Wreath-Laying Ceremonies

Ceremonies honoring soldiers at tombs and memorials, featuring dignitaries and military personnel in formal attire, with solemn, respectful atmospheres.

The Wyoming National Guard partnered with the Veterans Commission to support Task Force Tribute in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Aug. 26, 2022. Task Force Tribute is a veteran-inspired journey across the U.S. honoring the 7,054 fallen service members during combat operations since 9/11. One mile is traveled for each service member lost.

A tomb guard from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) supports an Army Full Honors Wreath-Laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in recognition of the U.S. Armys Birthday, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., June 14, 2022. The U.S. Armys legacy has been built over 247 years on the dedication, courage, and heroism of every American soldier. We honor all who have answered the call since the Armys founding in 1775.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery

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. Secretary of State John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, and Australian Defence Minister David Johnston participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on November 20, 2013.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Patrick Air Force Base honor guard participates in the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Space center employees and guests gathered at the Space Mirror Memorial at the visitor complex for the annual event which took place on the 10th anniversary of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew. The ceremony also honored the astronauts of Apollo 1 and the shuttle Challenger. Dedicated in 1991, the names of fallen astronauts are emblazoned the Space Mirror Memorial's 4.5-foot-high-by-50-foot-wide polished black granite surface which reflects the sky and has been designated by Congress as a National Memorial.

The Wyoming National Guard partnered with the Veterans Commission to support Task Force Tribute in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Aug. 26, 2022. Task Force Tribute is a veteran-inspired journey across the U.S. honoring the 7,054 fallen service members during combat operations since 9/11. One mile is traveled for each service member lost.

031111-M-3843B-001. Base: Arlington National Cemetery State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020404-F-9082S-012. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

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. Marine Corps Pfc. Diego Quinteroraygoza, an administrative specialist with Alpha Company, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations West, and Pfc. Alberto Vazquez Jr., a preservation, packaging, packing, and marking specialist with Bravo Company, H&S Bn., MCI-West, stand at attention 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.

Veterans of Foreign Wars District III hosts a memorial event Nov. 11 at Yongsan Garrison, Seoul Korea. U.S. and Korean dignitaries placed wreathes and flowers to honor veterans.

US Air Force General Richard B. Meyers, Air Force Space Command and US Space Command Commander, speaks to the spectators about the importance of the 14th Air Force mission at Vandenberg, during the Wing's Change of Command Ceremony on May 6th, 1999, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

Official Imagery from the ceremony honoring the life of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams, Medal of Honor recipient, held at the World War II Memorial, Washington D.C., July 14, 2022. Born in Quiet Dell, West Virginia in 1923, Williams, 98, was awarded the Medal of Honor for "conspicious gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his live above and beyond the call of duty" while he served as a demolition sergeant sewrving with the 21st Marines, third Marine Division while fighting Japanese forces on Iwo Jima on Feb. 23, 1945. At the time of his death on June 29, 2022, he was the last living World War II Medal of honor recipient.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Mark H. Landes, Commanding General, First Army Division East, administers the oath of office for Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Lambert, Deputy Commanding General- Maneuver for the 3rd Infantry Division, during his promotion ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Sept. 2, 2022. The deputy commanding general-maneuver advises and assists the commanding general for the division's training and operational readiness. Lambert is a United States Army War College graduate and has deployed to Haiti, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Shane Rose, left, command chief of the 33rd Fighter Wing, U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Alexa Vigil, center, an honor guardsman with the Eglin Air Force Base Honor Guard, and U.S. Air Force Col. Jack Arthaud, commander of the 33rd FW, render a salute during the 26th Annual Khobar Towers Memorial Ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, June 23, 2022. The 33rd FW hosted the ceremony to honor the 19 Airmen who lost their lives, 12 of whom were Nomads, and pay tribute to the families and survivors. (U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Leandra Garcia)

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

Brig. Gen. Steven Kremer salutes after presenting a wreath during a ceremony at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch, Iowa, on Oct. 23, 2022. Kremer was invited to present the presidential wreath during the ceremony to honor the life of the U.S. president, who died Oct. 20, 1964, and was laid to rest in his hometown. It was the first time in two years that the community held the ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Leslie Hoover Lauble, the great granddaughter of President Hoover, also presented a wreath to represent the Hoover family.

