Flags In
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, along with members of other service branches. They place approximately 250,000 small American flags - one at each headstone and along every row in the Columbarium Courts and niche walls - to honor every individual laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Each flag is inserted into the ground, exactly one boot length from the headstone's base.
At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Sentinels (who are members of the Old Guard) place flags to honor the Unknowns. Army chaplains place flags in front of the headstones and four memorials located on Chaplains' Hill in Section 2.
All flags are removed after Memorial Day, before the cemetery opens to the public.