One of the most solemn duties of the commander in chief is to honor those who died in the line of service to the United States. Here is how some past presidents have observed Memorial Day.
Barack Obama
Former President Barack Obama at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Illinois. (Obama White House archives)
Former President Barack Obama at Arlington National Cemetery. (Obama White House archives)
George W. Bush
Former President George W. Bush at the Normandy American Cemetery in France. (Bush White House archives)
Former President George W. Bush at Arlington National Cemetery. (Bush White House archives)
Bill Clinton
Former President Bill Clinton at Arlington National Cemetery. (William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Library)
George H.W. Bush
Former President George H. W. Bush places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. (AP Photo)
Ronald Reagan
Former President Ronald Reagan at Arlington National Cemetery. (Ronald Reagan Presidential Library)
John F. Kennedy
Former President John F. Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery. (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library)
Former President John F. Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery. (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library)
Harry Truman
Former President Harry Truman giving a speech at Arlington National Cemetery (Harry S. Truman Library)
Former President Harry Truman laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery (Harry S. Truman Library)
Warren G. Harding
Former President Warren G. Harding giving an address at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day. (Library of Congress)
