SUPPORT OUR TROOPS^®

Arlington, Virginia. (May 22, 2025): In this photo by Elizabeth Fraser, a Soldier from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) places flags at gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery for Memorial Day. Nearly 1,500 troopers placed over 260,000 American flags over the headstones of the fallen during the 77^th annual “Flags In” ceremony.

To most Americans, Arlington National Cemetery is a symbol of our commitment to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but it did not start out that way. In fact, the land that would become the world’s most famous graveyard was originally in “enemy” hands. The property was originally owned by George Washington Parke Custis, the step-grandson of Washington himself. His daughter married then Union Army 1^st Lieutenant Robert E. Lee (yes, that Lee) who later led the Confederate States Army in the Civil War. Federal forces seized the property when the owner failed to pay property taxes, and the government declared Arlington a national cemetery.