by Mike Matzinger
Service has a way of making history personal.
Scouts from Troop 324 in Stuttgart, Germany, recently traveled to the Lorraine region of France for a weekend of service and learning that brought the past to life. At Lorraine American Cemetery, they worked alongside cemetery staff to clean the headstones of more than 10,000 Americans who gave their lives during World War II. It was a simple act of service, but one that left a lasting impression.
The trip also helped the Transatlantic Council reach an exciting milestone by surpassing its goal of 250 service hours in support of the America 250 initiative.
Along the way, the Scouts learned the stories behind the names. They visited the grave of Private Charley Havlat, the last American soldier killed in the European Theater of World War II, and learned about Private George Muir, a 19-year-old Scottish soldier who died just days before the end of World War I. They also explored Ouvrage du Bambesch on France’s Maginot Line, where conversations about leadership and the difficult decisions made during wartime brought history into focus.
The weekend wrapped up with a flag retirement ceremony back at camp in Germany, giving everyone a chance to reflect on what they had seen and learned.
Scouts honor. Scouts serve.