Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. At Arlington National Cemetery, this remembrance takes on a special significance with the "Flags In" ceremony. This solemn tradition, carried out by the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as The Old Guard, serves as a powerful tribute to the fallen.
"Flags In" is an annual tradition where the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment places American flags at the gravesites of service members buried at Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery. This tradition is a visual spectacle, transforming the landscape into a sea of red, white, and blue.
Since 1948, the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment has been designated as the Army's official ceremonial unit, making them the guardians of this important tradition. Every available soldier in the Old Guard participates, alongside members of other service branches, to ensure that each grave is honored. They place small American flags in front of more than 260,000 headstones and at the bottom of approximately 7,000 columbarium niche rows. The precision is remarkable: each flag is inserted exactly one boot length from the headstone's base.
Even the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier receives special attention during "Flags In." The Sentinels, who are members of the Old Guard, place flags to honor the Unknowns, ensuring that their sacrifice is never forgotten. Furthermore, Army chaplains place flags in front of the headstones and four memorials located on Chaplains' Hill in Section 2, honoring the service and sacrifice of military chaplains.
While the display is breathtaking, it is temporary. All flags are removed after Memorial Day, before the cemetery opens to the public, maintaining the cemetery's pristine appearance.
Arlington National Cemetery is open daily from 8am-5pm. If you plan to visit, you can find resources such as:
Arlington National Cemetery hosts various events and ceremonies throughout the year. To learn more, visit the Events and Ceremonies section of the website, where you can find information on:
"Flags In" is more than just a ceremony; it's a powerful symbol of remembrance, sacrifice, and honor. It's a visual reminder of the debt we owe to those who have served and given their lives for our country. By understanding the significance of this tradition, we can better appreciate the true meaning of Memorial Day.
