Thursday, May 21, 2009

"Flags In" at Arlington National Cemetey




U.S. Army Master Sgt. Sandra Quaschnick, right, and U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer Bailey, left, render salutes during the "Flags In" ceremony to honor fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., May 22, 2008. Quaschnick and Bailey are assigned to the the Fife and Drum Corps of the 3rd U.S. Infantry, "The Old Guard." Defense Dept. photo by Sebastian J. Sciotti Jr.




U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Andres Yanez renders a salute during the "Flags In" tribute honoring fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery, VA., May 22, 2008. Yanez, who regularly supervises funeral details at the cemetery, said it is an honor to participate in the tribute. Defense Dept. photo by Sebastian J. Sciotti Jr




Sgt. Edward Taylor, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion 3rd Infantry Regiment placing a flag in the ground during Arlington National Cemetery's annual Flags In.Photo by SGT Parker, US Army, The Old Guard.




U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Stephen Kuhne, places the fourth flag in front of the Tomb of the Unknowns during the "Flags In" Tribute yesterday evening at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., May 22, 2008. Kuhne is the commander of the relief for the 3rd U.S. Infantry, "The Old Guard." Defense Dept. photo by Sebastian J. Sciotti Jr.


(Click on pictures to enlarge)



Since 1948, the "Flags In" ceremony has taken place at Arlington National Cemetery. This year, it will take place on May 21.

The flags are placed at each headstone and at the Tomb of the Unknowns by the Tomb Sentinels and at the cemetery's Columbarium. Each resting place will have a flag placed upon it, which will be there until the end of Memorial Day.

This year, flags will be placed by soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Marines from the U.S. Marine Corps Ceremonial and Guard Company, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard in placing more than 250,000 grave decorating flags at Arlington National Cemetery.

6 comments:

Buck said...

Once again: thanks for this, Cynthia. Memorial Day is very, very special to us.

Sarge Charlie said...

Thanks, I learned from you today, I did not know about the Flags In Ceremony.

Anonymous said...

My Marine son was one of the ones that participated in this event honoring our real american heroes.

Phyllis said...

I heard that the American flag must be placed on the left side of the cemetery stone. Is this true and if so, what is the reason for this. Appreciate an answer and thanks.

Flag Gazer said...

Phyliss-
At Arlington, the flag is placed one foot away from the stone and centered in front of the stone - you can see that in the 2nd and 3td photos. My understanding is that all National Cemeteries are done this way.

Cop the Truth said...

Great troops, one and all. The very best of all of us...