Dec
9
Written by:
Ian Lee
12/9/2006
Today, the Pack performed maintenance on two historic cemetaries on the Arnold Air Force Base (aka AEDC) properties. The two cemetaries were those of the Hickerson and Anderson families. The project included picking up trash, fallen limbs, and raking leaves from the areas. Photos and tombstone rubbings were also taken as documentation for historical geneological purposes. This was a great opportunity for the Scouts to learn the importance of conserving historical sites while performing a selfless deed. Thirty-three people gave up their Saturday morning to make this project a phenominal success.
L. William Hickerson Cemetary (before)
L. William Hickerson Cemetary (after)
The cemetaries were once family graves on the lands prior to the creation of Camp Forrest and Woods Reservoir. The Anderson cemetary is actually a marker for the graves that are now below the reservoir. There are known to be seven cemetaries on the government property. It is possible that others will be discovered due to the fact that poor records of the cemetaries were maintained in past years. The locations of all the cemetaries on the Arnold Air Force Base properties are shown on this map.
Lewis Anderson Cemetary (before)
Lewis Anderson Cemetary (after)
2nd Lt. Robert Thornton is the AEDC liaison to the Boy Scouts (and an Eagle Scout) and acted as our escort for the event. We thank Lt. Thornton for his time and efforts in making this project a success. These cemetaries need regular maintenance. If any other group would like to lead a similar project, Lt. Thornton can be reached by email at robert.thornton@arnold.af.mil.
The day was ended in the way any great Scouting event should end - over a bowl of delicious chili! Served and consumed on the roadside. I believe everyone had a great time and the boys all learned a valuable lesson about the duties of being a good citizen. I believe the Pack will make this at least an annual event from now on. There are still five other cemetaries that we did not have time to attend to. Those who attended the event will receive the Cub Scout Conservation Good Turn Award.
More pictures from the event are located here.
Thanks to all that participated!!!
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