Honoring the Fallen: "Flags In" Tradition Marks 75th Anniversary at Arlington National Cemetery

A solemn tribute to remember and honor America's heroes on Memorial Day

Arlington, Virginia - As Memorial Day approaches, the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery bear witness to a timeless tradition that has come to symbolize the nation's gratitude and remembrance. Against the backdrop of solemnity and reverence, a soldier meticulously places American flags at headstones, ensuring each fallen hero is honored and remembered. Today, as the nation commemorates the 75th anniversary of the tradition known as "Flags In," we reflect on the enduring significance of this poignant act of tribute.

"Flags In" is an annual event that takes place at Arlington National Cemetery, a place of eternal rest for thousands of American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Since its inception in 1948, the tradition has served as a poignant reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication demonstrated by those who have laid down their lives in defense of freedom.

This year's "Flags In" event holds special significance as it marks three-quarters of a century of honoring fallen heroes. As the nation gathers to pay homage to these brave men and women, the act of placing American flags at each headstone represents a heartfelt gesture of remembrance, ensuring that the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice lives on.

The meticulousness with which each flag is placed reflects the profound respect and gratitude that our nation holds for its fallen heroes. The rows of fluttering flags, stretching as far as the eye can see, create a poignant and powerful sight, reminding us of the tremendous sacrifices made by service members and their families.

The soldiers who participate in "Flags In" approach their task with solemnity and reverence. With precision and care, they navigate the cemetery's expansive landscape, stopping at each grave marker to ensure that no hero is forgotten. Their dedication to this solemn duty is a testament to the unwavering commitment to honoring those who have served and sacrificed for the nation.

The timing of "Flags In" aligns with Memorial Day, a national observance dedicated to remembering and honoring the men and women who have died in military service. It serves as a poignant reminder to all Americans of the true meaning behind this holiday - a time to reflect, pay tribute, and express gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy, made possible by the sacrifices of our fallen heroes.

As visitors walk through Arlington National Cemetery during this time, they witness the visual impact of the "Flags In" tradition. The sea of red, white, and blue flags waving in the breeze serves as a poignant reminder of the countless lives lost in service to the nation and the deep debt of gratitude we owe them.

"Flags In" at Arlington National Cemetery stands as a powerful symbol of unity and reverence, transcending differences and reminding us of the common values that bind us as a nation. It is a solemn and sacred tradition that renews our commitment to honor the memory of those who have given their all for our freedom.

On this 75th anniversary of "Flags In," let us pause and reflect on the selflessness, courage, and sacrifice of our fallen heroes. As we enjoy the freedoms they fought to protect, may we never forget their legacy and may we strive to live lives worthy of their sacrifice.

As Memorial Day dawns, let us remember and honor all those who have paid the ultimate price in service to our nation. Their sacrifice will forever be etched in our hearts, and their memory will continue to inspire generations to come.

Late-19th Century Marksmanship Medals Returned to Springfield Armory in Ceremony

BOSTON - In a ceremony held earlier today, the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts, the Boston Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Park Service (NPS) marked the return of late-19th century marksmanship medals that had been missing from the Springfield Armory for decades.

The medals, totaling 24 in number, were unlawfully removed from the Springfield Armory, a national historic site located in Springfield, Massachusetts, in the 1990s. During the ceremony, United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins highlighted the importance of preserving these artifacts for the benefit of the public and emphasized the collaborative efforts between the FBI, NPS, and her office's Asset Recovery Unit in successfully recovering and returning the medals to their rightful home.

Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Boston Division, expressed the significance of returning these treasured medals, emphasizing the loss experienced by visitors who were unable to view these historically significant pieces of military history during their absence. He further underscored the FBI's commitment to combatting theft and the sale of stolen historical property.

Kirsten Talken-Spaulding, Deputy Regional Director of the National Park Service, expressed gratitude for the federal law enforcement officers' efforts and expressed satisfaction in having the medals returned to their rightful owners, the American people. She acknowledged the expertise of the federal employees at the Springfield Armory in preserving these artifacts for future generations.

The marksmanship medals were originally awarded to Milan Bull and Freeman Bull, members of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia in the late 1800s. The daughter and niece of Freeman Bull and Milan Bull had donated the medals to the Springfield Armory in 1944.

