Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971. Here is a look at how Americans have celebrated through the years while also honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
AAA predicts this will be the busiest Memorial Day weekend in nearly 20 years, with 43.8 million people expected to hit the road, and local law enforcement agencies are reminding drivers to "Click It or Ticket."
In sober Memorial Day remarks, the president extolled the sacrifices of the fallen for the pursuit of democracy, which he called “the soul of America.”