Boy Scouts from Troop 305 and Pack 305 helped place flags on veterans' graves in Kearny this morning to honor them on Memorial Day.
KEARNY -- Waking up early on a Sunday morning isn't exactly how most kids like to spend a day off of school. For the Boy Scouts, missing out on a little extra sleep is just a small sacrifice to ensure veterans are honored this Memorial Day.
A dozen scouts from Troop 305 and Pack 305 were at Arlington Cemetery this morning helping the VFW and American Legion place flags on the graves of past service men and women.
Nate Jablonski, who's been a scout for eight years, said this is the third year he's helped placed flags on hundreds of graves. When asked why he helps, he said it's about giving back.
"Just to give back to the veterans after they've helped us out so much," said Nate, a 13-year-old seventh grade student at Lincoln School.
The scout troop was formed by the American Legion nearly 100 years ago. They have been placing flags on graves at the cemetery for more than three decades. Today, the troop and pack are run out of St. Stephen's Church on Kearny Avenue.
Cubmaster Dennis Rakauckas, 35, said this morning's event is a good service opportunity for the scouts ages 6 to 14.
"(It's about) remembering soldiers who left their homes to fight for the country and just to honor them," Rakauckas said.
After the flags were placed, a brief remembrance service was held around the cemetery's flag pole. Bruce Koffman -- a retired United States Army sergeant and former Kearny firefighter -- shared the story of General Philip Kearny, one of the "bravest of the brave" Civil War leaders and namesake of the town.
The ceremony ended with the playing of Taps.