On Friday, BSA Troop 106 will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia near Washington D.C.

The commemorative ceremony, normally reserved for heads of state or political elite, will be afforded to the local Boy Scouts because of their community service, flag etiquette and patriotic presentations. Travis Cade, senior patrol leader, asserted, “We take our flag ceremonies very seriously. We use white gloves, Scout berets and full BSA uniforms. We’re ready for this assignment.”

Arlington National Cemetery officials suggest that those placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns seek out a local florist to design the arrangement.

Well-known florist Bonnie McGorn, who heads up Weber’s Florists in Ironton, has been selected to create the wreath to be laid by Troop 106.

According to Bonnie, “The wreath must reflect the patriotic colors of red, white and blue along with the symbolic designations of the people laying the wreath. In this case, Boy Scouts from our community will have this privilege.

In keeping with the Boy Scout’s emphasis on Native American courage, honor and self-discipline, we designed the wreath as a large dream catcher complete with significant colors, blessing feathers and symbolic totems. This is an honor for us to do this wreath and it is a distinct honor for our community.”

The wreath features the names of the four Patrols of the Troop.

Dave Lucas, Troop Scoutmaster, added “We are very pleased that the National Cemetery asked Weber’s to do the commemorative wreath.

“In this way, we feel like we are placing this wreath on behalf of everyone in Lawrence County and the entire region. This is an historic occasion and certainly one for the record books!”

The Boy Scouts will carry the wreath with them on this American Heritage Tour and visit Philadelphia, Valley Forge, Fort McHenry, the Pentagon and the U.S. Capitol along the way.

“We know, however, that the highlight of this trip will be the moments we spend in that sacred place known as Arlington,” said Lucas. “We will be taking the prayers and blessing of all veterans with us as we go. For all veterans and their families, be sure to know, we are doing this for you.”