Memorial Day is a time to honor the men and women who died serving their country.
At this year’s celebration in Richland, a group of local Scouts received special recognition for their service, too.
The American Legion presented Boy Scout Troop 150 of Gibsonia with its Outstanding Troop of the Year Award for Pennsylvania during the community’s annual Memorial Day ceremony in Richland Township Community Park.
The award acknowledges the troop’s commitment to the community and veterans, as well as its dedication to the Scouting program.
“I feel a huge sense of gratitude. I feel like I’ve finally accomplished something that not only I can be proud of but everyone around me is proud of, too,” said Gibsonia-area resident Quinton Summers, 17, a Life Scout, the highest rank before Eagle Scout.
Troop 150, which is chartered by American Legion Post 548, earned more than 257 merit badges, 39 ranks and a multitude of awards in 2024.
“It’s just an incredible honor, and these boys have been working really hard. They deserve it,” said Scoutmaster Rick Pflugh of Pine.
While other Boy Scout organizations are shrinking nationally, Troop 150 continues to grow.
“Troop 150 and their 46 active troops have consistently embodied the Scout Oath and Scout Law in their daily lives, recording 31 service projects and over 1500 hours of documented service,” said Tish Miller of Richland, who is involved with Troop 150.
Her son, Max, 13, is a member and helps the troop with recruiting.
Receiving the award is special for him, he said, adding the Boy Scouts has been a huge part of his growth and development.
“I’m an only child and I don’t have any cousins or anything close to my age so, for me, Boy Scouts has become a brotherhood. That’s what I enjoy most is the camaraderie,” Max Miller said.
Troop 150 was recognized during the community’s annual Memorial Day celebration.
The Scouts stood at attention during the service to honor those who were lost in combat.
“We have veterans in our troop that set a good example for the boys, but coming out and supporting the veterans that died for our country is incredibly important for these kids to see and it’s a huge part of what we do in Scouts,” Pflugh said.
The troop also had a recent Eagle Scout in attendance who was home from college for the event.
“It’s very important to me. I started when I was in first grade, and I have been involved all the way until now and I’m in college at Case Western,” said Michael Lattari of Pine.
“Scouts has taught me how to be a good person, and it has taught me a lot of life lessons. It taught me how to make friends and set a good example. It’s been a fun experience, and I’d recommend it to anyone.”
