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Scouts Bring Patriotism Back to Football in Somerset

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There’s nothing like the Friday Night Lights of Texas, which is why the Scouts of Troop 251 and Pack 251 of Somerset teamed up and volunteered to do the opening flag ceremony for the Somerset Lil’ Bulldogs football program. The Lil’ Bulldogs, with athletes ages 3-11, expected a lot of action and spectator participation, was excited to partner with the Scouts this past season.

“We’re proud that Somerset did the National Anthem, and we are happy to bring it back to youth sports,” said John Bellfay, SLB President. When asked about his plans, he added, “We are definitely doing it again. Our goal is to be able to do each home game for all divisions in the future.”

Jessica Jones, Troop 251’s Cubmaster, and Troop Committee Chair reflected on the season. “One challenge we faced was being a smaller Pack and Troop. At the time of the commitment, we weren’t going to be able to do all the games for each division. We prepared each unit to make a commitment for the season. It was a great trial run for 2021, and we are looking forward to 2022.”

Mark and Lucero De Leon, unit leaders for Troop 251 described getting the kids ready for the event. “Our Scouts had to learn to perform in a professional manner. Some are so young we thought it would be overwhelming in a public setting, but we really wanted our Scouts to learn the correct way to represent our nation, state, organization, and the local community.” The couple quickly realized these Scouts were ready for the task ahead. “They learned about national pride on a personal level. They grew in patience and perseverance through adversity.”

The coaches and community loved the Scout’s involvement. The Scouts received positive feedback from veterans and even the visiting teams about their work, further proving the impact they had at each event, and value of the Scouting program in their town.

“I learned to hold the flag right, by holding it tight and in front of my face,” reported Joshua Terrazas, a 251 Wolf Scout.

Since their involvement with the Lil’ Bulldogs, the Scouts of 251 have seen an influx of new members to their units. “It’s neat to see so many young people wanting to be leaders in their corner of the world,” Jones added. “That’s what this program is all about.”

 

 

SHARE YOUR STORY
Do you have a story to share about a Scout or Scouting Unit? Contact Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council’s publicist, Jenn Arntson at news@AlamoAreaBSA.org.

Gone but Not Forgotten – Flags at Fort Sam

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In years past, Scouts spent the Friday before Memorial Day honoring the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving our nation. In the Alamo city, that community event is called Flags at Fort Sam. Due to the on-going pandemic, the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery Director and the Alamo Area Council are encouraging the Scouting Community to consider a new approach to remembering those who defended our freedoms and protected democracy.

Join us virtually via Facebook Live, Friday, May 28th at Sunset (8:28pm), as Leslie Vinka, the River District’s Scout Service Executive, speaks with Aubrey David, the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery Director, as they pay tribute to those laid to rest, including Taps played at Sunset.

“The Alamo Area Council is proud to see our youth do a ‘good turn’ and pay respects to the armed forces as part of our duty to the community,” said Michael de los Santos, Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council (BSA). “Duty to God and Duty to Country play essential roles in the traditions of the Boy Scouts of America.”

Over the Memorial weekend, Scouting families are encouraged to visit the gravesite of a family member or friend who served in the military, and place a flag in reverence of their service. Send us a picture of your visit to FlagsAtFortSam@AlamoAreaBSA.org, including the name of the fallen hero you wish to honor, and we’ll share it with the AAC Community. Together, we will remember the bravery of the ones gone, but not forgotten.

On behalf of the Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council, thank you to all those who laid down their life for the safety and freedom of our great nation. We send our condolences to the family members who were left behind and are forever grateful for the sacrifice your family made for our freedom.

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