Flags In: Thursday, May 22, 2025
The United States flag is one of the most significant symbols of Memorial Day, representing freedom, sacrifice and remembrance. Just before Memorial Day weekend, the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (also known as The Old Guard) honors America's fallen heroes by placing American flags at gravesites for service members buried at Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery.
This tradition, known as "Flags In," has taken place annually since the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment was designated as the Army's official ceremonial unit in 1948. Every available soldier in the Old Guard participates. They place small American flags at approximately 260,000 headstones and 7,000 niche rows within the columbarium. Each flag is inserted into the ground, exactly one boot length from the headstone's base. It takes nearly 1,500 soldiers, including approximately 100 joint service members, four hours to complete Flags In.
At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Sentinels (who are members of the Old Guard) place flags to honor the Unknowns.
It is an honor and a privilege for The Old Guard to conduct this mission as not every honor guard member conducts memorial affairs at Arlington National Cemetery. Flags In offers a special opportunity for them to show respect and honor to every service member who has served our country—including, in many cases, friends and family members.
All flags are removed after Memorial Day, before the cemetery opens to the public.
More Information
► View photos from Flags In 2025 at Arlington National Cemetery and at Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery
► Read our blog article, "We Owe It to Them": Veterans and Soldiers Place Flags at Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery