WASHINGTON, May 25, 2013 - In his proclamation setting May 27, 2013 as Memorial Day, President Barack Obama called on Americans to honor the sacrifice of the fallen and "strive to be a nation equal to their example."

The Defense Department honors those patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep America free with an American Forces Press Service special report: Memorial Day 2013, including coverage of Memorial Day ceremonies. The report is online at http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/0513_memorialday/.