Alabama Boy Scouts place flags to remember veterans at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery for Memorial Day
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SPANISH FORT, Ala. (WALA) – As we remember our military members who made the ultimate sacrifice, the Boy Scouts of Alabama made sure to honor the lives lost at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort .
“Freedom is not free, they served us to earn our freedom,” said Cub Scout, Nolan Polk.
One by one, Pack 321 Cubs and their families placed an American flag in front of the headstones of the men and women who fought for our freedom.
“All these people served in a few wars, that means they served for us,” Polk said, “that’s why I’m proud of them.”
Approximately 3,500 military veterans are interred at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort. Cub Scoutmaster, Kathi Hadden, said having the Scouts place the flags not only allows them to honor the dead, but also teaches respect for Scouts.
“I think if you train them young and raise them well they will learn to respect, you know, the people who fought and died for us and that shows them that we are here doing that and that teaches them to do it. “, Hadden said.
The Boy Scouts of Alabama started the tradition seven years ago and have practiced it every year since, ensuring that no grave is overlooked.
“It makes you proud to be an American. It makes you feel like you’re just honoring them,” Hadden said.
Placing the flags for Memorial Day means more than we can imagine to veterans like Dr. Barry Booth, a Navy veteran who served 66′ and 67′ in Vietnam.
“I lost four friends in Vietnam and I think of them, but it’s so nice to have families, friends and children who come to pay their respects to veterans. It is a very special day for us and the parents. Communicating the significance of this day is certainly wonderful and appreciated,” said Dr Booth.
Dr. Booth wants to make sure to remind young scouts that…
“Monday is Remembrance Day, but every day is Veterans Day.”
Memorial Day is observed on Monday, May 30.
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