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Scouts Honor Fallen Veterans
Pack 824 joined dozens of scouting units from all across the Greater Los Angeles area early Saturday morning to take part in the annual Memorial Day Flag Placement at the Los Angeles National Cemetary in Westwood. The cemetary bears approximately 80,000 veterans and each year the scouts come to place flags before each plot. Units representing Sea Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Venturing and others gathered in front of the flagpole for a short ceremony honoring the fallen. Each unit sent its own flag and the U.S. flag to the dais, creating a visual honor guard framing the the speakers. After a rendition of "taps" and "amazing grace", the scouts posted to their assigned section of the cemetary. Each grave received the same procedure: the scout addresses the grave, reads the name on the grave, places a U.S. flag centered one foot in front of the grave, and finally the scout salutes grave.
After the pack finished its alotted portion, many of our scouts helped out with unfinished parts of the cemetary. Afterwards, many of us gathered around the grave of Chris Carr, Congressional Medal of Honor winner, whose story is permanently posted by his plot.
Many in scouting consider flag placement to be one of the most moving activities scouts do each year. Even the youngest cubs come to recognize the importance of this act of remembrance. This year's event was noticeable in how well organized the planning was and how quickly everyone finished their portion.
Thanks to all the scouts, leaders and parents who attended this year!
Click on thumbnails to see full size image.
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