Veterans' Dinner

Veterans’ Dinner

 

     This Saturday, the troop held a special dinner at the church to honor veterans. The Scouts arrived throughout the afternoon, and they prepared the room for the big event. Curtains were put up, flags were placed in their stands, and lights were positioned. Tablecloths were spread, candles were placed, silverware was laid, and salt, pepper, dressing, and butter were set out. Meanwhile, carrots were cut, salads were made, food was prepared, and then the salad was put on the tables. The Scouts rehearsed their roles in the ceremony, and then, since they were quite hungry, went to room 123 to feast on boxes and boxes of pizza.

 

     Once the preparations were made and the Scouts were fed, the clock indicated it was nearly time for the doors to open, at 5:30. After this, veterans and their families came in and found tables to sit at. As this was happening, table hosts were greeting their guests, Danny C., the Scout organizer of the event, was rushing about, Mr. S., the adult organizer, was also going here and there doing things, and Scouts started to serve drinks. Around 6:00, Pastor Mark Rowland said an opening prayer, and then the boys sprang into action, serving plates of chicken, green beans, and mashed potatoes. Before long, everyone had their dinner in front of them. While the guests ate their food, Scouts such as Gunner T., Bryan C., and Michael G. went around refilling drinks.

 

     After the veterans and their families had finished eating, the Scouts cleared all the plates and took them to the kitchen so the adults could wash them. Once this was over, the server-Scouts brought out a delicious dessert of tiramisu. And once those plates were cleared, it was almost time for the ceremony to start.

 

     The program began with the opening flag ceremony. Alex S., Andrew B., and Austin M. presented the American Flag, and then the National Anthem was played. Then it was time for the presentation of the flags for each branch of the military, with the armed forces medley. The Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Marine Corps flags came forward, each during their song. The veterans stood as their branches were announced.

 

     Then Seamus G. called Jackson T. forward to give his address to the veterans. Once his speech was finished, I came up to give my speech on sacrifice. After I called for a moment of silence at the end, the lights were turned off, and I joined Jackson and the other Scouts. We quietly and quickly formed two rows, making an aisle way. Then a solitary light was turned on and aimed down the aisle, operated by Aiden H. The light shone on Alex S., who held the black POW-MIA flag. The only light in the room was the spotlight, and the image of a flickering candle on the projector screen. The only sound was a slow, somber song beginning to play. After a few moments, Alex slowly walked down the aisle, the Scouts saluting as he went by. He made his way to the stage, eventually posting the flag in its stand by the others. Then, as he walked back down through the aisle, the Scouts walked out of their formation and followed him slowly out of the room.

 

     After the last Scouts had walked through the door, “God Bless America” was played, along with a slideshow of pictures of our country. Then Mr. Siebenburgen came onstage to give some final thoughts. He presented Danny C. with the Spirit of the Veteran Award, for his hard work planning the dinner. It was placed around Danny’s neck by the oldest veteran at the dinner, who was 95. A tribute to American heroes was played (with “God Bless the USA”), and then Pastor Rowland offered a closing prayer.

 

     As the guests left the room, the Scouts quickly set to work cleaning up. As the tables were cleared, we rabidly scavenged what leftovers there were, stuffing delectable dinner rolls into our mouths and pockets. We also made quick work of the chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans left in the kitchen. Many, including myself, had their eyes set on those mashed potatoes all evening. Just when we thought that we had devoured everything, my mom remembered that there was an entire cart of leftover tiramisu in the walk-in fridge. And to think, we almost forgot about it! I’ll just let you imagine what you missed if you weren’t there. I think the Scouts of Troop 281 would have their lives enriched if Mr. S. provided his wonderful dinner rolls at every meeting and campout!

 

     I believe that the veterans and their families enjoyed this special evening as much as we enjoyed putting it on. We look forward to holding this event again.

 

Special thanks to Mr. Siebenburgen, Danny C., Mr. Reid, and all of the other adults and Scouts who contributed to making this dinner a success.