U.S. Department of Defense

Gates Leads 60th Anniversary of Integration Ceremony

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates gives honors during the national anthem in the Pentagon Auditorium Aug. 6, 2008, prior to hosting the 60th anniversary commemoration of the signing of Executive Orders 9980 and 9981, which integrated the armed forces and the federal civil service.

Members of the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps play the national anthem in the Pentagon Auditorium during the Aug. 6, 2008, ceremony to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the signing of Executive Orders 9980 and 9981, which integrated the armed forces and the federal civil service.

Ken Hechler, a White House assistant and speechwriter for President Harry S. Truman, speaks during the Aug. 6, 2008, 60th anniversary commemoration of Truman's signing of Executive Orders 9980 and 9981, which integrated the armed forces and the federal civil service. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates hosted the event inside the Pentagon Auditorium.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen listens to guest speakers at an Aug. 6, 2008, ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of the signing of Executive Orders 9980 and 9981, which integrated the armed forces and federal civil service.

Three members of the Tuskegee Airmen, wearing their signature red jackets, listen as Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaks during a ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of the signing of Executive Orders 9980 and 9981, which integrated the armed forces and the federal civil service.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, far right, listens as Ken Hechler, a White House assistant and speechwriter for President Harry S. Truman, talks about the signing of Executive Orders 9980 and 9981, which integrated the armed forces and federal civil service, during a 60th anniversary celebration of the event, Aug. 6, 2008, in the Pentagon.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates gives honors during the national anthem in the Pentagon Auditorium Aug. 6, 2008, prior to hosting the 60th anniversary commemoration of the signing of Executive Orders 9980 and 9981, which integrated the armed forces and the federal civil service.
Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Molly A. Burgess