Area scouts take part in Veterans Day parade

Front Row, left to right, Bear Scout Declan McLaughlin, Girl Scout Lila Reynolds, Tiger Scout Boone Mclaughlin, Girl Scout Cadence Metcalf, and Bear Scout Beckett Metcalf. Back, Cubmaster Christopher Reynolds, Bear Scout Lux Reynolds, Webelos Cole Stufflebeam, Tenderfoot Scout William Vincent, Tenderfoot Scout Christopher Santiago, Tenderfoot Scout Hunter Brown, and Scoutmaster Christopher Santiago. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

On November 11, 2024, Scouts in Cub Scout Pack #410 and Troop #410 joined Scouts from Augusta Troop #603, Windsor Pack #609, and Winslow Troop #433, in marching in the Waterville Veterans Day Parade to honor and thank all veterans but specifically those from our Central Maine/Kennebec Valley Region. Troop #410, in Vassalboro, Scoutmaster Chris Santiago said, “This is our third year in a row marching in the Waterville Veterans Parade (post-pandemic). It is an honor for us to march to honor and show gratitude for the veterans of the Armed Forces within our community who have served our great country.

“We do so with admiration and gratitude, especially for our Charter Organization, American Legion Post #126 Vassalboro. The parade helps reinforce lessons about character and leadership, citizenship, personal fitness, and a love of the outdoors. These are four of scouting’s major tenants, the other two being personal safety and family/reverence.”

Pine Tree Council Commissioner Mike Labbe said that Scouting has a long history of strong partnerships with and support to our nation’s veterans. Labbe, who is the MyHealthy Vet Coordinator at VA Maine Medical Center, is also a Navy veteran himself having served on most ship types, with aviation squadrons, and with NATO commands.

“Some of Scouting America’s earliest partnerships as an organization were with groups such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. We, as a nation, owe so much to those who stepped forward and answered the call to serve. We teach our Cubs and Scouts to practice good citizenship and that includes by honoring our veterans.” Santiago added, “Our unit currently has approximately 20 scouts representing the communities of Vassalboro, China, and Waterville, but we always welcome new scouts. Our Cub Scout Pack accepts boys and girls in Grades K-5. For more information contact vassalborocubscoutpack410@gmail.com. Our Troop currently accepts boys in Grades 6-12. For more information contact vassalborobsatroop410 @gmail.com.”