Scouts, Scouters, and Families:
I hoped to provide finalized information on summer camp, but we are still working options. When the Committee determines a solution, we will send a note to everyone. Please continue to bear with us.
As mentioned in last week's post, we plan to have a portion of our first in-person meeting dedicated to taking in Blue Cards or other documentation from merit badge counselors -- please, even if you send me a copy or send a copy to our Advancements Chair, print off documentation to bring in. Lastly, if you think you are ready for a Scoutmaster Conference for advancement, please let me know.
I ask that you continue to pray for the health of those who are affected by this pandemic, and for our community's successful transition to Phase 0 to Phase 1.
This week's Scoutmaster Minute:
This past Monday our Nation observed Memorial Day. Recognized as a holiday for many, this unofficial beginning of summer is normally marked with many special sales and families taking advantage of the long weekend for traveling or hosting a barbecue. For others, it is a solemn day and a bitter reminder of comrades whose lives were extinguished all too soon. Others mourn while also celebrating the purchase of freedom paid for with the lives of our Nation's over-one-million war dead, as they feel this is the best way to show that those sacrifices were not in vain.
Initially marked as Decoration Day (a day to decorate the graves of the war dead), the first recorded observance happened in 1861 in nearby Warrenton, Virginia. The first national observance of Decoration Day occurred in 1868, with the labeling of Memorial Day not coming into wide use until after World War II. Particularly here in Northern Virginia, it is not hard to find a veteran or family member for who this day carries a meaning of loss. Normally we aide our community in its Memorial Day observance by emplacing many dozens of flags at Quantico National Cemetery. The threat of COVID-19 changed our plans this year, and for some the absence of this annual ritual comes with a feeling of disappointment. God willing, next year will be different.
As you take pause this week to honor our war dead, you may want to also reflect on the lives of those who defend our Nation in a different manner. Consider health care workers and community volunteers who have contracted COVID-19 and died while rendering aid to others. All around us, there are people taking risks and making sacrifices for others, particularly in this time that our Nation and the world is focused on finding a cure and mitigating the damage of this global pandemic. Sometimes service to others comes at great risk and we should acknowledge the contribution of sacrifice. A Scout is Brave.
Yours in Scouting Service,
Doug Henry
Scoutmaster, Troop 1396
Chartered by St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
doug.henry@troop1396.org