Every year before Memorial Day, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard," places American flags at the headstones of service members buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Army Specialist Jose Ortiz awaits orders on where to place flags. "It means a lot," he said. "It feels great to be here because they're a lot of families without the chance to be here. I take a lot of pride in that. Placing every flag on every stone it just feels good."
Since 1948, The Old Guard has placed flags at each gravesite in honor of fallen service members.
The Tomb Guards, also known as Sentinels, place flags at the iconic memorial. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is decorated with three wreaths on each side panel. The back side features the inscription: “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”
Members of The Old Guard, including Sargent Torres, stand watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, every day, twenty-four hours a day.
All available soldiers in the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment take part in the ceremony, placing American flags at more than 228,000 gravesites in the cemetery.
Captain Benjamin Grice turns so Seaman SN Bellot can grab more flags.
Flags are placed into the ground, exactly one boot length from the headstone's base.
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from GANNETT Syndication Service https://ift.tt/3fs88Y7
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