MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Boy Scout Troop 77 honored our nation’s veterans over the Memorial Day Weekend with a renovation of the Station Vietnam War Memorial located across the street from Crossroads.
During the renovation, the Scouts repainted the chipped and worn torii, cleaned the area surrounding the memorial, wiped down and shined up the monument and placed American Flag’s throughout the memorial.
“We had been looking for a project to do regarding the troops,” said Lt. Cmdr. George N. Suther, Scoutmaster for Troop 77 and Station facilities officer. “We thought as a nice gesture for Memorial Day, we should spruce up the memorial, clean it up and make it look better.”
After hearing about the upcoming project, the Scouts were filled with excitement. Not only would it fulfill the service to community they each pledged as a part of their oath, but because they looked forward to honoring the veterans.
“When the Scouts heard about the project they thought it would be a great idea,” said Suther. “Typically we just come out and clean it up, but this time we decided to take it a step further, repainting it and dressing it up and the scouts couldn’t wait. They understood how special the project was.”
The Scouts worked diligently on the renovation without any gripes or complaints. The only thing matching the new shine of the monument was the shining smiling faces present during the project. They all worked with a cheerful attitude knowing their work would not go unnoticed.
“I really wanted to come out here and clean this up,” said James A. Hashman, 13. Hashman is a first class patrol leader for Troop 77. “It’s a monument and it respects the ones who died for our country, so we should respect it like we do them.”
As the Scouts began their work on a late Friday afternoon, passing cars and pedestrians would slow to examine the work. It was the exact reaction the scouts were hoping for.
“Before the renovation most people would walk by and just see another torii,” said Neil E. Suther, 16. Suther is the senior patrol leader for Troop 77. “Now that the memorial is cleaned up and we’ve decorated it a little more, I’m hoping more people will realize what it stands for and will begin to respect it more.”