According to the regiment, the tradition of “Flags-In” began in 1948 as a reminder of what Memorial Day is truly about: honoring and remembering the sacrifices of service members.
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The first large-scale observance of what was originally called Decoration Day took place at Arlington Cemetery in 1868, three years after the bloody U.S. Civil War that killed more than 600,000 people.
One departure from the practice is on Chaplain’s Hill, the section of the cemetery set aside for fallen Army religious personnel.
After the inclusive Memorial Day Program at National Cemetery, many filed in and packed the parking lots to honor the fallen members of the Sioux Nation who served our country. He said it’s important to ensure veterans get access to good health care and jobs.
“We’re here today to put flags on veterans’ graves to honor them”, student Rachel Rainwater said. “We have to be there not only when we need them but when they need us”.
Out of all the service members in the state of South Dakota, Native Americans serve at the highest rate per capita in the armed forces.
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In an emotional moment, Obama told the story of Master Sgt. Josh Wheeler, who died in Iraq, and whose wife, Ashley, was present at Arlington Ceremony along with their 10-month-old son, David. “Putting others before himself was what Louis did best”.
