<b>Photos:</b> Memorial Day across the U.S., and overseas

William Tong visits the Los Angeles National Cemetery.  (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

Philippe Willems of West Hollywood wipes his tears as girlfriend Judith Marie Krueger comforts him during a ceremony at Los Angeles National Cemetery. Willems’ grandparents served in the Belgium military.  (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

U.S. Airman 1st Class Sean J. Vazquez, 20, of Fitchburg, Mass., holds a wreath dedicated to those who have died in the Afghanistan war during a ceremony at Kandahar airfield, where thousands of American troops are stationed. In the background, members of the Air Force’s 451st Expeditionary Wing stand at attention.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

The shadow of an American flag flying at half-staff at the Kandahar ceremony is framed by a wreath dedicated to fallen troops.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

U.S. soldiers stand at attention during a ceremony at Camp Eggers in Kabul, Afghanistan.  (Shah Marai / AFP/Getty Images)

Korean War veteran George Knutson plays the bagpipes at the grave of a friend during a visit to the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery. He visited the graves of several friends, playing a song for each.  (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)

Vice President Joe Biden lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. “As a nation, we pause to remember” the troops, Biden said. “They gave their lives fulfilling their oath to this nation and to us.” Full story  (Jewel Samad / AFP / Getty Images)

A couple stands amid a field of flags on Boston Common. The 20,000 flags honor Massachussetts’ fallen military heroes.  (Michael Dwyer / Associated Press)