(CNN) When a severe storm swept through the Washington area before the start of Memorial Day weekend, it didn't stop the 3rd US Infantry Regiment from placing flags at the graves of fallen soldiers, including at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The regiment, known as The Old Guard , is responsible for carrying out the annual military operation of planting flags at every grave in Virginia's Arlington National Cemetery before the holiday weekend. The tradition started when soldiers at Fort Myer decided to ensure every fallen service personnel had a decoration on their graves. "With only a few watching from cover, a Tomb Sentinel approached the Unknowns with (US) flags in hand," the 3rd US Infantry Regiment said in a Facebook post. "As thunder shook the ground and rains washed down without abandon, the Tomb Sentinel pierced through the elements with breath-taking precision."

Source: CNN May 25, 2019 18:45 UTC