Harrison Cub Scouts pay respects with flags on Memorial Day

Harrison Cub Scouts gave up a couple of hours of free time on Memorial Day to honor veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice in war.

Cub Scout Pack 186, sponsored by Guardian Angels Parish, dressed up the gravesites at the historic Prospect Cemetery in Brackenridge that spans 13 acres off 10th Avenue. It has been a tradition for the 22-member pack for about three years.

“It was important to honor the soldiers,” said Colton Lustic, 9.

His father, Chris, said the effort is a small way to show appreciation to those who gave so much for the country.

The Cub Scout pack plans to keep the service project going on a yearly basis, Cubmaster Dan Dobies said.

The project is important to Dobies, he said, and other leaders who strive to teach the youngsters “why they get to go out and enjoy all the freedoms they have.

“It’s because brave people fought and died in many different wars to allow those freedoms to exist.”

Lauren Cottone, mom to three Scouts, said, “We like to participate in this community event because we want our children to understand what Memorial Day is truly about, and that is honoring those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our daily freedoms.”

Dobies believes the message registers with the young Scouts.

On a recent weekend camping retreat, the pack held a flag retirement ceremony, which is a serious and solemn way to dispose of the American flag.

“Before the ceremony, our Scouts were running around the campsite and burning energy like maniacs, but when we called time to begin the ceremony, each Scout put on their uniform, stood in line and helped set each of the many flags we had into the ceremonial firepit,” Dobies said.

The ceremony lasted nearly two hours.

“Our adult leaders and volunteers are always extremely impressed at how our kids can enjoy being kids, but know when to fall in and get a job done with respect and reverence,” Dobies said.