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by SrA Maeson Elleman

U.S. Air Force Maj. John Traxler, 320th Special Tactics Squadron commander, carries the American flag before "Reveille" during the Veterans Day ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 11, 2011. Following the raising of the flag and the Japanese and American national anthems, four representatives from the services recited their branch's creed and guest speakers shared their experiences with the crowd. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman/Released)

Photographer's Narrative

 

I was still new to the Air Force, and because I’d never seen a Veteran’s Day ceremony before, I had no idea what to expect. I stood waiting with my camera and little notebook and staring at the emcee, when I heard the collective thuds of an entire formation of special operators’ boots striking the pavement nearby. Three individuals broke formation to deliver the flag to the awaiting honor guardsmen. After the ceremony, they all dropped for pushups in honor of those who’ve fallen and their brothers they’ve served alongside throughout the years. They exemplified the idea that we are one team, one fight.