U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Garland Jr., U.S. Air Force Weapons School commandant, presents U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jeffrey Haynes, former 77th Weapons Squadron commander, with Meritorious Service Medal during a change of command ceremony May 23, 2013, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The ceremony is a military tradition deeply rooted in history and dates back to the times of the Roman Legion. In that period, military organizations developed flags that were unique to the organization with specialized colors and designs. When the soldiers followed their leaders into battle, they kept sight of the flag. If the banner still waved after the conflict, it was a sign that their side had won. Having this position of importance, the flag was incorporated into the change of command ceremonies. The organizational banner was exchanged in public for all to see that the one who holds the flag is the unchallenged leader of the armies. The modern day ceremony is principally symbolic, yet it still indicates to all the authority of the incoming commander in the finest military traditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Damon Kasberg/Released)