Local troop places flags at gravestones
By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
On Saturday morning Manville Boy Scout Troop 193 honored and remembered the many veterans in preparation for Memorial Day. Scouts and leaders placed 1,700 flags on six area cemeteries to honor the veterans.
The Scouts split up and over three hours replaced all the old flags with brand new ones and replaced damaged or missing medallions for the veterans.
”It is a good thing to do when we are respecting veterans that died and that served in wars of foreign ethnicities,” said Scout Matt Trond. “ It shows respect and it makes you feel good inside.”
Fellow Scout Danny Shubiak commented that, “I think it is good that we put the flags on to respect all the veterans that were killed or died. I also think it is good that we do it because we are actually a branch of the military and I think it is good that we respect the veterans that fought for us.”
The flags are given to the Scouts and they help out the Veterans of Foreign War Post 2290, the Scout troop’s sponsor. All the old torn, ripped flags will be burned during the American Legions’ annual Flag Day ceremony on June 14.
”It is good community service and it shows them what they need to be doing thinking about their own future and the people who served for them. It should be how people view veterans in cemeteries and teaches them respect,” said Scoutmaster Jim Kelly.
Cubmaster Bruce Hixson is not only a proud leader of the troop but a thankful veteran.
”I appreciate the Boy Scouts for what they do. My dad was a veteran and I am a veteran. It is nice to see it and as Mr. Kelly said it is respect for being in a cemetery. I want to thank the troop for doing what they do every year,” he said.

