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Girl Scouts Place Flags, Learn Price of Freedom
(May 30, 2010) | 
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Hannah Carrasco, left, Kyler Hernandez, right, and
Kaleigh Graves, kneeling, all Girl Scouts, place an American flag on
a military grave in St. Mary's Cemetery in DeWitt, N.Y., May 26,
2010. The girls were among about 75 scouts to help the East Syracuse
American Legion Post place 2,000 flags on military graves for
Memorial Day. Photo by Sheri Cowles |
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May 28,2010 -- Sue McCarthy never served in the military,
but comes from a family with military roots, going back to
World War I. Her grandfather, her father, her uncles and her
brother all wore uniforms; all defended the freedoms she
thinks about every day.
Hannah Carrasco, left, Kyler Hernandez, right, and Kaleigh
Graves, kneeling, all Girl Scouts, place an American flag on
a military grave in St. Mary's Cemetery in DeWitt, N.Y., May
26, 2010. The girls were among about 75 scouts to help the
East Syracuse American Legion Post place 2,000 flags on
military graves for Memorial Day. Photo by Sheri Cowles
So when this upstate New York resident heard an older
veteran talk about the hundreds of American flags he wanted
his American Legion post to place in St. Mary's Cemetery
near Syracuse for Memorial Day, she had one question: “Would
you like some help?”
That help turned out to be dozens of Girl Scouts with some
as young as 5.
McCarthy, the co-leader of a troop, knew she'd be exposing
the girls to the harsh reality that people die in wars. But
she also wanted them to learn to show support for the
military – both for |
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veterans as well as those still serving. |
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So, with her urging, Girl Scouts from around the Syracuse area signed on to
the mission and they launched the flag project last year.
“There was gratitude and sadness,” McCarthy said, saying the girls talked
about what those in the military had sacrificed and how their service
touched everyone in America.
She said they also learned a lot, from finding a grave from the Spanish
American War to meeting recent and older veterans.
They were amazed to see women's names,” McCarthy said.
This year they again came out in force. About 75 Girl Scouts gathered at 6
p.m., May 26, at St. Mary's. They recited the pledge of allegiance and the
Girl Scout promise. They listened to a prayer calling for the health and
safety of those serving, the health and well-being of current veterans and
“for the souls departed to rest in peace.”
And they shared a moment of silence before they fanned out across the
cemetery lawn as the sun set to search for graves marking a military member.
“I was thinking about how dedicated they were because they helped us with
our freedom,” said 8-year-old Gillie, McCarthy's daughter.
Sheri Cowles, a scout leader and mother, said the girls were methodical
about placing the flags. Once they found a military grave, they would recite
the name on it, say a prayer and thank the person.
“No one told them they had to do this,” Cowles said. “They just took it upon
themselves to show their respect and to say thanks to each and every
veteran. I was very, very moved by this.”
And so was George Mann, commander of the East Syracuse American Legion Post.
“I thought it was really beautiful,” said Mann. “Not only did they help us
out, but they were learning about why the veterans had given their lives.”
Mann, who served first in the U.S. Air Force and later in the U.S. Army
Reserves, was the one McCarthy had talked to last year about helping out.
“It was a patriotic feeling watching the youth of today learning about the
veterans,” he said.
At the end of the event, the Girl Scouts had placed 2,000 flags.
Gillie said she wondered why Americans have huge celebrations to honor
military veterans only on Memorial Day. “They should be celebrated every
day,” she said.
She and the Girl Scouts from the East Syracuse area may actually be doing
that.
They have adopted a platoon out of Fort Drum, N.Y., and will be sending them
Girl Scout cookies and cards.
McCarthy said the girls finished some of the cards a week ago and read from
one: “I want to thank you for fighting for us. It was very nice of you.” | |
By Linda Hosek
Photo Editor
American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2010
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