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Walter Reed lowers its flags

A bittersweet ceremony marks preparations for the closing of Washington, D.C.’s Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The military’s flagship hospital, which has treated hundreds of thousands of the nation’s war wounded since 1909, will close its doors for the final time in September.

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July 27, 2011

Army Spc. Serina Adkins, left, and Spc. Sascha Jung adjust a flag in preparation for a flag casing ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on July, 27, 2011 in Washington, DC. The hospital has treated soldiers, and even former presidents, since 1909.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Col. William Schiek, left, helps roll up a unit flag as the Walter Reed Army Medical Center colors are cased .

July 27, 2011

Col. William Schiek, left, helps roll up a unit flag as the Walter Reed Army Medical Center colors are cased .

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

A crowd of military, employees, and family members gather as the Walter Reed Army Medical Center colors are cased during a formal ceremony.

July 27, 2011

A crowd of military, employees, and family members gather as the Walter Reed Army Medical Center colors are cased during a formal ceremony.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), center, stands for the national anthem as the Walter Reed Army Medical Center colors are cased during a formal ceremony at the center.

July 27, 2011

Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), center, stands for the national anthem as the Walter Reed Army Medical Center colors are cased during a formal ceremony at the center.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Army Secretary John McHugh, at podium, speaks at a flag casing ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

July 27, 2011

Army Secretary John McHugh, at podium, speaks at a flag casing ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Luis Alvarez / AP

Major General Carla G. Hawley-Bowland, background, in command of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, watches at attention as the colors are cased during a formal ceremony at the center.

July 27, 2011

Major General Carla G. Hawley-Bowland, background, in command of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, watches at attention as the colors are cased during a formal ceremony at the center.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Army Maj. Gen. Carla Hawley-Bowland, commanding general of Walter Reed, right, hands Rear Adm. Matthew Nathan, commander of the National Naval Medical center, left, a Major Walter Reed's saber as Col. Norvell V. Coots looks on at center, as the Walter Reed Army Medical Center colors are cased during a formal ceremony.

July 27, 2011

Army Maj. Gen. Carla Hawley-Bowland, commanding general of Walter Reed, right, hands Rear Adm. Matthew Nathan, commander of the National Naval Medical center, left, a Major Walter Reed's saber as Col. Norvell V. Coots looks on at center, as the Walter Reed Army Medical Center colors are cased during a formal ceremony.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Members of the Golden Knights parachute team descend to the parade grounds, streaming smoke from their heels during a formal ceremony at the center.

July 27, 2011

Members of the Golden Knights parachute team descend to the parade grounds, streaming smoke from their heels during a formal ceremony at the center.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Members of the Golden Knights parachute team descend onto the front lawn of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, streaming smoke from their heels after a formal ceremony.

July 27, 2011

Members of the Golden Knights parachute team descend onto the front lawn of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, streaming smoke from their heels after a formal ceremony.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

A member of the U.S. Army Parachute Team, commonly known as the Golden Knights, parachutes onto the front lawn of Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

July 27, 2011

A member of the U.S. Army Parachute Team, commonly known as the Golden Knights, parachutes onto the front lawn of Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Military personnel take memorial snapshots in front of the main building of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

July 27, 2011

Military personnel take memorial snapshots in front of the main building of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Army Pfc. Lynson Panvel adjusts a state flag in preparation for a flag casing ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

July 27, 2011

Army Pfc. Lynson Panvel adjusts a state flag in preparation for a flag casing ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Luis Alvarez / AP

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