Where Honor Walks: Capturing the Flags in Tradition at Arlington

Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place for over 400,000 military service members and their families, becomes a place of striking reverence each year just before Memorial Day.

In a tradition known as “Flags In,” soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard,” place American flags at every grave and niche, creating a sea of red, white, and blue across the hallowed grounds.

Started in 1948, “Flags In” is more than ceremony – it’s a moment of reflection. As Maj. Wes Strickland, the Old Guard’s director of communications, explains, “We do a lot of ceremonies, a lot of funerals… and sometimes, because of that, we don’t have the time to reflect. So, this is the opportunity for us to come through, reflect, place a flag at each headstone and show our continued honor.”

In its 77th year, the tradition continued on May 22, 2025. Beginning at 4 a.m. in cold, misty weather, over 1,500 soldiers quietly placed more than 260,000 flags throughout the cemetery – each one a silent salute to the sacrifice and service of those who came before.

Placing a Flag at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Kneeling with quiet care, a tomb sentinel from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment – “The Old Guard”—places a small American flag in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the 2025 “Flags In” ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Her posture shows deep respect, even as rain covers the ground and dark clouds hang above.

Dressed in full uniform, she honors not only the unknown heroes laid to rest here but all who have served and sacrificed. In the background, people stand silently, some holding umbrellas, watching this powerful moment of tribute and remembrance.

Flags Placed at Headstones Across Arlington

Rows upon rows of white headstones stretch across the green expanse of Arlington National Cemetery, each one marked with a small American flag carefully placed during the “Flags In” tradition on May 22, 2025.

In the foreground, a gravestone etched simply with the words “Unknown Soldier” stands in silent dignity, bearing witness to the countless lives given in service without recognition of name.

The flags flutter gently in the breeze, a collective tribute to both the named and the nameless, reminding all who pass that every sacrifice – seen or unseen – matters. The image captures not only a landscape of loss, but also one of enduring national gratitude.

Soldiers Move Through Arlington to Place Flags

In this picture, there are dozens of soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard,” walking with purpose through the green, sloping grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.

Each soldier carries American flags in hand, placing one at every headstone as part of the annual “Flags In” tradition held before Memorial Day, on May 22, 2025.

The white marble headstones stretch into the distance, each already standing as a symbol of sacrifice, now accompanied by a small flag fluttering gently in the wind. The scene is quiet yet powerful, showing the deep respect and solemn duty with which these soldiers honor the fallen.

Soldiers Carry Bundles of Flags Through the Cemetery

Amid the solemn quiet of Arlington National Cemetery, this photo shows a team of soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” carrying bundles of American flags across the sea of headstones.

 With flags in their hands and rucksacks filled to capacity, the soldiers move in steady formation between the graves, each step in a gesture of discipline, remembrance, and care. The bright red, white, and blue of the flags stand in striking contrast to their muted camouflage uniforms and the stone markers that line the cemetery grounds.

It is a powerful reminder that behind each simple flag lies a name, sacrifice, and a story that the nation vows never to forget.

A Soldier Places a Flag at a Grave in Arlington

In this picture, a soldier from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard,” is shown gently placing an American flag at the base of a headstone in Arlington National Cemetery. He leans forward with care, his hand steady, his posture respectful capturing a moment of quiet reverence.

Strapped to his back is a heavy rucksack filled with dozens more flags, a symbol of the scale and dedication involved in the annual “Flags In” mission. In the background, other soldiers move between the graves, performing the same sacred duty.

Taken on May 22, 2025, this image highlights not only the physical effort but the emotional weight carried by each service member as they honor those who came before them.

Honoring One Without a Name

The camera focuses closely on a single grave – its inscription reads “Unknown U.S. Soldier.” In front of it, a small American flag stands gently in the grass, fluttering with quiet dignity. The scene is simple yet deeply moving.

