Scouts celebrate America’s 250th with ‘Light to Unite’
Members of Pack 1005 of the Laurel Highlands Boy Scouts on Friday took part in a special flag raising ceremony at the Crossroads Center in Washington, hoisting an American flag as part of the Scouts’ “Lite to Unite” celebration, marking America’s 250th anniversary.
As part of Lite to Unite, a single, traveling U.S. flag is making its way across all 67 Pennsylvania counties.
Pennsylvania Scout packs and troops are partnering with sheriff’s offices in the commonwealth to conduct the flag-raising ceremonies at county courthouses and other local landmarks before sending the flag on to the next location.
Pack 1005 and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office partnered for Friday’s ceremony.
The event began on Scouting’s birthday, Feb. 8, in Philadelphia, and will conclude on Flag Day, June 14, in Pittsburgh.
“Scouting helps young people develop leadership, teamwork and citizenship, and today’s a great example of those values and actions here in Washington County,” said Joe Weintzierl of the Laurel Highlands Council.
During its journey, the flag was also accompanied by a Scouting America flag, which has been signed by the many participants in flag-raising ceremonies across the state. The local Scouts signed the flag at the conclusion of the program.
According to a press release from Scouting America, the event “showcased the importance of civic engagement, teamwork, and Scouting vales,” while creating “moments of connection and reflection for participants of all ages.”