John F. Kennedy once said, “The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it.” For far too many, the cost has been the ultimate sacrifice of life for country.
On this beautiful, cloudless Memorial Day, Somers BSA Troop 376 joined with other local organizations, town officials, veterans, religious leaders, neighbors, family, and friends to recognize and honor those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The day began early for several Scouts (Lucas D., Ryan H., Alex S., and Reilly S.) as they helped lower the flags at Ivandell Cemetery and the Elephant Hotel to half-staff shortly after dawn. This honor was shared with our good friends from Somers BSA Troop 228.
Later, as the parade prepared to step off, we formed our color guard. Our flag-bearers this year were Aiden Q., Matthew C., Chris C., and Alex S., with other Scouts from the Troop marching in formation behind. Troops 376 and 228 flanked our town officials as we marched from Somers Middle School to Ivandell Cemetery where the memorial ceremony took place.
One of the most poignant moments of the ceremony came after the placement of wreaths, when Troop 376 Bugler, Matthew Hirsch, played Taps.
One week prior, Troops 376 and 228 teamed up to replace over 600 flags at Ivandell and St. Joseph’s Cemeteries. What began years ago as a Troop 376 event has now become a shared annual tradition bringing the two Somers BSA Troops together. The flags were purchased by Troop 376 with the help of a generous donation from the Somers Volunteer Fire Department.
Our role in helping to observe Memorial Day is one of the most meaningful and visible ways we can embrace our citizenship, both as members of our community and of this great Nation.
BSA Scout Troop 376 - Somers, NY 