CLARKS GREEN — Members of Cub Scouts Pack 251 showed their patriotism by placing American flags next to tombstones of deceased veterans buried in Clarks Green Cemetery. The Scouts were given flags from VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 7069 of Clarks Summit. Scoutmasters and den leaders had the Scouts look for markers and place flags near the tombstones.
“It’s nice to get the boys involved in the community,” said den leader Renee Czubowicz.
“It’s a good lesson in patriotism,” added Bill Fiore, chartered organization representative of Pack 251.
Some of the fallen veterans were soldiers in the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) during the Civil War, whose tombstones were marked with a star. Six-year-old Cub Scout PJ Calabro, of South Abington Twp., placed a flag by the tombstone of one of those fighters named Meade.
PJ’s father Pete Calabro was excited for his son to have the opportunity to honor veterans because his father was one, as well. Pete’s father, also named Pete, fought in the Philippines during World War II. When he was a child, Pete watched his father march in the Clarks Summit Memorial Day.
“I love it,” he said about posting flags at the cemetery.
Current Scoutmaster Carl Babushko and former Scoutmaster Mike Minello led the older Scouts to post flags near marked tombstones at Hickory Grove Cemetery. While showing their patriotism, the Scouts earned three merit badges for the three core values — physical and mental fitness, the aims of Scouting and character development.
“It’s important to honor the veterans,” said Life Scout Jamison Bessoir, of Glenburn.
This tradition has been going on for about six years. It started when Babushko’s friend, who works at the cemetery, suggested lacing of flags near tombstones of fallen veterans. The tradition has continued ever since.
“We just enjoy doing this for the community,” said Babushko.
Cub Scout Pack 251 also marched in the Clarks Summit Memorial Day Parade on Monday.