HOUSTON – Memorial Day is a day to remember the men and women who have died serving the U.S. armed forces.
In preparation, American flags were placed in front of more than 200,000 headstones and and rows at Arlington National Cemetery last week.
The annual tradition, known as "flags in," began in 1948.
All flags are removed after Memorial Day before both cemeteries are open to the public.
[See also: Servicemen and women honored at Houston VA National Cemetery]
Memorial Day by the numbers courtesy of Wallet Hub:
Share photos of loved ones who served. Email share@click2houston.com and use #MemorialDay2016 on social media.
[See also: Memorial Day Freebies]
What you need to know Monday: Memorial Day edition
In the middle of this holiday filled with barbecue and water games, we ask people what Memorial Day means to them.
"They died for the good things about the United States," Alvin Terry said.
Some say it's a day to honor the lives lost while defending our freedom, others use this start to summer to stay busy while worrying about those still serving.
"My brother and sister are still in the Army," Richard Hardman said. "It's like Thanksgiving for veterans and people who are still serving, just giving thanks."
Alvin Terry knows about the sacrifices of serving first hand.
"I was in the Marine Corps, Vietnam era," he said. "I think in depth about the sacrifices that I know some people made... it's a personal thing."
So in honor of those who gave everything, those who can't be here to accept our gratitude, we celebrate the freedom they left us.