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MIRAMAR, Calif. (11/12/2012) - The somber sound of evening colors
plays while Cub Scouts with Wolf Scout Den 3, Pack 625 Poway,
Calif., salute the American flag as it makes its decent for the
night.
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Cub Scouts and den leadership with Wolf Scout Den 3, Pack 625,
Poway, Calif., salute the American flag during evening colors
ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Nov. 15,
2012. When saluting, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of all ages stand
still and raise their first two fingers to the bill of their hats or
edge of the forehead as a sign of respect. Photo by USMC Lance Cpl.
Christopher Johns
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The pack attended classes at the station headquarters
building, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, where they
learned what it means to pay homage to the flag, before
witnessing an official military evening colors ceremony.
“This month's core value is citizenship. What better
place to learn this value than on a Marine [air station]”
said Preston Betts, the cub master. “We've been learning how
to respect the flag, how to retire it, fold it, how to
salute it properly and properly perform flag ceremonies at
our pack meetings.”
Each scout
member learned proper etiquette concerning the flag, to help
further their knowledge of what the flag is used for and why
it is honored.
“[The scouts] were so excited to be
able to come somewhere not many other people are able to
come,” said Madeleine Wilkinson, a scout mother and a
Johannesburg, South Africa, native. “I just became a citizen
a month ago, so my son and I have been learning about civics
and have learned so much about the flag. We've learned the
history of the country and the flag and this just brings it
all together.”
Once taps began, the Cub Scouts
snapped to attention and saluted with their first two
fingers touching their hats, as all Cubs are taught.
“I like how [the Marines] stand so still, it's to show
respect,” said James Wilkinson, 9, a Cub Scout with Pack
625. “I feel like I learned a lot, and I got to see a lot of
cool planes and helicopters.”
Cub scouts must perform
different tasks and activities before they can attain the
rank of Wolf Scout. After witnessing this color ceremony,
they are one step closer to becoming wolves.
“From a personal stand point, I think there are very close
ties between the military services and the Cub Scouts,” said
Betts. “It's great for [the Cubs] to see what it's like to
be on base and to see positive role models, especially the
Marines. One of the important things about Marines is that
they're always clean, very respectful and hold themselves
very tall. I always tell these guys that when we stand at
attention and salute, we need to stand tall, straight and
stand strong, just like the Marines.”
By USMC Lance Cpl. Christopher Johns
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2012
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