Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) place American flags at headstones in Arlington National Cemetery during "Flags In", Arlington, Va., May 21, 2026. "Flags In" has been held annually since 1948, when The Old Guard was designated as the U.S. Army's official ceremonial Unit. Every available Old Guard Soldier places over 250,000 flags, each precisely one boot length from the base of headstone and columbarium niches, honoring the fallen with solemn precision.
Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) conducted Flags In at Arlington National Cemetery on May 21, 2026, ahead of Memorial Day weekend, placing more than 260,000 American flags at gravesites and columbarium niches throughout the cemetery. The annual tradition, conducted since 1948, honors fallen service members, veterans, and their families while preparing Arlington National Cemetery for Memorial Day observances.
This feature commemorates the centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier guard, marking 100 years since the first sentinel was posted March 26, 1926. The story traces the origins of the Unknown Soldier of World War I, the expansion of the tradition to honor unidentified service members from World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam, and the enduring mission of the Soldiers who maintain an unbroken vigil at Arlington National Cemetery.
This feature commemorates the centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier guard, marking 100 years since the first sentinel was posted March 26, 1926. The story traces the origins of the Unknown Soldier of World War I, the expansion of the tradition to honor unidentified service members from World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam, and the enduring mission of the Soldiers who maintain an unbroken vigil at Arlington National Cemetery.
Four custom SIG SAUER P320 M17 9mm pistols were presented to the Tomb Guard Sentinels of the U.S. Armyā€™s 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) on Oct. 11, 2018. Named Silence, Respect, Dignity and Perseverance, the ceremonial pistols feature symbolic engravings and materials tied to the history, values and traditions of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (U.S. Army story by Staff Sgt. Oscar Toscano)
