Memorial Day is a federal holiday (last Monday of May) in the US and to some it marks the unofficial beginning of Summer. It's real significance is a time to commemorate and remember those US men and women who served in the military and particularly those who died in military service.

It first began as a time to honour Union soldiers who died during the Civil War and was then expanded following World War I to include all who died in any war or military action.

This year we had plans to visit Arlington Cemetery with Nikki and her friend Mike. Each year the President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as a mark of respect. We had plans to attend but unfortunately for us the crowds were bigger than expected and they closed Arlington just as our shuttle bus was about to drive through the gate. Lesson for next year......arrive 2hrs early.

Memorial Day can be likened to Remembrance Day or ANZAC Day back home and the US community attend services, functions or just stop to remember in great numbers (just like back home).

We eventually got into Arlington Cemetery and were able to pay our respects to those who had died. In a touching gesture, small US flags had been placed at the foot of each gravestone. There were a lot of flags to be seen. There were also a lot of people at Arlington, with families and friends visiting lost loved ones. With the current situations overseas, unfortunately the cemetery was busy.

	Looking up at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
	Rows of little US flags in front of gravestones with the USAF Memorial in the back ground
	The sounds of a loan bagpipes player echoed around the cemetery while we were there.