An Ohio Army National Guard color guard team raises the American flag during the First Shot ceremony for the Civilian Marksmanship Programs (CMP) National Matches, at the Camp Perry Joint Training Center, July 12, 2022. The National Matches is a month-long mix of original CMP matches along with traditional pistol, smallbore, high-power rifle and long-range rifle competitions, attracting hundreds of elite-level pistol and rifle shooters from around the world. (Photo by Spc. Carleeann Smiddy, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/RELEASED)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William L. Marshall, right, Operations, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration deputy director and the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and United States Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) Air Operations Center director, and Maj. Chris Dunn, representing British Forces, salute during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Brookwood American Military Cemetery, England, May 29, 2022. Memorial Day provides us a solemn opportunity to remember our fallen brothers and sisters in arms, reflect upon their courageous sacrifice, and show gratitude for the freedom they gave their lives to defend. It also affords us the opportunity to pay homage to those families who lost their loved ones in service to the Nation-and continue to feel the full weight of that sacrifice today.

President Kennedy views the Marine Corps Evening Parade, at the Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. (8th I Streets, SE), 9:00PM. President John F. Kennedy delivers remarks at the Marine Barracks (8th I) in Washington, D.C.; President Kennedy attended an evening parade at the barracks. Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, General David M. Shoup, stands at left; members of the Marine Corps Color Guard stand behind.

Kiran Ahuja (center right), director, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, and others watch the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Dec. 1, 2022.

Joint Base San Antonio hosted a synchronized flag formation at all three installations (JBSA-Lackland, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston and JBSA-Randolph) at 7:46 a.m. Sept. 12, 2022 at JBSA Fort Sam Houston. The ceremonies included a flag formation, a moment of silence, an invocation and a speaker. Lt. Gen. John R. Evans, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) commander, led the remembrance ceremony at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston. The particular time of 7:46 a.m. Central time was chosen as that was when Flight 11 crashed into the north face of the North Tower (1 WTC) of the World Trade Center in New York City, between floors 93 and 99, at 8:46 a.m. Eastern time on Sept. 11, 2001.

The Air Force Honor Guard prepares to fold the flag from the coffin of Michael Hammer, a former AFL-CIO labor specialist in San Salvador for the State Department. The flag will be presented to the widow. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

ARLINGTON CEREMONY - Vice President Richard B. Cheney places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns during a Veterans Day Ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Nov. 11, 2008.

U.S. service members of Vietnamese descent, including four flag and generalofficers, pay tribute to veterans of the Vietnam War at the Vietnam WarMemorial in Washington, D.C., April 30, 2022. The wreath laying ceremonyfalls on the anniversary of Operation Frequent Wind, which evacuated SouthVietnamese civilians during the fall of Saigon at the conclusion of theVietnam War in 1975.

Brig. Gen. Mark Alessia renders a salute after placing a wreath at the tomb of President Abraham Lincoln on behalf of the President of the United States Feb. 12, as part of the 90th annual American Legion Pilgrimage to Lincolns Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois.

110704-N-MU720-129VLADIVOSTOK, Russia (July 4, 2011) Cmdr. Donald Foss, commanding officer of the guided missile Frigate USS Ford (FFG 54), left, Sylvia Reed Curran, consul general of the U.S. Consulate in Vladivostok, Russia and a senior officer of the Russian navy render honors during a wreath laying ceremony. Ford is in Vladivostok for a port visit engaging with the Russian navy, experiencing the local culture and conducting community service projects.

The Eglin Air Force Base Honor Guard presents the colors at the Khobar Towers Memorial Ceremony on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., June 24, 2016. The ceremony marked the 20th anniversary of the Khobar Towers terrorist attack, honored the 19 Airmen who lost their lives and paid tribute to the families and survivors.

