Thousands of Flags to Be Planted at Arlington National Cemetary

Soldiers are placing more than 220,000 small U.S. flags at Arlington National Cemetery to mark the start of Memorial Day weekend activities.

The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as The Old Guard, is planting a flag at each grave marker starting Thursday afternoon. They also will place flags at the Tomb of the Unknowns and at the cemetery columbarium.

All the flags will be removed after Memorial Day. The unit has been carrying out the annual tradition since 1948.