A letter of Gratitude from the Royal Oak Cemetery Committee

Flags are flying on the graves of the 131 Veterans buried in the Royal Oak Cemetery and adjoining St. Mary’s Cemetery, thanks to the efforts of Boy Scouts Troops 1601 and 1604, Girl Scouts Troops and St. Mary Catholic School Cub Scout Pack 1600. We are grateful to the men of the U.S. Naval Recruiting Station, the troop leaders, and parents who assisted them. The students listened attentively as Mr. Thomas Strempka told of some of his experiences in the Viet Nam War. He explained to them the meaning of the word “Valor”, a word they will probably never forget. Two Veterans of the American Revolution and representative of every war from the Revolution to Viet Nam are buried on these grounds. The grounds of the cemetery were looking well kept, thanks to superintendent, Greg Rassell and the D.P.S. Cemetery clean-up crew. The Royal Oak Cemetery Committee is proud to have planned this ceremony every year since 1997, the week before Memorial Day. Our purpose is to remember the Veterans and instill some history and patriotism in the minds of more than 500 students who have participated over the years. Sincerely, Royal Oak Cemetery Committee