The young men of Boy Scout Troop 334, Leverington Presbyterian Church Roxborough, recently had a once in a lifetime honor. On the weekend of Oct 20th the troop camped in Millersville Maryland in preparation for a day trip in Arlington Virginia. On Saturday morning the group of young men made their way to The Pentagon where they were granted a personal private tour lead by a Chief Petty Officer John Williams (Father of a Troop 334 Eagle Scout graduate) and three Navy Reservists (one was an Eagle Scout!). The scouts spent the day touring The Pentagon, learning how it operates and its history. The Naval personnel were also able to relay personal 9/11 stories related to The Pentagon.
In addition to the expected escorts, the group was fortunate enough to have the honor of One Star Rear Naval Admiral Robert Durand (an Eagle Scout himself) joining them for the tour. He talked about his role at The Pentagon, in the service and his time as a Boy Scout. When the Troop was saying their farewell the Admiral gave the senior youth leader, the youngest scout and the Scoutmaster a personal coin (an honored tradition passed to commemorate special visits/events). One member of the group was granted access to a private wing of the Pentagon where they were able to view the Navy Remembrance Room. This is a space where the family of the lost can come to visit in private. After the tour inside The Pentagon the scouts spent time in the memorial garden that honors the victims of 9/11 lost at this site. To end the visit on an upbeat note, the group had the pleasure of fun conversation with one of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency Officers.
Before heading back to camp the Troop visited Arlington National Cemetery. They spent some time at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, where they viewed the ceremony of the Changing of the Guard. The Troop was also able to observe World War II Veterans lay the memorial wreath at the tomb and perform taps with many Veteran groups in attendance. The young men paid attention and gave great reverence during their time at the memorial. These are all honors that will never be forgotten.
In 2016 the Troop visited the Shanksville 9/11 site while on their way to week camp in Pittsburgh and plan on a trip to the 9/11 site in New York this spring. Scouting offers many opportunities that youth wouldn’t otherwise benefit from.
The scouting program at Leverington includes a Cub Pack, Boy Scout Troop and a Girl Scout program. For any information on the scouting programs feel free to contact the Scoutmaster at scoutmastrdavid@verizon.net
