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Visitors to Goose Creek State Park on November 7, 2020 didn’t seem to notice the campfire surrounded by more than twenty cub scouts and family members. Their attention got much more focused as, one by one, those scouts deposited 25 flags into the hungry-looking flames.

The event was one of several joint efforts by Beaufort County’s Scout Troop 21, Chapter 48 of the Disabled American Veterans, and Unit 48 of the DAV Auxiliary, all meant to promote patriotism, good citizenship and an increased appreciation for American history among Beaufort County’s scouts.

“Their leaders reached out to me a few years back about helping in an annual Memorial Day ceremony. We’ve been doing different patriotic events ever since,” said DAV Commander Juanita White, a retired Master Sergeant who served 22 years in the U.S. Army.

The flag retirement ceremony was part of the troop’s annual camping weekend, which included lessons about the flag’s history, care and treatment. The Washington chapter of the Redman’s Lodge donated 25 flags, including one state flag and a POW-MIA flag, for the event.

“This helps in numerous ways as they earn their badges. We enjoy seeing them learn, and we learn from them as well. It’s a win-win for the community,” White noted.

Interested? Contact Boy Scout Troop 21 Committee Chairperson Betty Woolard at 252-943-7805 or DAV Commander White at 252-944-6614.