Thousands Memorialize Veterans and Fallen Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery

Thousands of local residents, tourists from all over the country and the president of the United States poured through the gates of Arlington National Cemetery on Monday to remember veterans and fallen soldiers on Memorial Day.

The cemetery distributed 10,000 long-stem roses to guests. The roses, which were donated and flown in by Ecuadorian rose farmers, were gone by 2 p.m.

Summer showed up, too. Temperatures pushed the mid-90s during the afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the metropolitan region. At the cemetery, guests sought the shade of trees and umbrellas. Those looking for a drink of water queued up three and four deep at water fountains. Most avoided stopping in direct sunlight.

Lucy Villafone, a Brooklyn, N.Y., resident, spent her second Memorial Day in two years in Washington. She said she brought her son, Justin Becerril, 9, to Arlington National Cemetery on Monday because she wanted him to learn more about the history of the sacred place.

"It's beautiful," Villafone said. "It's amazing."

Frank Thompson, visiting the nation's capital from New Mexico, is a Vietnam veteran. He has visited the National Cemetery many times before, but brought his five grandchildren there on Memorial Day to show them what the holiday really means.

"I've traveled a lot," Thompson said. "I've been all over the world. This is the greatest country."

He said being in the cemetery brought back memories of friends that he lost.

"It's hallowed ground for me," he said. "That's why I come here. If you can't feel it, you're made out of stone, as far as I'm concerned."

On Monday morning, President Barack Obama participated in a full wreath-laying ceremony, held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Other events were scheduled at the cemetery throughout the day.

Bruce Nelson, visiting the area from Minnesota, also served in the Vietnam War. He said he chose to visit Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day to honor those who had served our country.

"I just came out here to pay my respects," Nelson said. "It's a special place."