Rededication Ceremony - La Cambe German War Cemetery
On Tuesday September 21, 2021 at the German War Cemetery in La Cambe, a rededication ceremony was held to commemorate exactly 60 years since the cemetery opened. 60 years ago, Scouts were called upon to lay the first wreaths as a symbol of respect to those buried there. War is a difficult and painful piece of our history, but also a reality. Deep wounds heal slowly but the next and future generations need to be aware of sacrifices made on both sides of the war, and to accept and value the peace and freedom for which we are now afforded.
Accepting the invitation of Madame Carole Novy, the director of the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge in France, our Camporee Chair Dick Meijaard and career staff advisor Chris Wolfe attended the September 21st ceremony. It was a truly meaningful experience for all in attendance. Invited special guests included the Sous-Prefet of Bayeux, the President of French and German Forces, the Senator for Calvados, and many other local officials
Nearly 40 members of the Ancienne Combattants (veterans of war), each holding a flag representative of their town, were part of the ceremony. These veterans were all personally thanked by the Sous-Prefet and other invited special guests.
On behalf of the Boy Scouts of America, Dick Meijaard laid a wreath. Following the ceremony there was a reception that provided opportunities to meet and greet, and share our camporee plans.
While continuing our efforts to make this world a better place, even under sometimes difficult conditions, let us remember the words of Sir Baden-Powell “Look wide, beyond your immediate surroundings and limits, and you see things in their right proportion. Look above the level of things around you and see a higher aim and possibility to your work”.
