George Bush lays wreath at Arlington Cemetery

Washington, May 30: US President George W Bush and Mrs Bush today participated in a wreath laying ceremony in honour of members of America's military who died in combat all over the country.

The ceremony was observed at the tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. The day is observed as 'Memorial Day', a major national holiday.

Mr Bush also signed a bill this morning that bars protesters from some military funerals.

Americans around the country are also participating in parades and ceremonies today to honour the nation's war dead from World War I and II to the Korean and the Vietnam wars.

Other Memorial Day traditions include barbecues and beaches.

Yesterday and on Sunday thousands of motorcycle riders conducted a parade through downtown Washington to honour missing soldiers and prisoners of war.

The Memorial Day holiday marks the unofficial start of summer.

UNI