Lake Ridge Boy Scout Troop 1396 Raises Flags at Quantico National Cemetery on Memorial Day

The following are excerpts from a prepared statement by Tom Bortner, Chartering Organization Representative and Committee Chairman for Troop 1396:

"As part of what has become a Memorial Day tradition, Boy Scout Troop and Venturing Crew 1396 ... participated in raising flags of the United States of America at Quantico National Cemetery on Quantico Marine Corps Base.

As they all fulfilled part of their Scout oath and pledge, 'On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty, to God and my Country,' these Scouts cheerfully gave their time and efforts in what has become an annual service project for Troop and Crew 1396 as they placed over three hundred American flags along the various tree-lined drives and roadways throughout the Quantico National Cemetery.  

When asked, the Scouts gave a sense of this being the least they could do for their country when so many have and are sacrificing so much.  As Senior Patrol Leader Andrew Sapien remarked, 'I feel this is a good way to honor our country and to recognize those who have given so much to give us our freedom.'

This is one of the many activities of the Boy Scouts of America and Troop and Crew 1396, events for the Scouts to learn and have fun.  The flag-raising was followed by a family picnic and Court of Honor at nearby Lake Lunga, where scouts and families enjoyed some fishing, fun and games, [and] were updated on the accomplishments of the Troop in the recent past and informed of plans for the future."

To learn more about Boy Scout Troop 1396, visit St Matthew's Lutheran Church on Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. During the school year, the troop meets at Lake Ridge Middle School on Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Visit www.troop1396.org to learn more.