Members of Troops 1107B/G gathered at Alexandria National Cemetery for the Troops’ annual Memorial Day service event, placing flags and flowers on each of the graves of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
Former President Barack Obama was also in attendance, speaking prior to the distribution and honoring several service members by placing flags on their final resting places. According to the Military Times, there are more than 4,000 graves at Alexandria National Cemetery, and typically, a president is not part of the event put on by the Veterans of Foreign War Post 609.
Obama said, also according to Military Times, “One of the greatest honors of my life was the privilege of serving as commander-in-chief, and with pride also came sometimes heartbreak and loss.”
He added, “And the sober recognition of the sacrifices that so many Americans and their families have made to preserve our freedom. As we go out here, I hope that we just reflect and say a prayer for and say thanks for those who came before us. And for those of you who are still serving those of you who may be serving in the future, thanks to you as well.”
Thomas (TJ) D. of Troop 1107B in the Colonial District was among the members who first handed out the flags and flowers to other volunteers before placing them on the graves himself. He said of the annual event, “I do the flags every year to honor the people who give their life for this country, and this is a way to honor them each year with the Flags In and Wreaths Across America.”
TJ met Mr. Obama after the event. Although the former president was leaving, Obama took a moment to shake TJ’s hand and spent a few minutes talking with him about being a Scout and earning an Eagle.
Victoria W. of Troop 1107G said, “Being at the Memorial Day remembrance was a very special and significant thing for people, and especially for me as a scout to do. Memorial Day is more about remembering those who died to save us and our country and making sure that they receive the respect and admiration that they worked so hard to earn. Even with the surprise and exciting visit from former President Obama, I think the main focus was on those who had their names inscribed on the tombstones, with flags and flowers in honor of them lying there as well. I am very proud that we got to help, whether it be handing out flowers and flags or laying/placing those flags and flowers on the graves. I am thankful for all the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, and appreciative that I was invited to help show my gratitude.”
Troop 1107G’s Sophie W. said, “I thought putting the flags and flowers by the graves was important because we were honoring the people who served in the military and who died while serving. It felt good to know that we were able to honor them. I also thought it was really cool that former President Obama was there. I haven’t met a President before and not a lot of people get to meet one. It was cool that I was standing about six feet from a former President!”
Her brother Sean W., a Cub Scout in Pack 867, said, “I wanted to help put flags in because it’s like the wreath-laying we did last December. We are remembering the people who died serving our country, and that’s important. It was exciting to see former President Obama. I wish I could have gotten his autograph and shaken his hand.”
Troop 1107B’s Troop Guide, Caleb W., said, “Placing the flags and flowers on each grave illustrated the Scout Law that all Scouts should live by. “The Scout Law emphasizes reverence as one of the most important parts of a Scout’s life, while we were honoring the sacrifices of all the men and women who had made the ultimate sacrifice. The experience of meeting former President Obama was cool, and although he previously held presidential office, that day he was just like us, just there to give back to those who gave everything.”
According to the cemetery’s website, Alexandria National Cemetery was one of the first 14 national cemeteries created in 1862. Its graves date back to the Civil War. Within two years, the cemetery was nearly filled, leading to the creation of Arlington National Cemetery. To read more about the cemetery and some of the notable people buried there, visit the cemetery’s website.
