Parade participants march in Washington to commemorate Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026, coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Individuals carry commemorative wreaths to place at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)
Parade participants march in Washington to commemorate Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026, coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
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A veteran pays respects at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Monday, May 25, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)
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An American flag at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Monday, May 25, 2026, on Memorial Day in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)
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Individuals carry commemorative wreaths to place at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)
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An American flag at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Monday, May 25, 2026, on Memorial Day in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)
Memorial Day in the U.S. -- originally called Decoration Day -- began shortly after the Civil War to honor fallen service members. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.