Short Hills All Female Scouts BSA Troop 19 Marches Into History

This year’s New York City Veterans Day Parade marked the 100th anniversary of the first observation of the commemorative parade on iconic Fifth Avenue. Twenty-two members of Scouts BSA Troop 19, chartered at St. Rose of Lima Church in Short Hills New Jersey proudly represented Scouts BSA Troops across the country by being the first female Scouts BSA Troop ever to march in the annual parade.
Troop 19 received an invitation to participate from the USS Intrepid Former Crew Members Association, Inc. Along with Boy Scout Troop 1 of Bronxville, New York, all marched under their respective banners and flags to pay tribute to all armed servicemen and woman of all eras, including those who served on the gallant ship.
“Marching in the parade felt surreal with so many spectators cheering us on while we honored the veterans. It was great having my family there to experience the excitement and to see my dad in his uniform for the first time!”, said Tenderfoot Scout Sophia Palumbo. Sophia’s dad, Daniel Palumbo, is an Army veteran who served from 2000-2003.
Of the many first, the Troop also got to see meet a Korean War veteran who shared his personal story about his enlistment, capture, 30-month ordeal as a prisoner of war and eventual freedom. “As a POW you had to survive, there was no her today, gone tomorrow. As a POW, you were here today, gone today!” said the unidentified veteran. Further, the Scouts were able to see and hear the President of the United States for the first time, as President Trump delivered a patriotic speech at the opening ceremonies to kick off the 1.2 mile parade that included 25,000 other participates and tens of thousands of spectators.

“It was a once in a life time opportunity. I was a honored to be surrounded by the men and women who served and fought vigorously for our country. There is no room for politics in patriotism. I felt proud to be an American marching alongside these veterans.”, said First Class Scout Keira Lowden.

“What a privilege to be connected and able to acknowledge generations of veterans by parading. It is fitting in so many ways that we are here today, as these female Scouts are on their own valiant path. They are pioneers marching briskly towards the coveted rank of Eagle Scout, that was only available to young men for 109 years. But today, they understood the need to pause and pay homage to those that gave them the unwavering freedom to be step forward, speak their voice and gave them the courage to be a fearless trailblazers with a simply 1.2 mile gesture of thank you. It says allot about their character and the great potential of these fine young women and the true essence of the BSA Scouting program.”, said Scoutmaster Daniel Cannon.

Each Scout in attendance was permitted by their parents to miss a school day, some who serve as adult leaders missed work themselves. “For us, Fifth Avenue was a crossroad of history. Today’s unbelievable experience and lessons of patriotism and valor simply could not be taught in the classroom.”, said Committee Chairman James McKenna.

“I am so proud of Troop 19, as we not only marched with history today, we marched into it!”, said Scoutmaster Cannon.