Life
Soldiers Brave Storm To Honor The Fallen On Memorial Day
The soldier had a job to complete and he wasn't about to let anything stand in his way.
Morgan Slimak
07.07.19

Memorial Day is one of the most solemn times of the year. It is a time to give thanks to the men and women who gave their lives on the battlefield so we can have safety and freedom at home.

It is also a time for remembering and paying tribute, something that the regiment known as The Old Guard takes very seriously.

Like clockwork, every May, the organization heads to Virginia’s Arlington National Cemetery where they work tirelessly to place hundreds of thousands of American flags on the graves of every soldier buried there — 245,000 in total. They also place flags at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

US Dept of Defense
Source:
US Dept of Defense

It is a beautiful tradition and one that means so much to all the families and relatives of the individuals laid to rest in the cemetery.

However, some years, the job is easier completed than others. This year’s Memorial Day weekend, for example, turned out to be one of the most challenging. A giant thunderstorm struck in the area while the Old Guard was working to place the flags. Yet, that didn’t stop the infantry from going out to complete what they consider as one of their most important duties.

The Old Guard
Source:
The Old Guard

The whole event was discussed in a beautifully written post on the regiment’s Facebook page, which is now going viral along with several inspiring photos.

The image they shared of a soldier enduring the downpour, flag in hand, is just so powerful, and something you have to see with your own eyes.

“Yesterday, torrential rain and drastic wind gusts overcame America’s most hallowed grounds. Visitors ran for cover. News media piled into vehicles together. The streets flooded. Trees as old as the cemetery itself broke at the trunk and came crashing down. But America’s Regiment endured,” the post reads.

The Old Guard
Source:
The Old Guard

The storm got so bad that at one point, many members of the Old Guard even had to be told to take a break.

“They found low ground and held fast through the wind and the rain. Some had to be to ordered to stand down from planting flags, still determined to continue to honor the fallen.”

However, not everyone listened.

The Old Guard
Source:
The Old Guard

For at least one soldier, a little rain and wind wasn’t going to stop him from completing his mission.

He continued on to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where has was determined to plant a flag.

“With only a few watching from cover, a Tomb Sentinel approached the Unknowns with U.S. flags in hand. As thunder shook the ground and rains washed down without abandon, the Tomb Sentinel pierced through the elements with breath-taking precision. He knelt and placed the flags in honor of the Unknowns.”

The Old Guard
Source:
The Old Guard

Anyone who was there to bear witness to the soldier kneeling in the middle of the torrential downpour was instantly humbled.

His selfless act was nothing short of incredible and we are so grateful that someone was able to capture the moment on camera. It is an image that we will never forget… one that is going to stick with us for a long long time.

“Humans have their limits, but The Old Guard has yet to meet theirs,” the post finishes.

The U.S. Army
Source:
The U.S. Army

Our thanks go out to all of the members of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment for sharing this solemn yet inspiring moment with us.

Check out the full Facebook post and images shared by The Old Guard below.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Yesterday, torrential rain and drastic wind gusts overcame America’s most hallowed grounds. Visitors ran for cover. News…

Posted by 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) onFriday, May 24, 2019

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