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Habari Na Mijeldi
"Every Memorial Day since 1948, Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) have made their way through Fort Myer's Selfridge Gate, rucksacks filled with American flags.
This year was no exception as every available Soldier from The Old Guard, as well as from ceremonial units across each branch of the military, gathered at Arlington National Cemetery May 21, to place a flag in front of each one of the cemetery's more than 300,000 graves.
"Flags In," as it's known, kicks off the Memorial Day weekend for service members and visitors to ANC, beginning several days of reflecting on the sacrifices of the men and women who have laid down their lives for our country.
You couldn't ask for better weather, 85 degrees and not a cloud in the sky, and a light breeze blew to keep the air from becoming too muggy. Soldiers commented that it's been this way for the past few years, which makes their job that much easier.
Wooden crates packed with flags lined the roads of ANC, and service members refilled their backpacks until every grave had a flag one foot from it's base.
"It's a privilege to be out here, it's a very specific group that is allowed to do this," said Sgt. Andrew Jansen of The Old Guard's Headquarters Company. This is Jansen's fifth year participating.
The Marine Corps Barracks 8th and I, the Navy Ceremonial Guard, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and members of the Coast Guard Honor Guard all participated as well, in a joint service tribute to heroes of generations past and present.
"It's an honor to do this for our fallen comrades," said Pvt. Zach Lawson, who wore a water bottle cap on his palm to make the insertion of flags easier, which some Soldiers do. "This is my first year doing this, and they told me what to expect, but it's something to actually be out here."
More at: Joint services place 'Flags In' at Arlington National Cemetery
This year was no exception as every available Soldier from The Old Guard, as well as from ceremonial units across each branch of the military, gathered at Arlington National Cemetery May 21, to place a flag in front of each one of the cemetery's more than 300,000 graves.
"Flags In," as it's known, kicks off the Memorial Day weekend for service members and visitors to ANC, beginning several days of reflecting on the sacrifices of the men and women who have laid down their lives for our country.
You couldn't ask for better weather, 85 degrees and not a cloud in the sky, and a light breeze blew to keep the air from becoming too muggy. Soldiers commented that it's been this way for the past few years, which makes their job that much easier.
Wooden crates packed with flags lined the roads of ANC, and service members refilled their backpacks until every grave had a flag one foot from it's base.
"It's a privilege to be out here, it's a very specific group that is allowed to do this," said Sgt. Andrew Jansen of The Old Guard's Headquarters Company. This is Jansen's fifth year participating.
The Marine Corps Barracks 8th and I, the Navy Ceremonial Guard, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and members of the Coast Guard Honor Guard all participated as well, in a joint service tribute to heroes of generations past and present.
"It's an honor to do this for our fallen comrades," said Pvt. Zach Lawson, who wore a water bottle cap on his palm to make the insertion of flags easier, which some Soldiers do. "This is my first year doing this, and they told me what to expect, but it's something to actually be out here."
More at: Joint services place 'Flags In' at Arlington National Cemetery
