Veteran Robert Flick holds an American flag during a Veterans Day ceremony attended by President Barack Obama Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, at Arlington National Cemetery.-
President Coolidge pays tribute on Armistice Day (later became Veterans Day), November 11, 1923, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.-
A U.S. soldier prepares a horse for caisson duty at Arlington National Cemetery.-
​​A riderless horse, another distinction of the soldier's rank, follows behind. The boots in the stirrups face backwards, symbolizing the warrior who will never ride again.
​
In order to execute this solemn task, the animals involved must be as disciplined as the United States Army soldiers who work alongside them.-
Caisson horses have performed this sacred ritual for more than 60 years.-
Both the horses, and the men who care for and ride them, have been specially trained. They are members of the caisson platoon of the 3rd United States Infantry regiment, also known as "The Old Guard".- It’s a tradition that dates back to the early 19th century, when horse-drawn caissons moved men and equipment to and from the battlefront.-