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North Brookfield honors 27 scouts and scouters at annual Walker Memorial service
Summary
North Brookfield held its annual Scout and Scouter Memorial service at the Ronald E. Walker Scouting Memorial this year, where community members and scouting leaders honored 27 scouts and scouters who died in the past year.
North Brookfield held its annual Scout and Scouter Memorial service at the Ronald E. Walker Scouting Memorial this year, where community members and scouting leaders honored 27 scouts and scouters who died in the past year. The ceremony included a roll call of the deceased, readings of the Walker Memorial history, musical tributes and taps.
The Walker Memorial Committee and the Heart of New England Council led the ceremony. Ryan LaRoche read the Walker Memorial history; David Bosley, president of the Heart of New England Council, delivered a brief greeting praising volunteers and the impact of scouting; Timothy Joste Jr., serving as chaplain, read Psalm 23 and the scout vespers; committee members Michelle McCrillis and John Ebersole read the memorial roll call; and Robert Laflamme delivered vespers while Hunter Foote played "Amazing Grace." The ceremony also included a wreath presentation at the memorial and a bugle performance of taps.
The event highlighted the legacy that volunteers and leaders leave in scouting. "All of the scouts and scouters who went home this past year had different backgrounds ... they believed that scouting was a positive influence in the lives of young people," David Bosley said during his remarks. Timothy Joste Jr. reflected on the enduring lessons leaders pass on: "Whenever I get in trouble with something ... I think back to the scout leader that ... affected me." These comments were offered as part of the formal program and public readings.
Organizers noted recent work on the memorial site: the Walker Memorial Committee led a campaign beginning in February 2022 to restore the memorial's carillon chimes, and the new chimes were dedicated on June 3, 2023. During the ceremony, Troop 238 and Troop 163 lowered the flag to half-staff and later raised it for the wreath presentation; organizers also noted that the memorial's flagpole is now lit so the flag can be flown overnight.
The program included a full roll call naming each person being remembered and short biographical notes read aloud by committee members; the transcript lists 27 names called during the roll call. Organizers also said first-time scouts who attended the ceremony could receive a participation patch after the event and that commemorative patches are available to family members.
Because of poor weather, organizers canceled the usual post-ceremony Cracker Barrel that often follows the service. They asked attendees to take part in the procession to conclude the program and said the event is traditionally held on the Saturday after Memorial Day; organizers stated next year’s date will be May 30.
The ceremony concluded with prayers, music and public thanks to volunteers and local partners, including the Scouters Lodge for its donation to produce the event program and North Brookfield Cable Access for recording despite the weather. Organizers thanked Troop 238 and Troop 163 for preparing the site in advance and recognized several individuals and volunteers who helped run the ceremony.
The service was an observance and memorial event; no motions, votes or formal town actions were recorded during the program.