The investigation into the missing medals began in October 2021 when a collector contacted Curator Alex MacKenzie at the Springfield Armory inquiring about the marksmanship medals. Upon cross-referencing the collector's items with the Armory's collection, it was discovered that numerous items matching the collector's description had been missing since the 1990s.

Subsequently, the FBI seized the medals. It is important to note that embezzling, stealing, or knowingly converting government property, as well as selling or disposing of government property without authority, is a violation of federal law.

In July 2022, the United States Attorney's Office filed a civil forfeiture action against the medals. This action allowed third parties to assert claims to the property, which had to be resolved before the medals could be forfeited to the United States and returned to their rightful owners. Following the conclusion of the forfeiture case, the Department of Justice granted the National Park Service's petition for remission, facilitating the return of the medals.

The announcement regarding the return of the medals was made by U.S. Attorney Rollins, FBI SAC Bonavolonta, and NPS Deputy Regional Director Talken-Spauling. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol E. Head, Chief of Rollins' Asset Recovery Unit, prosecuted the civil forfeiture action.

The Springfield Armory National Historic Site, established by George Washington, is the nation's first armory and operated from 1794 to 1968. The site comprises historic grounds, buildings, and the world's largest historic American military firearms collection. For further information about the site, interested individuals can call (413) 734-8551, visit the website at www.nps.gov/spar, or follow the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sparnhs.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Highlights International Support for Ukraine's Defense Efforts at the 12th Ukraine Defense Contact Group

In a powerful virtual gathering, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III addressed the 12th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, expressing gratitude to participants from around the world for their unwavering commitment to Ukraine's defense. The meeting served as a platform to discuss the progress made in Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression and to announce significant contributions from various countries.

Secretary Austin commenced by acknowledging the unity displayed among the members of the Contact Group, emphasizing their shared determination to support Ukraine's cause. He revealed that the United States has recently committed an additional $1.8 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, demonstrating a long-term commitment to bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities.

The Secretary disclosed specific components of the assistance package, including equipment such as HIMARS ammunition, anti-tank systems, and laser-guided rockets. Moreover, the United States pledged to provide combat enablers such as heavy equipment transport and armored bridging systems. Additionally, air-defense systems, munitions, and 155-millimeter artillery rounds were included in the support package.

Highlighting the collective efforts of the Contact Group, Secretary Austin noted the recent commitments made by Germany, Denmark, and France. Germany pledged to provide Ukraine with Leopard tanks, ammunition, combat drones, and more, amounting to nearly $3 billion. Denmark announced a significant package encompassing air defense support and combat enablers, while France committed to providing light tanks and armored vehicles. These contributions address Ukraine's immediate needs and underline the sustained resolve of the Contact Group.

Secretary Austin emphasized that the assistance provided aims to make a real-time difference, as the United States and other Contact Group members continue to work closely to fulfill Ukraine's defense requirements. The Secretary highlighted the successful training programs undertaken, including the training of nine motorized and mechanized brigades. He also announced the forthcoming joint effort, led by the United States and its allies, to train Ukrainian pilots on fourth-generation aircraft, including F-16s, further enhancing Ukraine's air force capabilities.

The Secretary expressed his appreciation for the unity demonstrated by the Contact Group, emphasizing the pivotal role played by ground-based air-defense systems in safeguarding Ukrainian skies and civilian infrastructure. Notably, the Patriot air-defense system, provided by the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands, has proven effective in defending against Russian missile attacks. The Contact Group has also supplied other critical air-defense systems such as IRIS-T and NASAMS.

Addressing the media, Secretary Austin outlined the agenda for the meeting, which included briefings from Ukraine's representatives and discussions on accelerating industrial production for critical defense systems. He emphasized the need to explore innovative ways to enhance industrial capacity to meet Ukraine's defense requirements.

In closing, Secretary Austin reiterated the high stakes involved in Ukraine's defense, underscoring the justness of the cause and the unwavering determination to stand up for Ukraine's sovereignty and freedom. The meeting concluded with the Secretary giving the media an opportunity to depart.

The 12th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting showcased the united front presented by international partners in support of Ukraine's fight against aggression. As Ukraine continues its struggle, the commitments made by participating nations emphasize their enduring dedication to Ukraine's defense and their shared vision of a sovereign and secure Ukraine.