National Flag Placing Ceremony Salutes Fallen Soldiers

Israeli flags decorated with black ribbon were placed on the graves of each fallen soldier in cemeteries across the country. The ceremony at  Mount Herzl, lead by IDF soldiers, was attended by Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Benjamin "Benny" Gantz, and the head of the Human Resources Branch, General Orna Barbivai.

During the ceremony, Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Benjamin “Benny” Gantz, saluted the fallen soldiers of the IDF before he explained, “These tombstones are similar in appearance and the ground that covers them is the same land – the land of Israel that they loved. Yet each and every one of the soldiers buried here are unique and represent something special about Israeli society.”

He continued by describing the diversity of the IDF, which he referred to as “the people’s army.” Gantz later affirmed, “Those who serve come from all walks of life and come together for one common goal – to protect the State of Israel.”

The flags placed on the gravestones will remain there until May 4th, Israel's Day of Remembrance, when the country remembers all those who have fallen during IDF service or during acts of terrorism and political violence.

Former Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi lays a flag down on the late Maj. Eliraz Peretz’s grave in 2010

The ceremony was also attended by the head of the Bereaved Families and Commemoration Department, Aryeh Muallem. During the ceremony he stated, “With tearful eyes, a heavy heart, and the sense of holiness, we stand here tonight in the heart of the sacred Mount Herzl in order to fulfill this responsibility that we have taken upon ourselves – to remember them all.” He concluded, “We stand here in front of these silent monuments and salute, salute the fallen soldiers of Israel who have given their lives for this country.”