Memorial Day honors the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Observed on the last Monday in May, the holiday traces its origins to the years following the Civil War, when communities began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers. Over time, it became a national observance dedicated to remembrance and gratitude—marked by solemn ceremonies, moments of silence, and visits to memorials across the country.

Today's image looks up at the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, the focal point of the nation's Memorial Day ceremonies. Dedicated in 1920, the amphitheater's marble colonnade and coffered ceiling frame annual observances attended by US presidents, veterans, and the families of the fallen. Located beside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the site underscores Arlington's enduring role as a place of honor and national memory, drawing millions of visitors each year.