Time-lapse video of 1,000 soldiers gladly undertaking “flags in” tradition
Watch this time-lapse video of 1,000 soldiers gladly undertaking “flags in” tradition at Arlington National Cemetery
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Carolyn Bolton, Rare Staff
Posted on May 23, 2014 12:48 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...;v=hS1LlOCW48Q
More than 1,000 soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment Thursday descended on Arlington National Cemetery, adorning the headstones of roughly 400,000 fallen soldiers with Old Glory ahead of Memorial Day.
“This is the one time of year where the regiment as a unit can formally honor every single service member in Arlington. With all the ceremonies surrounding Memorial Day, this is the one time the Old Guard can come together as a whole and pay homage to our fallen brothers and sisters,” Sgt. David Henderson told Rare via email.
The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as “The Old Guard,” is tasked with performing commemorative duties at Arlington National Cemetery, including the ceremonial changing of the guard. Memorial Day is particularly important as thousands of past and present service members and their families visit the site to honor their loved ones.
The annual “flags in,” which includes planting a flag in front of every headstone at the cemetery, took nearly four hours to complete, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., but was a task the men and women took up joyfully.
“Flags in means a lot to me,” Sgt. Henderson said. “Every time I walk up and place a flag in front of a headstone, I take the time to read it and thank that individual for their service. It is an honor and a privilege to conduct this mission; it’s a chance for me pay my own respects to past service members.”
Sgt. Henderson this weekend will be paying particular respect to a few of his favorite servicemen and women, including Sgt. Audie Murphy, a Hollywood actor and most decorated combat soldier of World War II who is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Sgt. Lee Henderson and Chief Warrant Officer Lisa Henderson, the Old Guard member’s father and aunt, respectively.
A moment of silence will be observed Monday at 12:01 p.m. in honor of the men and women that have fought to keep this nation free, according to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. The hashtag being used is #GoSilent.
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Carolyn Bolton is a content editor for Rare. Follow her on Twitter @carbolton
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