JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
A visit to the United States concluded Oct. 14 for the Republic of Korea President Lee Myung-bak and his wife, Kim Yoon-ok, with a formal departure ceremony on the Joint Base Andrews flightline. The departure, complete with a 21-gun salute and the playing of the Republic of Korea national anthem by the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" herald trumpets, marked the occasion for the departing dignitary and his wife.
"I am deeply grateful to be a part of a departure of foreign dignitaries such as President Lee Myung-bak," said Col. Ken Rizer, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander. "This is a privilege that is only afforded to Team Andrews, which we are honored to have."
While in the U.S., President Lee Myung-bak attended a state dinner with President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama and discussed trade deals between the two countries.
Before dignitaries such as President Lee Myung-bak leave the country, in an effort to better pay them respect, an all-service honor guard is often in attendance during their flightline departure.
"We're really the face of America and the American military for many individuals who visit the U.S. and who travel through Joint Base Andrews," said Airman Joseph Estes, U.S. Navy ceremonial guardsman, assigned to Joint-Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. "The all-service honor guard participates in many events, but being able to see foreign heads of state and be a representative for our nation is a great honor."
President Lee Myung-bak's departure concluded with a 21-gun salute, one of the highest respects one can receive from the military.