DANVILLE, Va. – Boy Scouts in Danville placed small American flags on the graves of the fallen in advance of Memorial Day. The annual observance pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms.

Cities across Virginia marked the day with tributes officials were forced to cancel last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. American Legion posts in Danville, Bedford, Buchanan and Rocky Mount were among those marking the day.

In Danville, many brought flowers or stood in silence at the veterans’ memorial wall and walkway at Dan Daniel Park, while others looked for the names of friends and loved ones.

President Joe Biden honored America’s war dead at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day by laying a wreath at the hallowed burial ground.

The president was joined on Monday by first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff in a somber ceremony at the Virginia cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is dedicated to the fallen U.S. service members whose remains have not been identified.

After approaching the wreath, Biden bowed his head before the wreath and made the sign of the cross. Later, he delivered a Memorial Day address and called on Americans to honor their fallen heroes by remembering their sacrifices.

“All those we honor today gave their lives for the country, but they live forever in our hearts,” he said.