By Rama K. Ramaswamy
Like clockwork, the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts were hard at work this May at the annual Flag Replacement Event at Woodlawn Cemetery. Stanley Spear, Deputy Director of the West Suburban Veterans, handed out approximately 1,000 flags to be replaced and the project took about one hour to compete. The flags were to be planted in a certain way, so as not to touch the ground.
The volunteers in attendance were 10-12 Wellesley residents, a firehouse station (in uniform with two trucks) and 50 Girl Scouts and their families, including some adults (which included troop leaders and parents).
“This was really fun, and it shows right away how we made a difference,” said one Girl Scout.
“I liked working with the different adults. The veterans and firemen are so nice,” said another.
“What a great event,” said one Girl Scout parent. “We’re so glad our daughters are directly helping the community. It’s so terrific to have all these different groups working together.”
“We never knew this happens every year!” remarked a Wellesley resident in attendance. “We’ll be on hand to help from now on.”
As the flags are replaced and the old flags are separated by volunteers and packed away, almost everyone - Girl Scouts and parents alike - asked, “what happens to the old flags?” The Veterans explained that the old flags are “retired” and burned at a very special ceremony on Flag Day (this year on June 14). Almost every single Girl Scout chimed in to announce their intention to attend that too.
“It’s great to hear the Scouts want to be there and witness how we properly dispose of the flags that flew over the graves of Veterans this past year,” remarked Spear, the Deputy Director West Suburban Veterans.