Members of the USAF Honor Guard prepare to fold the American flag, which will be presented to the family of USAF Lieutenant Michael Blassie, during the funeral service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Lieutenant Blassie was killed in action while flying a mission over South Vietnam. Lieutenant Blassie's remains have been returned to his family after lying unidentified for fourteen years in the Tomb of the Unknowns. Base: Saint Louis State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

(From left to right) Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director, Office of Army Cemeteries and Army National Military Cemeteries; and Gen. Carsten Breuer, chief of defense, German Armed Forces, view the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., April 3, 2023. Breuer was at ANC to participate in a Public Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Lieutenant Colonel Trent Colestock, Fort Devens garrison commander and Command Sergeant Major Jamie Rogers, Fort Devens CSM carry the Memorial Wreath to be displayed on the stand at the head of the center flagpole.

Hanke Bruins Slot, minister of interior and kingdom affairs, Netherlands participates in a Public Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 28, 2022.

President elect Barack Obama and Vice President elect Joe Biden and Maj. Gen. Richard Rowe, pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknow Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Veterans Day Ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, 11:00AM. President John F. Kennedy and John F. Kennedy, Jr., prepare to depart Arlington National Cemetery following Veterans Day ceremonies. Also pictured: Administrator of the Veterans Administration (VA), General John S. Gleason; Commanding General of the Military District of Washington, Major General Philip C. Wehle; Military Aide to the President, General Chester V. Clifton; Naval Aide to the President, Captain Tazewell Shepard; First Sergeant Eldon J. Johnston; White House Secret Service agents, Roy Kellerman and Bob Foster. Arlington, Virginia.

060911-N-3390M-003. Base: Ns Everett State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Service Members from the U.S. Coast Guard, along with family and friends of the victims of the USS Serpens, attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the USS Serpens Memorial in Section 34 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 27, 2023. This year marks the 78th anniversary of the explosion and destruction of the USS Serpens (AK-97). 250 service members lost their lives in this incident. This was the largest single disaster in the history of the Coast Guard.

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. 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.

U.S. Soldiers, veterans, and civilians participate 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.

Chaplain (Brig. GEN.) John P. McDonough, deputy chief of chaplains, USAF, gives the invocation during the 1986 Military Nurse Memorial Service at Arlington National Cemetery. Standing on the platform are, left to right, Karen P. Keesling, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force; Brig. GEN. Carmelita Schimmenti, chief of the Air Force Nurse Corps; Brig. GEN. Connie L. Slewitzke, chief of the Army Nurse Corps; Rear Adm. Mary J. Nielubowicz, chief of the Navy Nurse Corps; and CAPT. Virginia F. Connelly, moderator. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 7, 2022) - Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Rouse, of Escondido, California, places a flower on the memorial of a service member during the USS Oklahoma memorial ceremony at Ford Island in Honolulu, Dec. 7, 2022. The memorial ceremony was for the 429 Sailors and Marines lost aboard the USS Oklahoma during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. The U.S. military, State of Hawaii and National Park Service are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served throughout the Pacific theater. The U.S. is committed to continue its responsibility of protecting the Pacific sea-lanes, advancing international ideals and relationships, as well as delivering security, influence and responsiveness in the region.

HONOLULU (May 27, 2019) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson delivers remarks during the Mayor's Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. The ceremony honored veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation.

120604-N-XZ031-118NORFOLK (June 4, 2012) Capt. Dave Culler, executive officer of Naval Station Norfolk, right, Air-Traffic Controller Airman Louis Cusanelli and Dr. Timothy Orr, a professor of history at Old Dominion University, stand at attention and salute during national anthem at a Battle of Midway wreath laying ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. The ceremony commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Midway and honors the men who fought and died for the United States June 4 through 7, 1942.

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.

The 10th Mountain Division honors all of those who have given their lives while serving in the U.S. Military during a wreath-laying ceremony, May 26, 2022, at Memorial Park on Fort Drum, N.Y.

Republic of Korea outgoing Defense Minister Suh Wook and Gen. Paul J. LaCamera, Commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea, salute a formation during an honor guard ceremony in honor of Suh at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, May 5, 2022. Gen. LaCamera expressed his gratitude for Minister Suhs leadership that helped maintain a robust combined defense posture and ensured an ironclad alliance between the ROK and the U.S.Minister Suh served as defense minister since September 2020. His career included assignments as ROK Army Chief of Staff, chief director of operations for the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Commanding General of ROK Army First Corps and ROK Army 25th Infantry Division.

