Slug: me-memorial1 Date: MAY 31st, 2010 Credit: Evy Mages/FTWP Location: Washington DC, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Caption: (L to R) Vet Luis Ramirez, grandson Diego Gonzalez, 6y and Luz Ruiz at the annual Memorial Day Observance at the Veitnam Memorial wall. Freelance Photo imported to Merlin on Mon May 31 17:09:01 2010
Evy Mages-For the Washington Post
Slug: me-memorial1 Date: MAY 31st, 2010 Credit: Evy Mages/FTWP Location: Washington DC, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Caption: (ROTC?) at the annual Memorial Day Observance at the Veitnam Memorial wall. Freelance Photo imported to Merlin on Mon May 31 17:14:02 2010
Evy Mages-For the Washington Post
Slug: me-memorial1 Date: MAY 31st, 2010 Credit: Evy Mages/FTWP Location: Washington DC, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Caption: Veteran from Puerto Rico, Luis Ramirez at the annual Memorial Day Observance at the Veitnam Memorial wall. Freelance Photo imported to Merlin on Mon May 31 17:10:04 2010
Evy Mages-For the Washington Post
At Arlington National Cemetery, Sgt. Brian Scott, 30, with the 18th Military Police Brigade, visits the grave of his friend and gunner U.S. Army Spc. Michael Luis Gonzalez, who was killed in action in Iraq.
Nikki Kahn-The Washington Post
A member of the National Honor Guard marches out of the amphitheater at the end of the Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
Nikki Kahn-The Washington Post
Keepsakes are left on the tombstone of U.S. Army Spc. Michael Luis Gonzalez at Arlington Nartional Cemetery.
Nikki Kahn-The Washington Post
Family and friends grieve for loved ones during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
Nikki Kahn-The Washington Post
A member of the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Honor Guard collapses in the heat during the Memorial Day ceremony at the cemetery.
Nikki Kahn-The Washington Post
U.S. soldiers file past the amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery, where Vice President Biden presided over a Memorial Day ceremony. Presidents traditionally participate in the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington, as Obama did last year, his first as president, and some veterans groups have criticized Obama for sending Biden in his place this year.
Nikki Kahn-The Washington Post
Vice President Biden lays the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns, a marble structure holding the remains of unidentified U.S. service members who died during war, during the Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
Nikki Kahn-The Washington Post
Members of the Blackfeet tribe from Browning, Mont., who make up part of the Honor Guard, depart the amphitheater during the Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
Nikki Kahn-The Washington Post
The rumble of motorcycles has become a staple in the area's Memorial Day celebration as thousands take part in the Rolling Thunder tradition.
Katherine Frey-The Washington Post
Originally started as a ride of support for prisoners of war left behind in Vietnam, Rolling Thunder has made noise for veterans since 1987.
Katherine Frey-The Washington Post
Renee Corrick, of Bethesda, pays tribute to those in the Rolling Thunder procession as they cross over Memorial Bridge.
Katherine Frey-The Washington Post
Johnny Herrmann, of Lusby, Md., was in the infantry in Vietnam and suffered an injury to his neck in the war. He waits for friends after riding in Rolling Thunder.
Katherine Frey-The Washington Post
Alex Petersen, of the District, shows his support for Rolling Thunder as it passes.
Katherine Frey-The Washington Post
The motorcade's goal is to bring awareness to missing troops and demonstrate their respect for American troops.
Katherine Frey-The Washington Post
Dave Arnold, 53, a veteran of Desert Storm, prepares to head back home to Louisville, Ky., after riding.
Katherine Frey-The Washington Post
Jake Wales, 8, of Gaithersburg is in a tight spot at Rehoboth Beach, Del., leaving him defenseless against brother Brady, 7.
Bill O'Leary-The Washington Post
More than 800,000 people in the Washington area -- a 6 percent increase over last year -- planned to travel for the holiday weeked, including to Rehoboth, a popular capital area getaway.
Bill O'Leary-The Washington Post
Elizabeth Clarkson, 9, left, and her sister Katherine, 7, work the sand with their grandfather John McDevitt.
Bill O'Leary-The Washington Post
Chase Lytle, 2, of New Columbia, Penn., flees an oncoming wave.
Bill O'Leary-The Washington Post
Local Cheryl Blackman sports a patriotic palette on the boardwalk at Rehoboth.
Bill O'Leary-The Washington Post
Harlan Tucker, left, of Bowie, a WWII, Korean and Vietnam War veteran in the Army, and Bob West of Bowie, a Vietnam War veteran in the Air Force, ride in Bob's 1972 Buick Centurion in the Bowie Memorial Day Parade.
Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post
Tucker, center, and Paul Connolly, right, a Vietnam veteran in the Navy, are reflected in a car door mirror as Cayla Skeete, 6, of Palm Coast, Fla., waits to participate in the parade.
Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post
Ronald Perkins of Upper Marlboro, Md., a veteran of the Air National Guard and a member of the Ancient Free Accepted Masons of Maryland Lodge 227 Camp Springs, waves while riding in the parade.
Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post
May 27
Army Sgt. Michael Evans, left, and Spc. Shawn Brown prepare to place Memorial Day flags in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery.
Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post
May 27
Monica McNeal, rear, of Seattle hugs Molly Pannell of the District on a visit to the grave of McNeal's son.
Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post
May 27
Evans, left, and Brown place flags in Section 12 of the cemetery.
Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post
May 27
Army Pfc. Cody Battista rests his hand on the grave of a hometown friend while placing flags in Section 60.
Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post
Gallery Credits:
Producer Stephen Cook
