ARLINGTON, Va. (May 23, 2013) -- The senior Chaplain in the U.S. Army participated in the annual Flags-In ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in preparation for Memorial Day, focusing his teams' efforts on Chaplain's Hill. This event was Army Chief of Chaplains, Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Donald L. Rutherford's sixth year placing American Flags on the graves of fallen service members.
"Flags-In is good because it is a reminder of those who have given their lives for the nation," said Rutherford. "From a four star general to a private, regardless of rank, placing the flag at their grave shows how the nation will honor you all the same. It's a time to remember where we have been, those who have died in battle and those who have served."
Sgt. Grant D. Dame, who was placing flags on Chaplain's Hill for the second year in a row said, "Arlington National Cemetery represents the highest place of honor for our heroes. Just placing a flag is another way to say thanks from a grateful nation for their ultimate sacrifice." Dame said Memorial Day is a "time to remember those who came before, they are here because they paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep the country free."
Flags-In has been conducted annually by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) since 1948. The Old Guard places an American flag at each one of the more than 260,000 graves at Arlington National Cemetery. The flags are placed at each grave just before Memorial Day weekend and are removed after Memorial Day before the cemetery is open to the public.
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