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Updated May 31, 2021 - Politics & Policy

In photos: Memorial Day celebrations resume after year-long hiatus

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A soldier in uniform walks past long rows of names inscribed on marble

An honor guard member walks past the names of 15,000 women and men from Delaware and New Jersey who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War II and the Korean War. Photo: Patrick Semansky/AP

The U.S. saw a dramatic surge in summer travel and the return of large Memorial Day gatherings over the weekend, including President Biden's Monday address at Arlington National Cemetery.

Why it matters: Memorial Day celebrations look more traditional this year, as ramped-up vaccinations and falling COVID-19 cases allow U.S. veterans and families to gather together to mark the day.

Biden stands in front of tall American flags
President Biden delivers an address at the 153rd National Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery on May 31. Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
Biden, VP Kamala Harris, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin walk in a line in front of wreaths and American flags
Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Omar Jones, Major General, U.S. Army Commanding General arrive to take part in a wreath laying in front of Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on May 31. Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
A motorcycle carrying an American flag drives towards orange cones
The annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride in Washington, D.C., on May 30. Photo: Liu Jie/Xinhua via Getty Images
A man in uniform leans down to read names on a plaque surrounded by small American flags
U.S. Army Spc Joseph Wolfe reads names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall on May 30. Photo: Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images
A state trooper walks down a path in a graveyard next to a child
Indiana State Trooper Matt Harris, left, and his son Dominic Harris, of Cub Scouts pack 145, carry flags to place on the graves of veterans at Rose Hill Cemetery on May 29 in Bloomington, Indiana. Photo: Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
A crowd of people walk down a boardwalk
Santa Monica, California pier on May 30. Photo: Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

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