Symbols of Sacrifice

Flags on parade ground at sunset

NPS Photo

News Release Date: June 21, 2018

Contact: Barak Geertsen, 620-223-0310

Contact: Galen Ewing, 620-223-0310

Contact: Tiffiny Durham, 620-223-0310

As the nation reflects on its freedom on Independence Day, Fort Scott National Historic Site honors those who have lost their lives fighting for this freedom with Symbols of Sacrifice.  The Symbols of Sacrifice commemoration features thousands of American flags displayed in a Field of Honor on the historic Parade Ground.  Their purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces who have died in all wars that Americans have fought in.  The flags will be displayed from Friday, June 29, through Friday, July 6.  The park is pleased to welcome musicians Pat and Steve Harry, who will perform a special concert of patriotic music on Saturday, June 30 at 7:00 pm. Following the musical performance, you are invited to participate in an evening cannon firing.

On Wednesday, July 4 at 10:00 am and at 3:00 pm, the staff at the historic site will honor the fallen through a discussion of the meaning of the Field of Honor, followed by an artillery salute. At 11:00 am, visitors can join an 1840s Infantry Soldier and an Officer’s Wife as they share perspectives on “What Independence Day Means to You?”  At 2:00 pm, come and witness infantry soldiers as they fire a salute to the 13 original colonies. You are welcome to fall in with the soldiers and assist in taking down the 30 star flag at 4:00 pm.

The schedule of activities is as follows:

SATURDAY, JUNE 30 (EVENING)

7:00 pm – Patriotic Musical Performance by Pat and Steve Harry
8:00 pm – Evening Cannon Firing

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

10:00 am – Honoring the Fallen:  A Salute to Sacrifice
11:00 am – “What Independence Day Means to You?” Guided Discussion
2:00 pm – 13 Gun Salute: The Pursuit of Liberty
3:00 pm – Honoring the Fallen:  A Salute to Sacrifice
4:00 pm – Flag Retreat