Trail?Life USA?proudly stands with the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Services this Fourth of July as Americans celebrate and commemorate our great nation and those who fought and still fight to defend it.
“Trail Life USA wants boys to understand these veterans are living examples of courage, determination, and sacrifice,” said Mark Hancock, Trail Life CEO. “With freedom comes responsibility, and few are better equipped to teach that to our boys than American veterans of war. It is a great honor to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. We love it when boys honor the people who make freedom possible. It’s a practical lesson. Boys hear us talk about adventure, character, and leadership, but these men and women embody those traits.”
The Trail Life mission is to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure. The dedication to honoring those who have fought in America’s armed forces is especially important on Independence Day — a day celebrating the forefathers who fought for the ideals the nation was built upon.
Richard Haritan, Chaplain for Trail Life Troop IL-0412, tells the story of his Troop’s time volunteering with veterans and participating in local parades in Palatine, IL. “We honor that which deserves honor. Our U.S. military has earned honor through nearly 250 years of defending freedom and protecting our great nation’s citizenry, and by keeping the world safe for other freedom-loving countries.”
Each boy in Troop IL-0412 sought out veterans in the parade, introduced themselves, then gave veterans a flag, followed by a proper salute. “Saluting the veteran was our final act,” Haritan wrote, “and the door to a greater realization of the immensity of gratitude that is due toward our men and women in the U.S. military… as emotion welled up, it was often met with surprise, and at times, tears held back by the veteran… on occasion those around us thanked us for taking the time to honor that which is honorable.”
Hancock recognized the exemplary work of Troop IL-0412.?“What these young men did is exactly the display of character and respect we want Trail Life boys to represent. They honored the veterans, demonstrated respect, and then surprised the veterans with a proper military salute. This is the story of two different generations, each inspiring the other.”
Read the full inspiring story of Troop IL-0412 in the blog “Honoring Veterans — a Fourth of July Story” on the Trail Life USA website.
Trail Life USA has received praise from some of today’s top Christian voices, including Focus on the Family, Franklin Graham, James Dobson, Mike Huckabee, Alex and Stephen Kendrick, Family Life, Promise Keepers, the American Family Association, and many others.
Trail Life USA?is the premier national character development organization for young men, producing godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens.?Trail Life’s?mission is to guide generations of courageous young?men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure.?Troops exist in all?50 states and are?growing as?Trail Life USA?expands around the country. Find a Troop today, or Start a Troop in your community. Find out more at TrailLifeUSA.com.
Trail Life USA’s K-12 program centers on outdoor experiences?that build a young man’s skills. A robust awards program motivates young men to grow on a personal level to become role models and leaders among their peers. Living the?Trail Life USA?is a journey established on timeless values derived from the Bible.???