Scouts from Troop 324 in Stuttgart, Germany, experienced history firsthand during a powerful campout connecting World War I, World War II and today. Traveling to the Lorraine region of France, they served, reflected and gained a deeper understanding of the true cost of freedom.

The campout marked a major council milestone. Through their work at the cemeteries and ongoing community efforts, Troop 324 officially surpassed the Transatlantic Council’s goal of 250 service hours in support of the America 250 commemoration initiative!

The centerpiece of the weekend was a visit to the Lorraine American Cemetery, the largest American World War II cemetery in Europe, which serves as the final resting place for 10,489 American service members.

In full field uniforms, the Scouts spent the morning cleaning headstones alongside cemetery staff. The physical work was straightforward, water, brushes and care, but the emotional gravity was profound. Every name scrubbed and every cross wiped represented a young life given in service to something greater.

Christopher Arseneault, Superintendent of Lorraine American Cemetery, spent the morning guiding the troop through the hallowed grounds. His insights helped the youth decipher the deep symbolism of the memorial and connect personally with the individuals honored there.

“Citizenship isn’t just about rights, it’s about duty. We have duties to maintain our rights and our country. It’s up to us to build up our rights, protect our rights, and maintain our country.”

— Second Class Scout Elanor

This profound effort also directly aligned with Scouting’s global Messengers of Peace initiative, showcasing how today’s youth living overseas can promote international understanding and remembrance through cheerful service.

The historic backdrop provided a powerful, real-world classroom for Scouts working on their American Heritage, Citizenship in the Nation and Citizenship in the World merit badges. Leaders challenged the Scouts to look past the overwhelming sea of white marble and focus on the distinct human stories behind the headstones.

At Lorraine, the troop gathered at the grave of Private Charley Havlat of the 803rd Tank Destroyer Battalion. The son of Czech immigrants, Havlat was tragically killed by enemy machine-gun fire at 8:20 a.m. on May 7, 1945, a mere 10 minutes before the official ceasefire order went into effect to end the war in Europe. He is recognized as the last American soldier killed in action in the European Theater.

Nearby, at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery Saint-Avold, the Scouts shifted focus to World War I as they learned about Private George Muir, a 19-year-old Scottish soldier. Captured and held as a prisoner of war, Muir survived the brutal conditions of the trenches only to succumb to illness on October 26, 1918, just sixteen days before the Armistice.

Through these targeted historical encounters, Scouts saw clearly that duty and sacrifice often extend to the very final moments of global conflict.

Stepping further into military history, the troop also toured Ouvrage du Bambesch, a fortified artillery bunker belonging to France’s famous Maginot Line defensive system.

Deep within the fortifications, the Scouts discussed the heavy ethical and tactical decisions faced by leaders in 1940. They analyzed the choice made by Captain André Pastre, who ultimately surrendered the fort to save his men after relentless German artillery bombardment made continued resistance completely untenable.

The site visit sparked vibrant youth-led discussions regarding leadership under fire, strategic preparation and the heavy realities of national defense, core tenets of their citizenship tracking.

The impactful weekend concluded back at the troop’s base campsite in Baumholder, Germany, with a solemn flag retirement ceremony.

As worn, unserviceable American flags were respectfully and properly retired by the fire, the Scouts participated in a timeless tradition that bridges generations of military service. The quiet ceremony served as a powerful reminder that the symbols of our nation carry immense weight, and that honoring them is an active responsibility of citizenship.

From the historic battlegrounds and cemeteries of France to a quiet campsite in Germany, Troop 324 demonstrated that citizenship is far more than a concept found in a handbook. It is service, reflection, and responsibility in action. “I felt sadness while visiting the cemetery,” shared Scout Logan. “But I also felt immense gratitude to those people who gave their lives for our country and freedom.” That weekend, these Transatlantic Council Scouts didn’t just learn about American heritage and global citizenship; they truly lived it.

Experiences like this are what make Scouting America so unique, especially for families living overseas. If you are ready for your child to build real-world leadership skills, foster lifelong friendships, and experience history up close, there is a place for them here!

We welcome all youth from ages 5 to 20 to participate in our programs, from Cub Scouts through Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts. Find a unit near you and register today: www.tacscouting.org/join/.

This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of War. 

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