Memorial Day

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Tracie Potts

Story Created: Mon May 28, 2012 10:36 AM

Story Updated: Mon May 28, 2012 4:27 PM

WASHINGTON (NBC) — Afghanistan is winding down but Monday, the focus is also on another war that began 50 years ago.

"Rolling thunder" invaded washington, hundreds of thousands of bikers remembering their fallen colleagues from Vietnam.

"I have 17 brothers on the wall and this is the best way to honor their memory," said Navy veteran Guy Ridgley.

But 50 years later, they also mourn those lost and captured in afghanistan. Army sergeant bo bergdahl has been a p-o-w there for nearly three years.

"Bo if you can hear me you are not forgotten and so help me God you will come home," his father Bob Bergdahl told a cheering crowd. "We will not leave you behind."

Thunderstorms cut short this weekend's Memorial Day concert featuring "American Idol" finalist Jessica Sanchez.

Monday, with flags on every grave at Arlington Cemetery, President Obama will place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and visit the Vietnam memorial.

"It's not enough just to remember them on Memorial Day," the president said.

His pullout from Afghanistan, scheduled for 2014, continues to draw criticism this holiday.

"The entire region believes that the United States of America is withdrawing," Arizona Senator John McCain told Fox News. "They have to live in the neighborhood and they are making accommodations and that's not good for America."

Mccain joined Mitt Romney at a veterans event in California Monday. Both candidates are vying for support from veterans and military families.