The annual Veterans Day ceremony sponsored by the American Legion Post 141 at Veterans Park in Atlantic Highlands was as moving and joyous as ever, as more than 100 residents gathered to honor living and deceased veterans of all wars in a brief ceremony including a color guard by Boy Scout Troop 22.
Post Commander Peter Doyle, as is his tradition, invited all residents present to contribute to the ceremony by relating incidents or people in their own lives that are responsible for making the day such an important patriotic holiday.
It was eight-year-old Grady of Troop 22 who started the program of individual stories, then came back again later in the program to reiterate his belief and confidence in the United States of America. Grady epitomized the cub motto to “Do your Best.”
Troop 22 leader Michael Armstrong, who is a cubmaster for Pack 22, noted there were 14 cubs and scouts at the Veterans Day service. The Troop is sponsored by the Navesink Fire Company and invites boys from Navesink, Atlantic Highlands and Highlands to become members.
The troop, fairly new and continuing to grow, includes cub scouts in grades kindergarten through sixth grade, and scouts in grades 7 through 12 as well as continuing towards earning their Eagle Scout award, the highest award in Boy Scouting.
Armstrong, proud, but not surprised by Grady’s extemporaneous pride in his country, explained the troop’s education program in patriotism begins with the Scout Oath, In which each of the boys promises to “do his duty to God and my country, to obey the Scout law and to help other people at all times…”
The cubmaster further noted that throughout the scouting program in the Troop 22 plan troop leaders go over small details on how to be a good American. Scouts learn how to properly fold the American flag, how to support their neighbor, and learn some of the aspects of American history.
Armstrong noted that while Grady’s comments were not items specifically covered in any cub program, it was apparent he has learned patriotism and respect for the nation from both his parents and his activities in scouting.
Grady was loud, clear, and definitive in his address to the crowds including numerous veterans or veteran family members gathered around the memorial to the local veterans who lost their lives in World War II.
Grady told the crowd he was proud to be an American and he knew why we are the best country in the world. He also reminded the audience that while we fought, and won World War I, then fought and won World War II, “we are now at a time of peace” and should appreciate it. He then told the crowd that “we all have the men and women in the military to thank for all of that and for keeping our nation safe.”
He concluded by saying he was proud to be free and knew that freedom was based on all that our veterans had done.
Boys interested in becoming cubs or boy scouts can contact any of the leaders for further information or visit info@njpack22.org. or Armstrong at marmstrong@njpack22.org
At the Pack level, under Armstrong, the pack meetings are once a month with dens in the pack meeting another two or three times a month. In addition, there are one or two park outings where the boys attend camping trips, community service events, visiting firehouses or any local place where the scouts and cubs can increase their knowledge and experience through fundamental education in how to give back to their community.
In addition to Armstrong, leaders of Troop 22 include Diana Paradis Committee Chair, Scott Sieh, Chartered Org. Representative and Matt Chesek Navesink Fire Department President
