Scouts Show Respect to Fallen Servicemen

([ Portland],[Or],[05/25/04])— On Thursday, May 27 th, 6:30p.m. more than a 1000 Local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts will gather at Willamette National Cemetery to place flags on the headstones of our countries honored dead. This Year marks the 36 th time Scouts have gathered in the spirit of reverence, service and citizenship as they plant over 120,000 small American flags over the gravesites. Ric Chambers, dedicated Scouter, has organized this event This year. He states, “I ask the kids to first say the name, then plant the flag . . .The rewards are all internal . . . Once you’ve done this,” he said, “it stays with you.” The Boy Scouts of America includes this service in a long list of opportunities launching the Scouting for America youth service campaign. There will be a short ceremony opened by nearly 100 Scout honor guard of unit and American Flags. Featured guest speaker will be Afghanistan Veteran Staff Sgt. Ross Neher with Special Operation, USAF. The ceremony is concluded by a twenty-one gun salute conducted by the 6 th engineering Support Battalion U. S. Marine Reserves. Due to overwhelming participation, this event is closed to only the Scouts and parents of Thunderbird Districts, representing East Clackamas and Multnomah Counties.

CONTACT:
Todd McDonald
2145 SW Naito Parkway
Portland OR, 97201
Office 503-225-5741
Cell 503-449-2554

Email: tmcdonald@cpcbsa.org