Good Turn

Hi Troop 75,

I hope you all had a very nice safe Memorial Day weekend! Short work week! It sure has been pretty hot lately! Doesn't matter indoors or out! You just can't escape the heat. But still, lucky we live Hawaii! I just want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to the Scout's and Adults who participated in this year's Good Turn at the Punchbowl Cemetery Of The Pacific. We had a smaller turnout than usual, 7 Scout's and 3 Adults. But that's OK, Troop 75 was represented. I think next year we'll just join Pack 75 on their Bus.

Our day started with a nice Bus ride to Punchbowl. No AC through, we had to open all the windows. We arrived just before 11:30 am. The Bus dropped us off at the top. After departing the Bus we made our way down to the entrance. Away from the Cemetery to have lunch. We rested for about 30 minutes. And made our way back up to the Ceremony Tent. We got seats and waited for the Ceremony to begin at 1:00 pm. 

The Ceremony started with the Posting of the Colors. And keynote speakers, a  Rear Admiral, her Captain Husband, and Jeff Salzbach officially opened the Ceremony with some very nice, touching words of honor and pride. And how all the people interned at Punchbowl made the ultimate sacrifice. For this Country, and so that we can be free.We had a moment of silence, then the playing of taps. The Marine Corp Band played a medley of Armed Forces Anthems. As each Anthem was played for the different Branches of the Military. The active and retired Soldier's and Vets stood and we're recognized. That was really nice!

At the conclusion of the Ceremony. Thousands of Scouts and Cub Scouts proceeded to put the flags and leis at each of the more than 38,000 graves. It was so magical to see the how the flags and leis appeared and spread across the Cemetery like a big wave! The Cemetery floor was covered in less than an hour.  After doing our Good Turn. We proceeded down the hill to get our ice cream and juice from Meadow Gold. And walking to our Bus at the bottom of the hill. It was a great day! 

A HUGE THANKS YOU once again to the Scout's and Adults who came out to represent Troop 75. THANKS to Sasha Dees-Besas for getting the Bus for the Troop. THANK YOU to all the Pack 75 Cub Scout's, their Leaders and Parents for joining us and helping to make this Good Turn a huge success! It is always an honor and a pleasure to interact with our Cub Scout Brothers.