Archive for May 26th, 2014
Flags In
Just prior to Memorial Day, The Old Guard (the 3rd U.S. Infantry), places more than 260,000 flags in front of gravestones in Arlington National Cemetery and 13,500 at the U.S. Soldier’s and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery. They place an additional 7,300 flags on niches at the cemetery’s columbarium. They have been doing this for 40 years.
The Old Guard soldiers remain in the cemetery throughout the weekend, ensuring that the flags remain in place. They also place flags at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and by the Tomb Sentinels. After Memorial Day all the flags are removed before each cemetery opens again to the public.
I invite you to take a moment today to remember; to honor, not just those who have fallen, but those who still serve and their families.