Flags In at Arlington: Memorial Day 2009

Arlington National Cemetery is often called a place were courage and valor lie. This Memorial Day weekend, like many others before it, soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” as well as other ceremonial units from each branch of the military have placed more then 260,000 American flags on the graves of Arlington. It’s called “Flags In”.

Arlington National Cemetery – Flags In

I am one of those who think Arlington National Cemetery is an incredibly beautiful place; sacred ground. Did you know that more than 300,000 people are buried at Arlington, an area of 624 acres? Veterans and military casualties from every one of our nation’s wars are interred there, from the American Revolution through Afghanistan and Iraq. Our pre-Civil War dead were reinterred there after 1900.

Since 1948, the Old Guard have participated in “Flags In”, and they take their job very seriously. With rucksacks full of flags, more laying in large wooden crates along Arlington’s drive, they place a flag at each gravesite — one foot from the base. Their mission each Memorial Day is to ensure that those whose resting place is there, is honored for their sacrifice and service. It’s important to do so, especially on the day set aside to honor the sacrifices of the brave souls buried there.

Sometimes, members of the Old Guard can be seen pausing and saluting as they place a flag on certain graves, like those of Medal of Honor recepients, such as 19 year old SPC Ross A. McGinnis who gave his life, by throwing himself on a grenade to save the lives of his fellow Soldiers. The Old Guard Soldiers will also remain in the cemetery to stand watch throughout the Memorial Day weekend – an incredibly noble act.

Of course Arlington National Cemetery isn’t the only place where you’ll see a sea of flags proudly waving at the graves of fallen warriors. In Veterans Cemeteries across the country, a similar mission was accomplished. And in civilian cemeteries, you’ll also see flags standing proudly on the graves of military veterans. So as you go about your weekend, whatever you have planned, take time to think about what these men and women have willingly given all for us in the cause of freedom. Remember their sacrifice and honor their memory.