Scouts: Flag represents freedom others don’t have

The meaning of the American flag isn't lost on today's young, something that was evident at this year's God, Country and Community Flag March.

For this Independence Day, the Sun-Gazette asked a group of youths who represented the largest marching unit in the event about their thoughts on the flag and this national holiday.

That unit was comprised of Boy Scouts from Troop 38, which meets at St. Ann's Church on Northway Road, and their families.

"It represents the fact that we are a free country. We have a lot of freedoms and abilities that other people in other countries do not have. That is a good feeling," said Collin Lakatos, assistant senior patrol leader.

Others agreed, saying the Fourth of July holiday is important to them because it represents a place where free thought is encouraged, freedom is upheld and is continually improving, and they live in a country free of childhood labor.

"I am happy I live in America. I don't think I'd want to go anywhere else," said Andru McCusker, troop quartermaster. "The flag is important to me because it represents our country and who we are."

"America has the rights and freedom. We fight for what's right. America has been growing and hopefully will keep growing," said Scout Eric Ruhl.

"Kids in other countries have to do hard work from a young age. It makes me feel good that isn't required in America and you're free," Lakatos said.

"You can say and do what you want. Nobody can really tell you what to do other than your parents. Well, maybe the President. We don't have to get up at five and work in a coal mine," Ruhl said.

Scoutmaster Butch McCusker said that with everything going on the world, his hopes are for a more united front, and the flag is a symbol of that.

"It helps show what we are about. (It is for) the people who have given their lives and time for our country and the freedoms that we have and will hopefully continue to have," he said.

According to the scout-master, the troop of 37 Scouts is a younger troop which is also active and involved with other activities as well. They are learning and bonding well together, he said.

"One of the toughest things we have is getting the word out and getting people involved. Kids today are involved in so much that you try to mold the program to accommodate everybody. I think that has been the key to our success. You have the boys who are playing sports. You have the boys who are doing bands and other things. But they still have the time to do Scouts," Butch McCusker said.