040911-f-4490K-010. Base: Springfield State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

030911-F-0925M-024. Base: Mountain Home Air Force Base State: Idaho (ID) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

040130-A-3451G-018. Base: West Point State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Reportage: The new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, left, renders honors with President Donald J. Trump, Vice President Michael Pence and Defense Secretary Mark Esper in an Armed Forces Welcome Ceremony held in Milley's honor, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, Sept. 30, 2019.

010921-A-1409B-001. Base: Fort Gillem State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: TRADOC

THE VIETNAM WAR MEMORIAL DESIGNED BY MAYA LIN DEDICATED IN 1982 WASHINGTON DC USA

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. 8th Nov, 2021. Veterans lay wreaths at the cenotaph in Vancouver's Victory Square Nov .8 during National Indigenous Veterans Day. Credit: Quinn Bender/ZUMA Wire/Alamy Live News

Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth participates in an Army Full Honors Wreath-Laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., June 14, 2022. This wreath was in honor of the U.S. Armys Birthday. The U.S. Armys legacy has been built over 247 years on the dedication, courage, and heroism of every American soldier. We honor all who have answered the call since the Armys founding in 1775.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary Clinton observes a wreath-laying ceremony for fallen soldiers and allied forces in World War II at the American Cemetery in Manila, Philippines, November 12, 2009.

Service members rearrange flowers during 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.

Naval Aide to the President Captain Tazewell T. Shepard, Jr. places a wreath at George Washingtons tomb, Mt. Vernon. Naval Aide to the President Captain Tazewell Shepard, Jr. places a wreath at the tomb of President George Washington, Mount Vernon, Virginia.

Members of the Oklahoma National Guard retire the colors during a Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City, May 30, 2022. The museum has held military remembrance ceremonies since its establishment in September 1976. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Reece Heck)

111207-N-AC887-003 PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 7, 2011) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus lays a wreath at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Earlier in the day, Mabus delivered remarks commemorating the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Mourners attend a memorial service for the 47 crew members killed in an explosion aboard the battleship USS Iowa (BB-61) on April 19th. The explosion occurred in the No. 2 16-inch gun turret as the Iowa was conducting routine gunnery exercises approximately 300 miles northeast of Puerto Rico. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Acting Secretary P. Lynn Scarlett and other Interior senior officials at wreath-laying ceremony for law enforcement personnel killed in line of duty

Emmitsburg, MD, August 12, 2015-The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Flag Detail raises 92 USA flags at the Emergency Management Institute (EMI). These flags were previously flown over the US Capitol in honor of the fallen firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. Adam DuBrowa FEMA.. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

France Vice Chief of Defense Gen. Eric Autellet (right) and Maj. Gen. Allan M. Pepin (left), commanding general, Joint Forces Headquarters - National Capital Region participate in an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 20, 2023.

Karen Durham-Aguilera (center right), executive director, Army National Military Cemeteries, greets members of the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) and their spouses by 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.

Karen Durham-Aguilera (center right), executive director, Army National Military Cemeteries, greets members of the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) and their spouses by 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.

Idaho Governor Brad Little, military members, veterans and residents of the Treasure Valley community gather at Idaho State Veterans Cemetery for a Memorial Day ceremony, May 30, 2022, Boise, Idaho. The ceremony included guest speakers, a 21-gun salute and firing of American Civil War cannons.

U.S. Air Force base honor guard members fold the American flag during a retreat ceremony at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, on Sept. 2, 2022. The 85th Flying Training Squadron celebrated its 50th anniversary at Laughlin, which ended with a retreat ceremony.

