Photos: Memorial Day Weekend in Arlington

Residents and out-of-town visitors alike took part in Memorial Day observances around Arlington this past weekend.

Warm and sunny weather helped drive large crowds for stalwart annual events like the Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally and the wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

Thousands of bikers participated in Rolling Thunder, which first rumbled into Arlington Friday afternoon and culminated here with a large rally in the Pentagon parking lot Sunday morning. The motorcyclists, who ride in remembrance of American service members killed, missing or taken prisoner during war, later rode across the Memorial Bridge into the District for a speakers program and concert.

On Monday President Barack Obama — who had just returned from visiting troops in Afghanistan — traveled to Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The wreath-laying was followed by the annual Memorial Day service at the cemetery’s amphitheater, during which the president thanked troops and veterans for their service to the country.

In Clarendon Monday afternoon, Arlington’s VFW Post 3150 and American Legion Post 139 together dedicated a new plaque at the Clarendon War Memorial. The plaque commemorates the Arlington County residents who have given their lives during the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan.

• Chief Petty Officer Joel E. Baldwin, USN, Iraq (December 21, 2004)
• Captain Michael P. Cassidy, USA, Iraq (June 17, 2010)
• Lance-Corporal Niall W. Coti-Sears, USMC, Afghanistan (June 23, 2012)
• Specialist Adam M. Kuiligowski, USA, Afghanistan (April 6, 2004)
• Second Lieutenant Sean P. O’Connor, USA, Iraq (October 19, 2008)
• Lieutenant Colonel James J. Walton, USA, Afghanistan (June 21, 2008)

Do you have other photos of Memorial Day observances around Arlington? Add them to our Flickr page or upload them in the comments.

Photos courtesy (as noted) Peter Golkin, Michelle Dupray, Brian Allen, and  Sunday Money