Observing Memorial Day at the National Archives at Riverside

Memorial day is a way for each American to pause and think about the sacrifice soldiers and military families make for the common good.  This holiday began as a tribute to fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War, and we now observe memorial day as a way to remember all of the men and women that have served with with the U.S. Armed Forces. 

To mark this day, the National Archives at Riverside has decided to post some of our favorite images of military men and women serving at the Los Angeles Port of Embarkation during World War II.  These photos show some of the early forms of diversity that we now take for granted in our armed services, such as African American soldiers and women in service (the Women’s Army Corps, or WACs).