08/30/2026
Saturday was a big day for Troop 826.
We started bright and early at VFW Post 9473. Like every fifth Saturday of the month, it was breakfast day. Our Scouts set up the hall, prepared the food, took orders, served our guests, kept the coffee flowing, and cleaned everything afterward.
Yes, the Scout who took your order and brought your food may have been only 11 years old.
The Scout who made those fantastic pancakes? He was 15.
The Scout who cleared your table and refilled your coffee? He was 14.
These boys got up at 6:00 Saturday morning to serve their community and the veterans whose service we appreciate so deeply.
By the way, did you know the VFW breakfasts are open to the public? French toast, bacon, and coffee for around $8—you simply can’t beat it!
After the breakfast crowd and the Mission 22 Poker Run departed, the Scouts cleaned up and headed home around 1:00 p.m. They had a couple of hours to rest, but by 6:00 they were back at the VFW.
This time, they returned to support one of their own as Connor completed his Eagle Scout service project: a flag-retirement box built for the VFW and our community.
Do you know how to respectfully retire Old Glory?
An American flag does not belong in a trash can. It does not belong in a landfill. When it has become worn, faded, or tattered beyond use, it deserves to be retired with the same dignity our country has bestowed upon it—and with respect for all those who have sacrificed so much beneath it and in its defense.
Saturday evening’s ceremony was unforgettable.
A tattered, well-worn flag was presented by the Scout honor guard. Connor explained the meaning of its stars, its stripes, and its colors. The flag that had proudly served our country was carefully folded, respectfully embraced, and solemnly carried to the flames.
With the Scouts, members of VFW Post 9473, Mission 22 riders, and other witnesses standing silently at attention, the flag was retired. The only sounds were the crackling and snapping of the fire.
For the next hour, the Scouts continued their work in silence. In honor of our country’s 250th birthday, they respectfully retired exactly 250 American flags, carefully allowing each group to turn to ash before adding the next.
At the close of the ceremony, the Scouts and everyone gathered renewed our heartfelt Pledge of Allegiance. Then Taps was played—by a 15-year-old Scout.
After the fire had died, the ashes were carefully gathered and buried with respect.
This is how you retire the symbol of our country during America’s 250th birthday—with service, dignity, gratitude, and honor.
So tonight, when you watch the news and hear about a 15-year-old who led police on a chase in a stolen car—or about some other unthinkable thing a young person has done—I want you to remember the boys of Troop 826.
They spent their Saturday serving breakfast, supporting veterans, honoring our flag, and serving their community.
They probably won’t make the evening news.
But they should.
We are Troop 826.
We are Scouting America.
