As of March 10, 2024, 86 volunteers (from Grace's troop, linked boy's troop, Trinity's Cub Scout Pack, friends, and family) have provided nearly 1,300 service hours on this Eagle Project. There have been 42 service event days, including the large flag retirement ceremony.
406 American Flags were retired in the ceremony on March 9 at BSA Camp Strake's Outdoor Amphitheater, after being placed into the fire rings by more than 20 Scouts. Names of fallen heroes were shared as each flag was retired by Scout volunteers. Some Gold Star Families attended the ceremony to personally hand worn flags to the Scouts for retirement, after stories were shared about their loved ones. The 3 hour ceremony was thoughtfully planned and written by Grace. It was 80 pages long. The ceremony began with a moving presentation that replicated the opening of the Basic Training Graduation Ceremony at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where Jarrett graduated in January 2020. The opening was complete with fog, playing of recorded music Promontory by Trevor Jones, and Soldiers by Otherwise. Troop Buglers from Troop 1777 and 777 played Taps at times arranged by Grace during the ceremony.
Officers from the Spring Creek Area TX-18 Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. assisted Grace with the Comfort Area for Ceremony attendees. Camp.Strake Staff provided onsite shuttle service for Disabled Veterans. Members of local VFW and American Legion Chapters were in attendance.
After the first 50 flags were retired, Grace invited officers from the Greater Houston TX Chapter of the American Gold Star Mother's Inc. to assist with a Special Pinning Ceremony for Vietnam Veterans. The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration was authorized by Congress, and established under the Department of Defense to thank and honor our Nation’s Vietnam Veterans and their families for service and sacrifice. The Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin is presented on behalf of a grateful nation to living United States Veterans who served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location of service. The lapel pins are symbolic in several ways. The Eagle on the pin represents courage, honor, and dedicated service to our Nation. The blue circle matches the canton of the American flag and symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The laurel wreath is a time honored symbol representing victory, integrity, and strength. The stripes behind the Eagle represent the American flag. The six stars represent the six allies who served and fought alongside one another in the Vietnam War. There is a special message on the back of the pin. It is inscribed, “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You” so that message is worn closest to the heart of the recipient. 11 Vietnam Veterans, who served in the various branches, were recognized. Grace was honored to pin U.S. Navy Captain (Ret.) Royce Engler, Shooting Sports Chairman of Sam Houston Area Council and Vietnam Veteran.
The morning after the ceremony, Grace led volunteers to preserve all of the ashes from the fire rings at the Outdoor Amphitheater. They also sifted through the ash, and sorted over 700 grommets. As she concludes her Eagle project, 500 commemorative items will be made to presentation by Grace to Gold Star Families at upcoming regional and national events.
