AUBURN, ME (December 9, 2022) — Girl Scouts of Maine Troop 5043 installed a new American flag and POW flag at a Marine neighbor’s house today. The troop retired two American flags, learning the proper retirement ceremony and process from troop aunt, Jax, who is also a veteran and fellow VFW member in Auburn.

The Girl Scout troop met Ron Freschette while going door to door selling nuts and chocolate fit the Fall Products sales. Ron was so apologetic of his tattered flags but didn’t have the help needed to physically replace them. So the troop volunteered as a service project.  The troop purchased two new flags from their cookie sales fund, the money they use for troop activities throughout the year as well as community service projects.  They took this honor of an opportunity to learn about flag ceremonies, helping and honoring veterans, and being a good neighbor. The participating troop members will earn a flag ceremony patch as well as completing steps for several other badges while they plan their Bronze Award projects.

Ron was so appreciative, he had two pans of freshly baked super chocolate brownies and hot chocolate waiting for the troop after a job well done.

Several troop members have scheduled future visits with him to help snowplow, teach him how to use his camera, and match him with a new dog through a local non profit for veteran canine companions.