Opening Flag Ceremony Scout Fest 100

This flag ceremony took place at the Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America celebration of 100 years of Scouting on October 16, 2010 at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater.

On April 29, 1949, Ralph Judson Mears, Jr was born to Norfolk Homicide detective Ralph Mears Sr.

He attended Northside elementary school and Granby High School in Norfolk.

He was a member of Troop 199 under his father's leadership, Ralph Mears Sr.. He then joined another troo, troop 44 and he earned his Eagle Scout rank on May 13, 1964 under Scoutmaster John Shepherd.
Ralph said of his son that he was a good Scout and earned a lot of awards.
Ralph joined the army and became a combat medic. He served two tours in Vietnam.
He was a part of the 505 Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division.
Ralph didn't have to return to Vietnam as he had already done his duty, he had already earned medals for bravery and the purple heart.
Ralph returned because he felt he a had a duty to his fellow service men. Where this sense of duty was instilled is hard to say, but it very may have been the Boy Scouts.

He returned to Vietnam again, earned another purple heart, a bronze star and other decorations. He could have come home but he chose to extend his duty again in country so that he could again serve assistance to his friends as the combat medic.

It was on May 30,1969 during a mortar attack while trying to help save another soldier that he was mortally wounded;

His army buddies called him:"Baby-San" and he was only 21 years of age.

You can find Ralph Mears name on the Vietnam Memorial on Panel 23W line 022.

We now dedicate this 100th Anniversary celebration to Eagle Scout Ralph Judson "Juddy" Mears, Jr and we call upon the Spirit of Scouting to sweep all the lands that the Tidewater Council has ever touched and bring forth all of the leaders, parents, and Scouts that have passed before us this evening. Bring them all here in spirit so that they can see how we have held true to our duty:

Of God
Of Honor
And helping all people at all times.

Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America
1032 Heatherwood Drive
Virginia Beach VA 23455
757-497-2688

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Boy Scouts
• flag ceremony
• 100th Anniversary
• Ralph Mears
• Jr.
• Tidewater Council

[tide596bsa]

What a great way to honor all Scouts and the Scouting program.