The nation pauses every Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who died defending the United States.
Bob Chavanne is a bugler who has been playing taps once a month for 40 years at Long Island National Cemetery.
"Every day should be Memorial Day. The veterans are deserving of that. I just feel I have to give back. It's so important to remember the sacrifices," said Chavanne.
The Third U.S. Infantry Regiment placed more than 228,000 flags at grave sites this morning at Arlington National Cemetery.
Families visit loved ones, like 4-year-old Christian Jacobs whose father died during a training accident. The boy, who is perhaps too young to understand dad's sacrifice, is old enough to feel the loss.
"I hope for you to come back soon, daddy. And I love you and hope for you to be here," said Jacobs.
President Obama was also at Arlington National Cemetery, laying a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier before speaking about the sacrifice many have made for their country.
"The Americans who rest beneath these beautiful hills and in sacred ground across our country and around the world, they are why our nation endures," said Obama.
Monday is the first Memorial Day-- since 2001--where the United states is not involved in a major ground war.
"So, on this day we honor the sacrifice of the thousands of American service members, men and women who gave their lives since 9/11, including more than 2200 American patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan," said Obama.