Old Guard Soldiers to honor America's Fallen

By JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public AffairsMay 15, 2015

Old Guard Soldiers to honor America's Fallen
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Old Guard Soldiers to honor America's Fallen
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Old Guard Soldiers to honor America's Fallen
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WASHINGTON -- 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.

This year's Flags-In is scheduled for Thursday, May 21 beginning at 4 p.m.

Within four hours, more than a thousand Old Guard Soldiers will place 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 will also place an American flag at the foot of each Columbarium.

A Tomb Sentinel will conduct a ceremony to place American flags at each of the four crypts to honor all our nation's fallen heroes at noon.

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.

As the U.S. Army's official ceremonial unit and escort to the President, The Old Guard represents the U.S. Army and the nation in official arrival ceremonies at the White House and the Pentagon for visiting heads of state and other foreign dignitaries.

Soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment also maintain a faithful 24-hour vigil at the Tomb of the Unknowns. They provide casket teams, firing parties and marching platoons for funerals in Arlington National Cemetery, and participate in parades, festivals and ceremonies throughout the United States showcasing the U.S. Army.

Related Links:

Arlington National Cemetery

Learn more about the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region/U.S. Army Military District of Washinton