Memorial Day in the United States

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, May 26, 2014.

President Barack Obama lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, May 26, 2014.

Military personnel wait for the beginning of a Memorial Day event at Arlington National Cemetery, May 26, 2014.

Pvt. John Schena, with the 2nd Battalion 1st Brigade of the Georgia State Defense Force, salutes after placing a rose at a Pearl Harbor Memorial at Marietta National Cemetery, Georgia, May 26, 2014.

Marine veteran, retired Staff Sgt. Tim Chambers salutes riders in the annual Rolling Thunder 'Ride for Freedom' motorcycle rally in Washington, May 25, 2014.

Participants drive toward the Lincoln Memorial during the Rolling Thunder 'Ride for Freedom' in Washington, May 25, 2014. (Brian Allen/VOA)

Participants get ready for the Rolling Thunder 'Ride for Freedom,' May 25, 2014. (Dimitris Manis/VOA)