Flags-In

Scouts learn the true meaning of Memorial Day

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The Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of Pack and Troop 20 Johnston took their slogan “Do a good turn daily” to a higher level on Memorial Day by honoring the sacrifices of those who fought and died for our country.

The Scouts gathered at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery on Monday to take part in their annual “Flag-In” ceremony. There the Scouts met with Highland Memorial Park President Joseph Swift, who is also president of the Johnston Lions Club, who provided approximately 900 American flags he had received via donations to place on the graves of service members.

Swift then provided the Scouts and their leaders with a map of the more than 150 acre park, along with instructions about flag placement. Each Scout was advised to read the grave markers in the section of the park they were assigned to, and to find those markers that indicated service in the United States armed forces.

Before canvasing their assigned area, the boys and girls held an opening ceremony where they said the Pledge of Allegiance along with the Scout Oath and Law. The Scouts then fanned out, and found markers of veterans going back to World War I, with multiple markers indicating that the buried veteran had served in multiple wars. With quiet reverence, the young Scouts then placed their flags and read aloud the names of those who passed.

Scout leaders said that the day’s volunteer work helped the Scouts better understand the great cost that fellow men, women, and their families incur in order to protect the freedoms we now enjoy.

While 900 flags were donated for the Scouts to place, far more were needed to accommodate all those who served and are now interred at Highland Memorial Park. Those individuals or organizations who would like to assist in obtaining more flags for placement during next year’s Flag-In ceremony are encouraged to contact Joseph Swift at 401-231-9120.

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