by Mike Matzinger
An April 20, 2026, Stars and Stripes story by Kat Nickola, “A Shared Heritage: How Scouts and Veterans Built a Culture of Collaboration,” traces the deep, decades-long bond between scouting and the military community.
The article highlights how this connection began as early as 1913, when Scouts assisted Civil War veterans at the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, and continued through both world wars with efforts on the home front. Over time, Scouts became a visible presence at remembrance events by placing flags, supporting ceremonies, and partnering with groups such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.
Today, that tradition lives on across the U.S. and Europe, especially during holidays like Memorial Day, where Scouts help honor fallen service members at cemeteries and memorials. Many troops are still closely tied to military communities, making the connection both historic and deeply personal.
https://europe.stripes.com/kids/scouts-heritage-veterans.html