American Legion Riders watch and take photos after participating in a wreath-laying
ceremony with a Soldier from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) at the Civil
War Unknown Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery May 29. The remains of mor...

American Legion Riders follow bag pipers into Arlington National
Cemetery to participate in a pre-Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony
at the Civil War Unknown Memorial May 29. The remains
of more than 2,000 Confederate and Union Soldiers are buried a...

American Legion Riders from posts across the country honored unknown Civil War Soldiers May 29 by laying a wreath at the Civil War Unknown Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.

A large group of Riders solemnly marched behind a group of bag pipe players to the memorial, located near Arlington House. Numerous American flags gently blew in the breeze as living veterans and service members honored those who came before them.

"Memorial Day isn't a one-day event for us," said one Rider. "It's an everyday event for us and our families."

University of Richmond Chancellor Dr. Bruce Heilman addressed the group before the wreath was laid at the memorial. For the second year in a row, the 89-year-old Marine veteran of World War II spent the month or so before Memorial Day riding his motorcycle 6,000 miles across the country in honor of Gold Star Families -- those who have lost a loved one in service to the nation.

"They represent the best of those who defend our freedom, the best of those who are willing to stand their ground in the military to preserve that which we all treasure, and that is our freedom," Heilman said.

Heilman said he was honored to have heard the stories of the Gold Star Families as he traveled around the country.

"All of us on Memorial Day need to understand that's what it's all about, so we all understand that Memorial Day is more than hot dogs and marshmallows," he said.

The remains of more than 2,000 Confederate and Union Soldiers are buried at the memorial.

About 150,000 people visited the cemetery during Memorial Day weekend, according to Arlington National Cemetery officials.