061207-N-2529H-001. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S Navy Rear Adm. (ret.) Sam Cox, left, director, Naval History and Heritage Command, and William Bosanko, right, chief operating officer, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration participate in a wreath-laying at the USS Maine Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Feb. 15, 2023. This was part of a ceremony commemorating the 125th anniversary of the sinking of the USS Maine.On Feb. 15, 1898, the USS Maine exploded off the coast of Havana, Cuba, leading to the loss of 260 of her crew. Due to Spanish policy, burials had to be made within 24 hours, therefore the initial crew recovered in the aftermath of the disaster were buried at the Colon Cemetery in Havana. On March 30, 1898, Congress approved a bill authorizing for their remains to be disinterred and transferred to ANC. On Dec. 28, 1899, 165 sets of remains were interred in Section 24 with a full military honors service. The USS Maine was eventually raised, and the ships mast was transported by the Navy t

From left to right, Mr. Leonard Kovar, Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Boardman C. Reed, Brigadier General John W. Rutledge, 9th Reconnaissance Wing Commander, and AIRMAN Basic Aaron Hughes of the 9th Security Police Squadron lay a wreath around a monument in memory of V E Day. Base: Beale Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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. Marine Corps Col. Michael L. Brooks, base commander, Marine Corps Base Quantico, and Crystal Vanuch, Stafford County chairman of the board, hang a wreath during a memorial ceremony held at Stafford County War Memorial, Stafford, Virginia, May 27, 2022. Each year service members are honored for their service and sacrifice to the United States of Armerica.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ted Munter, command sergeant major, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) places his green beret on the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy in Section 45 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, Nov. 3, 2021. 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.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, and Australian Defence Minister David Johnston participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on November 20, 2013.

A service member lays a wreaths in honor of the missing during a ceremony for the National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony hosted by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) at the National Memorial Cemetery 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.

COL Richard W. Bregard, the new commanding officer of the arsenal, speaks during the ceremony at which he assumes command. Standing by are CPT St. John and CPT Gneimi. Base: Rock Island Arsenal State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Andrew M. Niebel, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, provides remarks 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.

220606-N-XZ205-1036SAN DIEGO (June 6, 2022) Sailors assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diego observe posters during a Battle of Midway ceremony at the hospital June 6. The event was held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Midway and to honor the sacrifices of service members during the battle. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diego's mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMRTC San Diego employs more than 6,000 active duty military personnel, civilians and contractors in Southern California to provide patients with world-class care anytime, anywhere.

220507-N-VD554-1082 BRISBANE, Australia (May 7, 2022) - U.S. and Australian militaryveterans lay wreathes during a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle ofCoral Sea in Brisbane, Australia. Under Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, 7th Fleet is the U.S.Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with 35maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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

US Air Force members, family and friends gather for a full honor funeral for US Air Force Second Lieutenant Richard Vandegeer at Arlington National Cemetery on October 27, 2000. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

NORFOLK, Va. (Sep. 9, 2022)- Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads Sailors and Morale, Recreation and Welfare honor and remember the lives of those lost and affected by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 during a remembrance ceremony onboard NSA Hampton Roads, September 9, 2022. Sunday marks 21 years since the terrorist attacks in 2001.

A ceremonial wreath placed by US President Joe Biden rests inside the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial during the 21st 9/11 Pentagon Observance Ceremony on Sept. 11, 2022, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Master Sgt. Earl Plumlee, a Medal of Honor recipient, speaks with Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt about his Oklahoma roots and military experience during a visit to Manuel Perez Park in Oklahoma City, Oct. 19, 2022. Plumlee, a native Oklahoman, toured his home state Oct. 18-22. During his visit he met with Holt at Manuel Perez Park, a park honoring Manuel Perez Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient from Oklahoma City, and other Oklahomans who have received our nation's highest military honor. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Anthony Jones)

President Kennedy views the Marine Corps Evening Parade, at the Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. (8th I Streets, SE), 9:00PM. President John F. Kennedy watches an evening parade at the Marine Barracks (8th I) in Washington, D.C. Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, General David M. Shoup, stands at far left; members of the Marine Corps Honor Guard march in background.

Representatives of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War place their memorial wreath along side the presidential wreath at the grave of former President Chester A. Arthur on his birthday, Albany, New York, Oct. 5, 2022. On each former president's birthday, a wreath is laid at their grave on behalf of the current president.

