Just a couple of days ahead of the Nov. 11 observance of Veterans Day, some area Scouts took the opportunity to recognize those that have served with honor and distinction. Both Troop 365 and Cub Scout Pack 365 came together this past weekend at the Oakdale Citizens Cemetery to place flags on the graves of the hundreds of veterans that served in the Armed Forces. With both Scouts and their younger counterparts, Cubs, on hand, along with some community volunteers and Troop Leaders, they were able to place almost 800 flags throughout the cemetery.

Devon Mahida, Scout and Recruiter for Troop 365, along with his father Dr. Chaitanya Mahida, reflected on why organizations like Troop 365 are so important to communities like Oakdale.

“Our motto is to be prepared and being a Scout also teaches us a lot of life skills,” said Devon.

What many parents, including Dr. Mahida, appreciate about the Boy Scouts of America are all of the fundamental things that the Scouts learn throughout their time with the organization.

“We moved here and we have raised our children here and the Scouts have taught discipline and community service to our kids and prepared them for the future,” said Dr. Mahida, adding that he also likes to help out at events when he isn’t seeing patients.

For many it is a family affair from Scouts and Cubs and their families to volunteers that want to pay their respects by giving some of their time to help place flags on gravesites. Kristi Besson and her daughter Maquel do it to honor of their friends and family members that have served. Others such as Cubs are just starting their journey on their way to becoming Scouts and spent much of the time this past weekend learning the appropriate form and salute to bestow after placing the flags.

The flags will remain on the graves of the local veterans for about a month, then they will be replaced by Christmas Wreaths from the Wreaths Across America Program on Dec. 13.