Scouts help Knox honor vets

N-E/LeeAnn Seymour Maj. Gen. Michael D. Rochelle, commander of the U.S. Army Recruiting Command, speaks Tuesday during a Veterans Day ceremony at Fort Knox's Brooks Field. The post's Scouting community sponsored the event.

When Maj. Willis Madden discovered Fort Knox didn't schedule a Veterans Day ceremony on post, he knew something had to be done.

So he turned to a group of people he knew were always prepared: Scouts.

Madden and other members of the Fort Knox Scouting Council played host to their own Veterans Day ceremony Tuesday at Brooks Field. Several Fort Knox Scout troops participated.

"We saw a need," Madden said. "When we heard that wasn't a ceremony scheduled, as Scouts we felt that was a travesty."

Master Sgt. Jerry Meredith, a public affairs officer at Fort Knox, said he didn't know why Fort Knox didn't hold a ceremony, but that the post supported other local Veterans Day events held this year.

Members of the Fort Knox community, including Maj. Gen. Michael D. Rochelle, spoke at the ceremony. Rochelle called veterans heroes and said they provided an example that today's troops, the veterans of tomorrow, were proud to follow.

Brittney Davis, 12, a member of Cadette Girl Scout Troop 464, said it was a good idea to honor veterans with a ceremony.

"They protected our country, and (some) passed away for us," she said.

Davis and Cub Scout Steven Trout, 7, placed a wreath at the foot of the flagpole at Brooks Field. It was symbolic of the wreath-laying by President Bush Tuesday at Arlington National Cemetery, Madden said.

"I liked carrying the wreath," Trout said.

This was the first year the Fort Knox Scout community has held a Veterans Day ceremony.

The American Legion color guard, commanded by George Phelps, was also on hand to present a 21-gun salute.

George Townsend, an Army veteran and member of the color guard, said it was encouraging to see children honoring veterans.

"It was really good, and we love doing things like that to at least show the kids how things were done," Townsend said. "Somebody's got to carry it on."

Madden, who has five children who are all involved in Scouting, said he believes it's important for children to learn about history and what sacrifices have been made.

"I try to make sure they attend ceremonies like this and understand the purposes of these days," he said.

Erica Walsh can be reached at 769-1200, Ext. 238, or e-mail her at erica@mail.the-ne.com.