Boy Scouts and American Legion members decorate Dover cemetery
If you think veterans of our armed forces aren't properly remembered for their service then you haven't seen the members of Boy Scout Troop 86 of Dover and the members of Dover American Legion 205 in action.Members of both groups met Monday evening, May 10, to decorate the graves of the 1,027 veterans at Dover Burial Park. The event is held each year rain or shine.
"We used to pick a rain date but then the veterans said they didn't stop the war for rain," said Ed Cook, a leader with Troop 86. The Boy Scouts and the American Legion members began working together 11 years ago on the project.
As part of the tribute, the names of the deceased veterans were read aloud, the sound resonating through the peaceful park as each grave was decorated with a new American flag and checked off a list. The lists are organized by the sections of the ceremony.
It's important to the survivors that their veteran is honored with an American flag for Memorial Day. "Families will let us know if we've missed someone," said Robert Bergquist, a member of American Legion Post 205. Bergquist was a staff sergeant in the Marine Corps who served in the Korean War.
Nicolas Ortiz, 10, a member of Cub Scout Pack 86, is in his third year of helping with the project. "I like helping with the flags so we can help remember the soldiers who died," said Nicolas. He also likes helping because his grandfather, Clayton Thompson, is a Korean War veteran. His brother, Nathan, 7, assisted in the project.
Riley Cook, 17, who will be attending Boys State this year, has helped with the project for many years. "I feel privileged helping out because veterans deserve to be recognized," he said.
"The most important thing is that we watch out for the veterans," said Bergquist. He noted that American Legion Post 205 donated $1,000 last year for Ohio veterans who are in Ohio hospitals. The money was collected during a fundraising drive held last November. Bergquist was touched by some of the stories told to him by donors about the veterans in their families.
The American Legion members are sponsoring three young men at Boys State this year. In addition to Cook, Christian Ifft and Zach Rafter will also be attending the 10-day event designed to show the participants how government works.
According to the Tuscarawas County Veterans Service office, there are 130 cemeteries located in the county with almost 12,000 veterans buried. The Veterans Service office purchases the flags and holders that are used to decorate the graves. A number of individuals, veterans and service groups, and Boy Scout troops help decorate the graves each year.