1.0 Overview
Each Memorial Day, the Hanover Recreation Department and Hanover Center Church
observe the traditions of both Decoration Day and Muster Day with an observance at
the Hanover Center Cemetery. The Boy Scouts provide a color guard and lead a
procession from the church to the cemetery, where the Cub Scouts and Brownies
remove the old, tattered flags from the graves of veterans, and replace them with
new, fresh flags. Since 2000, the Boy Scouts have also provided a fire so that
the old flags may be disposed of in a dignified and symbolic manner, and a black
powder rifle salute.
2.0 Concept
2.1 Description
The advance team of scouts will meet at the Hanover Center Green at 1430 to set up the
fire platform and prepare the flag disposal fire. At the same time, the color guard
will drill the presentation of the colors and the procession to the cemetery.
At 1530 other scouts, the Cub Scouts, and the Brownies will arrive. We will give
them a briefing on the ceremony and then practice at least once.
The actual ceremony begins at 1600. We will follow the program provided at that time.
Our role will be to present the colors, lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and then lead the
procession from the church to the cemetery. At the cemetery, the color guard will post
the colors at the gate and the rest of the scouts will enter the cemetery to begin replacing
flags. (The Cubmaster will have the flags.)
When the last flag has been burned, Rev. Brayman will offer a benediction. We will then
provide a rifle salute. The Hanover High School Band will play Taps and the ceremony ends.
Following the ceremony, we are welcome to eat the picnic meal served on the church lawn.
Tickets are provided for uniformed participants; others pay $3.00.
After dinner, the scouts help put tables and chairs away in the church.
2.3 Expected Conditions and Difficulty
This is black fly season.... Be prepared to carry on in the rain.
2.4 Special Requirements
Open to all scouts, scouters, and parents. There are no skill prerequisites
for this outing.
3.0 Administration and Logistics
3.1 Announcement Date: 3 May 2000
3.2 Roster Closing Date: 29 May 2000
3.3 Costs
None for participants. Dinner is $3 for non-partricipants.
3.4 Equipment
3.4.1 Individual Equipment
Class A uniform. Look sharp!
3.4.2 Patrol Equipment
None
3.4.3 Troop Equipment
First Aid Kit
Troop and US flags with staves
Fire platform (at the Beach's)
Firewood and starting materials
Firefighting water
Notetaking materials
3.5 Transportation Plan
Drop-off Point: Hanover Center Green
Drop-off Time: 1430 Mon 29May
Pickup Point: Hanover Center Green
Pickup Time: approx 1730 same day
4.0 Leadership
4.1 Planning Committee
Chris
4.2 Adult Leaders
SMIC: Mr. Brown
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