Though the identity of the fallen is lost to time, the presence of the flag ensures that this service member’s sacrifice is neither forgotten nor ignored. In the background, rows of similar headstones stretch across the landscape, many bearing identical flags – each placed with care during the annual “Flags In” tradition at Arlington National Cemetery.

This image honors the unnamed heroes of American history, reminding us that remembrance extends beyond names – it lives in symbols, in silence, and in solemn gratitude.

March of Honor at the Tomb of the Unknown

The sentinel marches with measured steps, carrying flags that will soon rest beside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – a timeless ritual unfolding before the eyes of respectful onlookers.

Dressed in a dark ceremonial uniform with a sharply polished belt and gloves, the soldier moves with unwavering discipline, embodying the precision and honor that define “The Old Guard.” On either side of the walkway, civilians—young and old—stand quietly, some with hands over their hearts, others observing solemn reflection.

Flags Stand Before the Final Resting Places of the Cremated

In this image, rows of small American flags stand neatly at the base of the columbarium walls in Arlington National Cemetery. Each flag marks a niche – final resting places for cremated service members – quietly honoring those who served their nation with distinction.

Behind the white stone wall, trees form a lush, green canopy, providing a peaceful contrast to the solemn purpose of the site.

Though there are no headstones here, the message is equally powerful: every life remembered, every sacrifice honored. This quiet section of the cemetery speaks to the depth of respect given to all who served, whether their names are widely known or silently cherished.                                                                                                                                  

A Flag and a Bouquet at One Grave

Among the orderly rows of white marble headstones, one grave stands out – a small bouquet of white roses rests beside a neatly placed American flag. The scene is quiet, reverent, and deeply human.

The flowers, likely left by a loved one, add a personal touch to this national gesture of remembrance. Together, the flag and the bouquet symbolize both collective gratitude and individual grief.

In this single moment, the image reminds us that Memorial Day is not just about numbers or rituals – it’s about honoring lives, names, and stories, one grave at a time.

Flags in Hand, Respect in Heart: A Memorial Day Tradition

With the early morning mist still lingering over the cemetery grounds, a lone soldier from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment gently retrieves a flag from the bundle in his hands. Surrounded by rows of silent white headstones, he moves with quiet purpose – one among many carrying out the time-honored tradition of “Flags In” at Arlington National Cemetery on May 22, 2025.

His rucksack is full of flags, each destined to stand as a solemn tribute to the fallen. As his comrades continue the task in the background, this simple act of remembrance becomes a powerful statement: that each life lost in service to the nation is remembered with dignity, care, and unwavering gratitude.

Flags at the Wall: A Gesture of Eternal Respect

Two soldiers, dressed in full combat uniform with heavy rucksacks strapped to their backs, bend reverently before a wall lined with columbarium niches – each small square etched with names, dates, and service emblems.

Their hands, steady yet respectful, place American flags gently into the soft ground at the foot of the wall. Despite the weight they carry, both physically and symbolically, their movements are quiet and intentional — honoring not just individuals, but generations of sacrifice.

The scene is one of profound silence and reflection. The soldiers do not speak. Instead, their gestures become the language of gratitude – each flag a word, each bow of the head a moment of solemn remembrance.

Behind them, the rain-dampened pavement reflects faint colors of red, white, and blue. In this intimate corner of Arlington National Cemetery, they carry out a ritual of remembrance that transcends time — connecting the present with the past, one flag at a time.

One Soldier’s Salute to a Nation’s Sacrifice

This scene shows a soldier from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment standing in solemn respect, saluting a Medal of Honor recipient’s headstone at Arlington National Cemetery. His uniform is soaked from the misty weather, and a bundle of U.S. flags rests in his hand, ready to be placed.

On his back, a heavy pack carries more flags, their wooden tips visible like arrows of remembrance. Behind him stretches a field of headstones – each one marking a life of service – fading gently into the fog.

The moment is quiet and reverent, capturing the gravity of honor, duty, and sacrifice.