Honoring Veterans on Veterans Day
Scouting shapes young people who choose to serve with purpose. Your youth learn courage, loyalty, and responsibility. They learn to put others first. They learn to stay strong in body and awake in mind. These values guide many Scouts long after they earn Eagle. They guide them into classrooms, careers, and service to their country. Veterans Day is a moment to recognize these people and the impact they make. It is a day to honor Scouts who stepped forward and wore the uniform of the United States Armed Forces.
Every year, families and communities honor Veterans Day to thank those who served. Many of these veterans began their journey in Scouting. Their time in Scouting helped prepare them for challenges that tested their strength and character. Their stories show your youth what service looks like in real life.
Two Friends. Two Eagle Scouts. Two Marines.
Some friendships begin in elementary school and carry forward into adulthood. That was true for Eagle Scouts Thomas Giese and Tony Moreno. They met in first grade. They joined Cub Scouts. They stayed with the program until they earned Eagle. Then they stepped into a new chapter of service. They completed Marine Corps Recruit Training together.
Thomas and Tony credit their Scouting experience for helping them succeed. Hiking. Orienteering. Rappelling. Problem solving. These skills helped them stay focused and steady during demanding training. Their rank of Eagle Scout also merited a promotion to Private First Class.
Both will return to college after follow-on training. Thomas attends West Virginia University. Tony attends Loyola University New Orleans. They will serve in the Marine Corps Reserves while pursuing their studies.
Their path shows your youth how Scouting builds confidence and prepares them for service of every kind.
A WWII Veteran. A Scoutmaster. A Legacy of Eagles.
Josiah Benator was born in Atlanta in 1922. He grew up in a Sephardic Jewish family with roots on the island of Rhodes. He joined Scouting America in 1934 and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He studied engineering. In 1943, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served as a First Lieutenant in the 20th Armored Infantry Battalion, 10th Armored Division.
Benator fought in the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. He earned the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal for his service. When the war ended, he returned to Atlanta. He stepped back into Scouting as Scoutmaster of Troop 73.
Over the next 70 years, he guided 53 Scouts to the rank of Eagle. That is a rare impact. Only a small percentage of Scouts earn the Eagle rank. His leadership shaped several generations of young people and strengthened his community.
His story reflects the heart of Veterans Day. It reminds your families and leaders that service to others lasts a lifetime.
How You Can Honor Veterans Today
Veterans Day gives your family a chance to thank the people who served our country. A simple gesture matters. Say thank you to a veteran in your community. Write a message of support to a local veterans group. Share a story about a veteran who inspired you or your Scout.
Your family can also take part by recognizing veterans in Scouting America. Their stories continue to guide youth who want to serve, lead, and support others.
