Troop 5 Serves Maplewood on Memorial Day

Even though heavy rain forced the cancellation of the Maplewood Memorial Day Parade this year, Troop 5 still proudly answered the call to serve the community on one of the nation’s most important holidays.

The troop began the morning serving as the color guard for the Memorial Day ceremony at Town Hall. Scouts stood in uniform alongside veterans, township officials, and community members as Maplewood paused to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

One of the most memorable moments of the ceremony came as a Troop 5 scout sounded Taps on bugle beneath the memorial wreaths in Town Hall. The notes echoed through the chamber in a quiet and powerful reminder of the true meaning of Memorial Day.

After the ceremony, Troop 5 shifted into another long-standing Maplewood tradition: supporting the YMCA Duck Race. Scouts spent the morning wrangling hundreds of rubber ducks along the Rahway River, helping organize the event, assisting families, and supporting the community gathering despite the rainy conditions.

Troop 5 scouts also helped sell hot dogs, snacks, and drinks throughout the event, continuing the troop’s long tradition of community service on Memorial Day.

While the giant American flag remained folded this year due to the canceled parade, Troop 5 still found many ways to serve the community and honor the spirit of Memorial Day.

The troop thanks all of the scouts, families, alumni, and adult advisors who came out despite the weather and helped make the day a success.