Flags In at Arlington National Cemetery

Flags-In is a time honored tradition that is reserved for Soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). Since The Old Guard’s designation as the Army’s official ceremonial unit in 1948, they have conducted this mission annually at Arlington National Cemetery prior to Memorial Day to honor our nation’s fallen military heroes. Within four hours, more than a thousand Old Guard Soldiers placed a small American flag one foot in front of and centered at more than 228,000 grave markers, to honor every individual buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Old Guard Soldiers also placed an American flag at the foot of each Columbarium. The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, traditionally known as “The Old Guard,” is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, serving our nation since 1784. The Old Guard is charged with the unique mission of providing security for the nation's capital, serving as the U.S. Army's official ceremonial unit, and performing tactical infantry missions. www.arlingtoncemetery.mil