FORT SCOTT, Kan. — It began during the disconsolate days of the Civil War with simple remembrances placed on the graves of fallen soldiers. Every community in the country paid a heavy price during those trying and turbulent days.

The act of decorating graves with flowers dates to ancient Rome and toward the end of the Civil War, it found its way to American cemeteries. No one is exactly sure when or where it started, as several communities, North and South, took up the custom at around the same time.

After the war ended, communities on both sides, as an act of reconciliation, began decorating the graves of both Union and Confederate graves left in their care. In 1868, the custom was formalized with General Order No. 11, issued by Major General John A. Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, a national organization of Union veterans.

The order formally established Memorial Day as a “decoration day” to remember the Civil War dead. An official date of May 30 was set to ensure availability of “the choicest flowers of springtime” around the country.

For the next century, the nation informally recognized Memorial Day on May 30, gradually expanding it to include all U.S. war dead, from the Revolution to the present. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, moving Memorial Day to the last Monday in May beginning in 1971.

Each year, the Fort Scott National Historic Site has recognized the sacrifices made by the U.S. Armed Forces since 1775 with its traditional “Symbols of Sacrifice” Field of Honor. With the help of the general public, the fort creates a field of flags on the parade ground that remains on display throughout the holiday weekend.

This year, the fort invites the public to place flags on Friday, May 22, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Individuals, families and groups are welcome to participate and stay as long as flags are available.

The Field of Honor, featuring about 8,500 U.S. flags commemorating members of the U.S. Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to the nation, is open to the public through the weekend starting one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset each day.

Volunteers are also needed to retire the display beginning at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 26. The event will take place in all weather conditions.

For more information or to learn how to get involved, call 620-223-0310 or visit www.nps.gov/fosc.

This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews