Schedule set for Symbols of Sacrifice event

Fort Scott National Historic Site will partner with the Friends of the FSNHS and community members to present Symbols of Sacrifice, a free series of programs that highlight the sacrifice of Americans throughout much of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.

The main focus of the event will be a Field of Honor on the historic FSNHS Parade Ground, where a U.S. flag will fly for each service member who died while serving in theater supporting U.S. military operations during the War on Terrorism. The purpose is to remember the fallen, their sacrifice and their humanity, not to glorify war.

The opening ceremony will take place "on the bricks" outside of the FSNHS Visitor Center starting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. Prelude music will be provided by members of the Kansas City St. Andrew Pipes and Drums.

While seating will be provided, the public is welcome to bring folding chairs. Colors will be presented, followed by brief remarks of welcome and remembrance by members of government, veterans and the American Gold Star Mothers.

The ceremony will conclude with "Taps" and "Amazing Grace," with visitors then invited to respectfully enter the Field of Honor to consider the meaning of sacrifice. An afternoon of programming continues at 1 p.m.

On Wednesday, Sept. 11, FSNHS will host a memorial service starting at noon to remember the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The ceremony should conclude by 12:45 p.m. following the playing of "Taps." The public is invited to remember that day of uncertainty where average Americans exhibited selfless, uncommon valor, then walk the Field of Honor.

On Saturday, Sept. 14, Symbols of Sacrifice programming will begin at 10 a.m. Students from Fort Scott High School will provide prelude music beginning at 11:30 a.m. At noon, the colors will be presented, followed by brief remarks of welcome and remembrance by members of government, veterans and the American Gold Star Mothers. "Taps" will conclude the remembrance ceremony and visitors will again be invited to walk the Field of Honor.

Programming continues at 1 p.m. with a presentation by the American Gold Star Mothers and concludes with a stirring rendition of the Gettysburg Address and the "Battle Hymn of the Republic."