Twin Falls, Idaho (KMVT-TV) People across the nation began paying tribute to their loved ones and veterans today.

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, originated after the Civil War, to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers.

Groups in our area pitched in to pay tribute to local soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Sunset Memorial Park cemetery is a sea of flags in remembrance of local veterans.

"We put out approximately 2,000 flags. There's a number of different Cub and Boy Scout troops that come here every year and are the ones that actually place the flags on each individual veteran's grave," said Robert Magel, American Legion, Twin Falls Post #7.

The American Legion and the troops started decorating graves at 8 a.m. Saturday.

"We can cover just about every grave in the Twin Falls and Sunset Memorial cemeteries," said Magel.

A day that was once set aside for veterans is now about remembering all who have passed.

For Deb Cummins, it's a day for her and her husband to pay tribute to their family members.

"My in–laws, my husband's parents and then his grandparents and my grandparents are all buried here in Twin Falls," said Deb Cummins, Hansen resident.

But, like so many that filed into the cemetery Saturday, the day is about so much more.

"It's just a day that we can focus on remembering those who have not only fought for our freedoms for our country, but for just loved ones that we've lost that have gone one and we can stop and reflect on times with them and moments that we have of them," said Cummins.

The Memorial Day ceremony at Sunset Memorial Park will be held Monday at 4 p.m. in the veteran's area.

Each year, Sunset Memorial Park along with the Lions Club, provide free hot dogs and warm beverages for those visiting the cemetery over the weekend.

Also, if you have a loved one who's a veteran buried in Twin Falls, you can contact either cemetery to place their name on a list to receive a flag.