 4, 2022.

Army Chaplain Col. James J. Foster delivers the invocation during the 21st 9/11 Pentagon Observance Ceremony on Sept. 11, 2022, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)

Pentagon Press Secretary U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder conducts a press briefing at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Feb. 12, 2024. (DoD

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

Col. Henry R. Jeffress, III, 8th Fighter Wing incoming commander, speaks during the wing change of command ceremony at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 26, 2022. Jeffress, or Wolf 62, assumed command of the 8th FW from the outgoing commander, Col. John B. Gallemore.

President Barack Obama talks on the phone in the Oval Office with Major General Joe Osterman, Commander of Marine Special Operations Command, about the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter that apparently crashed in waters off Florida during a routine night training mission, March 10, 2015.

031121-F-2828D-282. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

As rain falls, President Barack Obama begins to take part in the annual Memorial Day ceremony at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Ill., May 31, 2010. Heavy rain and lightning later forced the cancelation of the event.

President George W. Bush visited the 3d Infantry Division (mechanized) soldiers, their families and civilians on 12 February 01. This was President Bush's first visit to a military installation after taking office. Here, President Bush (left), The Honorable Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense (center) observe as Major General Walter L. Sharp (right), Commander of 3d Infantry Division, salutes the troops at Cottrell Field on Fort Stewart, Georgia. Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

Vice President Cheney participates in memorial ceremonies for the September 11 attacks

McCain campaign Virginia

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes Decio Rui Pialarissi, Brazilian federal revenue service agency chief to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 3, 2022. During the visit, Mr. Pialarissi attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, brief media members at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Jan. 28, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Taryn Sammet)

President Barack Obama is briefed on the tragedy in Afghanistan by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, Adm. Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, National Security Advisor Tom Donilon, Chief of Staff Bill Daley, and national security staff, at Camp David, Aug. 6, 2011.

Senator Barack Obama introduces the 'Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks attends Ronald Reagan Institute to provide remarks, Washington, D.C., May 6, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

President Bush attends wreath-laying ceremony at the Pentagon, commemorating 5th anniversary of 911 attacks

June 13, 2014 "Every morning the President convenes the 'Presidential Daily Briefing.' When world events dictate, aides that normally do not attend this meeting are called in to participate in the briefing. Here, Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, briefs the President and his team on the situation in Iraq."

General David Petraeus and Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker testify before Congress about the situation in Iraq

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III speaks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a bilateral exchange meeting at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., April 12, 2023.

Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby speaks during a press briefing, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., April 18, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brittany A. Chase)

A U.S. Secret Service Agent provides security as the President of the United States, Joe Biden, prepares to exit the presidential limo to depart New York City, New York, Sept. 22, 2022.

Senators Clinton and Bayh, Congressman McHugh, speak about a recent trip to Iraq and Afghanistan

060301-N-2383B-194. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Washington D.C. (July 5, 2022) - Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt receives the authorities and duties of the F-35 Joint Program Office via Dr. William A. LaPlante Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment during a semi-virtual Change of Leadership ceremony at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., on July 5, 2022. The F-35 Joint Program Office is the Department of Defense's focal point for the 5th generation strike aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and our allies. The F-35 is the premier multi-mission, 5th generation weapon system. Its ability to collect, analyze and share data is a force multiplier that enhances all assets in the battle-space: with stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity, and range. The F-35, which has been operational since July of 2015, is the most lethal, survivable, and interoperable fighter aircraft ever built.

Civil war cannons guard the front of the White House with Washington Monument in distance

Senators Clinton and Bayh, Congressman McHugh, speak about a recent trip to Iraq and Afghanistan

General David Petraeus and Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker testify before Congress about the situation in Iraq

President Bush Signs the Patriot Reathorization Act

Sgt. Antoinette Wolliston with the Fort McCoy Religious Support Office provided narration during the 2022 Memorial Day Prayer Luncheon on May 26, 2022, at McCoys Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Reverend Laurie Graber and her husband Tom Graber gave a presentation as guest speakers for the event. Both Grabers discussed their ministry and the importance of Memorial Day. Were several participants in the luncheon that included special guest speakers, special prayers provided by clergy, and music to honor fallen veterans for Memorial Day. Nearly three dozen community members attended the event that also included a free lunch. The event was organized by the Fort McCoy Religious Support Office.

040427-F-6655M-188. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden meet with Combatant Commanders and military leadership in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Dec. 3, 2014.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John F. Bentivegna testifies before the House Armed Services Committee Quality of Life Panel on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Jan. 31, 2024.

Twenty soldiers were naturalized as U.S. citizens in a ceremony on Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. The soldiers are administered the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America. Among the soldiers is Spc. Paul Velchez, supply clerk for the 230th Signal Company, Tennessee Army National Guard.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder and Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (RUE) Laura Cooper conduct a joint press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Oct. 4, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 18, 2022) Secretary of the Navy The Honorable Carlos Del Toro speaks to Sailors assigned to Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) at an all hands call aboard Essex during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 18. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

021111-F-3431H-111. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III holds a meeting with Colombian Defense Minister Diego Molano at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 20, 2022.

Inter-American Defense College held its World Situation Conference on Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 8-10, 2023. During their conference Participants engaged in a strategic-level analysis organized by Brazilian Army and professor Col. Fábio Araújo. The conference offered students a global and sub-regional understanding of geo-politics, enabling them to analyze various aspects such as politics, socio-cultural factors, economics, defense, security, science, technology, key nations, state actors, regional alliances, and governmental or international non-governmental organizations. The focus of Committee I involves an in-depth examination of national and sub-regional security, defense, and development policies, along with strategic trends that will influence the Western Hemisphere in the next 10 years.

021104-D-2987S-042. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

President Barack Obama delivers remarks at a Combined Forces Command Briefing at Yongsan Garrison in Seoul, Republic of Korea on April 26, 2014.

Radio and Television Report to the American People on the Soviet Arms Buildup in Cuba (Cuban Missile Crisis), 7:00PM. Cameramen film President John F. Kennedy (far right, seated at desk) as he delivers a radio and television address to the nation regarding the Soviet Union's military presence in Cuba. Those standing in the background include (L-R): Senator George Smathers (Florida), and White House Secret Service agents Dennis Halterman and Gerald Jerry Blaine. Oval Office, White House, Washington, D.C.

President Barack Obama greets U.S. troops at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. May 1, 2012. (BSLOC_2015_13_283)

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosts Pakistani Army Chief of Staff Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, during a bilateral exchange at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Oct. 4, 2022.

090120-N-0696M-744Surrounded by by each services senior enlisted advisor, President Barack Obama addresses the audience at the Commander-in-Chiefs Ball at the National Building Museum, Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2009. The ball honored Americas service members, families the fallen and wounded warriors.

President Bush Signs the Patriot Reathorization Act

of 2