GALLERY: Arlington National Cemetery Preps for Memorial Day

About 220,000 American flags will be placed on every headstone in the cemetery before Memorial Day.

May 26, 2012

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Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for many troops who have died in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

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Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for many troops who have died in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Credit Lauren Sausser

Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment will place approximately 220,000 American flags on headstones at Arlington National Cemetery before Memorial Day.

Credit Lauren Sausser

A soldier from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment inserts a flag in front from a grave at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday afternoon. The "Flags In" ceremony is an annual ritual for the cemetery.

Credit Lauren Sausser

During the December holiday season, soldiers place wreathes on top of each headstone. For Memorial Day, American flags are inserted in front of every grave.

Credit Lauren Sausser

The effect of all the American flags lined up in neat rows is visually stunning, and a very real reminder of the sacrifices these servicemen and women have made for our freedom.

Credit Lauren Sausser

Several soldiers were on hand to help with the large task on Thursday.

Credit Lauren Sausser

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Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to flock to Arlington National Cemetery this week to pay their respects to the servicemen and servicewomen who have fought for freedom.

Thursday afternoon soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment started inserting 220,000 American flags in front of every headstone in the cemetery. The regiment is stationed at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington.

The official Memorial Day observance is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday. A prelude concert by the United States Army Band will be held in the cemetery's amphitheather at 10:30 a.m.

No tickets are required for the event, but attendees are advised to arrive between 8 a.m., when the cemetery opens, and 9:30 a.m.

The National Weather Service is predicting high temperatures to top out around 93 degrees on Monday. The cemetery is encouraging guests to bring clear plastic refillable water bottles to stay hydrated.

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