Hi all, Chad here. I wanted to reach out this Memorial Day weekend to say hello and to ask for your help. Every year until COVID, we’ve decorated the graves of more than a thousand veterans around Reading’s Cemetery’s and participated in the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony with all Reading Scout Groups. Participation in this community event is rewarding, beautiful, fun and represents some of the best aspects of Scouting, not the least of which, is to honor those who’ve served or fallen while serving.
This year our contacts in the Veterans Admin and the Town of Reading made the difficult decision to halt activities this weekend. Safety is the number one concern and top priority.
Still we want to do our best and honor service members and the fallen. We have a few options to give back to Reading and Veterans this Memorial Day.
- First, take a moment to share with your Scout the history of Memorial Day, what it means and why it is a yearly National Holiday. Discuss it’s relationship to Scout value Reverence.
- Grab some paper, markers and crayons and make a personal thank you from your Scout and Cub Scout Pack 735 thanking Reading Veterans and Veterans Admin.
- Mail or drop off the card or poster to:
- American Legion c/o Kevin Bohmiller
- 37 Ash St, Reading, MA 01867 (next door to Christopher’s Restaurant)
- If comfortable/willing, include pic of your Scout in Class A Uniform.
- Kevin coordinates the Flag Decoration, Parade and Ceremony… awesome guy, he’ll really appreciate the cards.
- Mail or drop off the card or poster to:
- Next-Grab a face mask and visit the grave of one of Reading’s veterans. (Please adhere to Social Distance guidelines and Town requirements)
- Take a moment of silence. If in Uniform feel free to salute.
- Place a Penny on the grave to show respect. Please make sure your Scouts know to leave any coins they find on the grave
- Please share the coin’s meaning, shown below.
- Need help finding graves? Check online resources at Reading Public Library or email the Reading American Legion Post.
- Thanks to Mr Crosby, Den Leader of our Bear Den for this reminder and Adventure
Have a super weekend friends. Don’t forget!! Our last Pack Meeting is coming in June and our Scouts are receiving Rank Awards for the year. We look forward to seeing everyone there.
Chad Lockart, Cubmaster, Reading Pack 735, Bill & Max’s Dad.
Reading Cub Scout Pack 735 