Representatives of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War place their memorial wreath along side the presidential wreath at the grave of former President Chester A. Arthur on his birthday, Albany, New York, Oct. 5, 2022. On each former president's birthday, a wreath is laid at their grave on behalf of the current president.

A memorial wreath is placed at the Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba (WPG-77) monument during the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven, Mich., on August 5, 2022. The ship, homeported at Grand Haven, was sunk as it was escorting ships during World War Two, with the loss of 103 crew. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Warren Warber.

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

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

The U.S. flag is presented to Betty O'Donnell following military funeral honors with funeral escort for her husband, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Brendan ODonnell, in Section 83 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Oct. 14, 2022.Maj. ODonnell entered the Marine Corps in October of 1950 and fought in the Korean War as a second lieutenant. By early April 1951, Maj. ODonnell had become a platoon leader in Company D, 2nd Battalion of the 7th Marine Regiment, supporting the Armys 1st Cavalry Division. His platoon was fighting to the Kansas Line, along the 38th parallel the dividing line between North and South Korea. On April 10, 1951, Maj. ODonnells platoon spearheaded a company-sized attack on an enemy ridgeline, killing 27, wounding 35 and capturing seven. As enemy fire rained in from the adjacent hills, he constantly exposed himself while setting up a defensive position. Mortars then pounded ODonnells position, wounding some of his men and destroying his radio. Despite the hit, M

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. John Estrada, former Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, takes a moment of silence after placing his wreath during a ceremony 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)

(From left to right) Bob Quackenbush, deputy chief of staff, Arlington National Cemetery; German Navy Rear Adm. Axel Ristau, defense attaché, German Embassy in DC; and German Deputy Defense Minister Siemtje Möller view the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Nov. 3, 2022. While at ANC, Möller and Ristau laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Sgt. Maj. Patrick Thomas (left), senior enlisted advisor, Arlington National Cemetery and Office of Army Cemeteries, offers condolences to Patricia Sargent following the funeral service of her father, Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. John Canley, in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Aug. 25, 2022. Canley was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2018 for his actions during the battle of Hue City, Vietnam in 1968. As the Company Gunnery Sergeant, Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine, 1st Marine Division, Canley and his Marines fought off multiple vicious attacks while attempting to relieve friendly forces that were surrounded by enemy forces. According to the award citation, despite being wounded in these engagements, Canley repeatedly rushed across fire-swept terrain to carry his wounded Marines to safety. Canley took command of Company A after his commanding officer was severely wounded and led the Marines into Hue City. Once there and while caught

Maj. Gen. Charles Costanza, the 3rd Infantry Division commanding general, and U.S. Army Veteran Staff Sgt. Harold Nelson, an infantryman and Dogface Soldier, salute as the national anthem plays during Nelson's Silver Star Medal ceremony at Fort Carson, Colorado, Oct. 4th, 2022. The Army Board for Corrections of Military Records awarded Nelson the Silver Star based on his detailed account of combat with 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd ID during World War II and a letter from his then-commander, Capt. James Pearman Jr., who described his efforts to award Nelson the Silver Star Medal. The Silver Star was established by Act of Congress on July 9, 1918, and is awarded to Nelson for his conspicuous gallantry and uncommon heroism while under fire which were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3rd ID and the U.S. Army. The 3rd ID also inducted Nelson into the Marne Hall of Fame class of 2022.

A member of a joint services color guard and veterans participating in the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Rhema Marvanne, 7, joins with recording artist Rick James to sing "The Prayer" during a Remembrance Ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas Friday. The ceremony commemorated the lives of 13 people who died in a tragic shooting incident on the installation Nov. 5, 2009.

New York Army National Guard Brig. General Michael Swezey, commander of the 53rd Troop Command, and New York State Command Sgt. Major Louis Wilson, present arms after placing a wreath from President Barak Oboma at the grave of President Chester Arthur, the nation's 21st president, in Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands, N.Y. on Monday, Oct. 5, 2015. The military honors former presidents by placing a wreath from the sitting president at their grave site on the anniversary of their birth.

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