Girl Scouts Honor Fallen Veterans on Memorial Day Weekend
May 29, 2024
Girl Scouts Pay Tribute with Memorial Day Flag Placement
As Memorial Day approached, a heartfelt tradition continued at Gates of Heaven Catholic Cemetery on Saturday, May 25, 2024, where local Girl Scouts and members of Scouting America come together to honor fallen Veterans by placing American flags on their graves. This act of remembrance has been a cherished annual tradition for over a decade, symbolizing a deep commitment to honoring those who served our nation.
Leading the charge this year was Barbara Burbach, a dedicated Los Altos resident and Service Unit representative for the Girl Scouts. Under her guidance, Girl Scouts Maddie L. and Skyla K., both Juniors, took the helm, organizing a team of 18 Girl Scouts to participate in this meaningful service. Notably, Maddie and Skyla are also striving to achieve the prestigious Presidential Volunteer Service Award, with their contributions on Memorial Day counting towards this honor.
Before setting out to place the flags, the Girl Scouts took the time to learn about the significance of Memorial Day versus Veterans Day. They understood that Memorial Day is a time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in military service, while Veterans Day pays tribute to all who have served. With reverence and gratitude, each volunteer solemnly spoke the name of the Veteran aloud before placing a flag at their gravesite—a gesture of respect for their service and sacrifice.
Among the volunteers was Cherise Field, a former Marine Corps Veteran, who shared inspiring thoughts about the tradition of leaving coins and hair ties on grave markers. Thus, she reminded the girls not to pick up anything off a grave because it might have significance. As the Girl Scouts carried out their task, they were approached by a woman seeking two flags for her father and grandfather's tombstones. In a touching exchange, they learned of her father's remarkable story—he had served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the South Vietnamese army, utilizing his role as a translator for the benefit of others. Her grandfather also served in the Vietnamese army as a Major General. This encounter underscored the diverse and rich tapestry of service represented in our community.
Following the flag placement, the Girl Scouts had the honor of meeting Tom Wright, a veteran of the Air Force who had served during World War II. Tom regaled them with stories of his service, having flown five different types of planes during the conflict. His presence served as a living testament to the enduring legacy of our Veterans and the sacrifices they made for our freedom.
Reflecting on their experience, Maddie shared the profound impact of engaging in community service. She emphasized the power of connection, noting that through these acts of remembrance, they had the privilege of meeting extraordinary individuals and hearing their stories. Indeed, in honoring the past, they forged meaningful connections that bridged generations and celebrated the spirit of service that unites us all.
Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scouts from Service Units 605, 608, and 610 honor fallen heroes by placing flags on Saturday May 25, 2024 at the Veterans area of the Gates of Heaven Catholic Cemetery located in Los Altos, CA.
(Left to Right) Anna, Skyla, and Maddie, Junior Girl Scouts from Troop 60879 in SU610, take a moment of silence after planting a flag at gravestone in the Gates of Heaven Catholic Cemetery.
Rylin (Brownie), Zoey (Daisy), Skyla, Anna, and Maddie (Juniors), and Los Altos Service Unit Leader Barbara Burback hear first-hand accounts of military service from Air Force Veteran, Tom Wright.
Girl Scouts Honor Veterans at Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
On Monday, May 27, 2024, Girl Scouts from Service Units 605, 608, and 610 participated in the annual Memorial Day ceremony at Gates of Heaven Catholic Cemetery. The Scouts served as ushers and distributed programs to attendees of the tribute to Veterans, which was followed by a Memorial Day Mass.
Before the service, the Girl Scouts also took the initiative to straighten flags in need after over 1,000 flags had been placed on Saturday in honor of those who have served.
The girl leader of the event, Maddie L., talking with Laura Schemmel, a member of the Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services Team at Gates of Heaven.
Skye T. (Brownie) handing out flyers to Memorial Day service-goers.
Ivy B. (Cadette Girl Scout), handing programs out to the celebration attendees.
Maddie L. handing out brochures to service-goers, including Jack Heidmiller, Chaplain for American Legion Post 558.
Girl Scouts watching the procession of flag-bearers.
About Girl Scouts of Northern California
The mission of Girl Scouts of Northern California is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. As one of the largest councils in the country, Girl Scouts of Northern California serves a diverse membership of over 24,000 youth and over 21,000 adult volunteers in a 19-county area that stretches from Gilroy to the Oregon border. To learn more about Girl Scouts of Northern California, visit www.gsnorcal.org.
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Media Contact:
Rebekah Kapfer
rkapfer@gsnorcal.org
