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.

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 220,000 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.

For more than 60 years, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) has honored America's fallen heroes by placing American flags at grave sites for service members buried at both Arlington National Cemetery just prior to the Memorial Day weekend.

This tradition, known as "Flags in," has been conducted annually since The Old Guard was designated as the Army's official ceremonial unit in 1948. Every available soldier in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment participates, placing small American flags at each headstone and at the bottom of each niche row.

All flags are removed after Memorial Day, before each cemetery opens to the public.