The flag - placing tradition dates from 1946 . Every available soldier from the U.S. Army 's 3rd Infantry Regiment takes part . A small American flag is placed at the graves of service members in the cemetery .
The flag-placing tradition dates from 1948 . Every available soldier from the U.S. Army 's 3rd Infantry Regiment takes part . A small U.S. flag is planted at the graves of service members in the cemetery .