For more than a century, Scouting and the military have been strong allies.
Scout units learn from military units (and vice versa!) at day camps and camporees. Eagle Scouts get to enter the military at a higher rank. Many current Scouting volunteers served in the armed forces.
That makes Armed Forces Day — Saturday, May 16, 2015 — a critical time for us to thank the members of our military for their patriotic service in support of our country.
I asked Scouting magazine’s Facebook community for ideas for saluting our soldiers on Armed Forces Day. Here are 8 ideas:
1. Invite veterans to a potluck dinner
“Veterans Day this past year fell on Tuesday, our meeting night, so we had a full sit-down potluck dinner and invited all of our veterans to come celebrate with us and talk about what they did in the military. Then we turned the boys loose with questions. Everyone had a wonderful time. We gave them bags of popcorn as a thank you gift!”
– Kelli W.
2. Ask a soldier to speak at a Scout meeting
“As it turns out I am both a soldier (a non-commissioned officer) and a Cubmaster. I was a guest at three separate den meetings with packs within the district where I went in uniform and brought my dress uniform, helmet, rucksack and some MREs for the Scouts to try. It seems that the kids liked hearing about the Army from someone in uniform. I also talked about the importance of wearing a complete uniform and wearing it correctly.”
– John C.
3. Complete a service project
“Our pack does a service project for our chartered organization. The American Legion orders flags for our Scouts to place on veterans’ graves throughout the city. We do this every Armed Forces Day so that they will be in place for Memorial Day.”
– Alison D.
4. Visit veterans at the hospital
Seeing Scouts is sure to brighten their day, and your Scouts will be honored to meet these American heroes.
Learn more about volunteering for our veterans here.
– Javier S.
5. Collect items to send in care packages
“Conduct a drive and send collected items to deployed service members in care packages.”
Contact the USO for more info on how and where to send these packages.
– Mike S.
6. Call your VFW and ask what you can do
Not sure how you can best honor our armed forces? Just ask.
“Call your local VFW or similar organization and ask what they need. Perhaps help with a fundraiser or event. It can be as simple as providing a flag ceremony.”
– Terry E.
7. Just say thank you
Sometimes simple works, too.
If you see a soldier or veteran, be sure to tell him or her thanks for their service.
– Angel R.
8. See if there’s an Armed Forces Day event in your area
Check your local newspaper to see whether there’s an Armed Forced Day event in your area.
Show up with your Scouts — in uniform, if possible — and show your support.
– Aaron B.
Your ideas?
Share them in the comments section below.
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