Young Marines assist, honor veterans in Worthington, Brewster

The Buffalo Ridge Young Marines recently completed two weekends of community service dedicated to honoring and supporting local veterans and veteran organizations throughout southwest Minnesota.

The organization reported that on May 2, members of the unit partnered with the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Worthington to assist with spring cleanup efforts at Freedom Veterans Memorial Park. Young Marines worked alongside VFW members to scrub memorial stones, paint structures, replace flag poles and flags, and complete general cleanup projects throughout the park.

Following the day of service, VFW members hosted the Young Marines at the Worthington VFW for pizza and pop as a thank-you for their hard work and dedication.

The second community service event took place on May 9, when the Young Marines traveled to Brewster. The group began the day cleaning the Hersey Cemetery by picking up trash and assisting with grounds cleanup. They then continued their efforts at the Brewster Veterans Memorial and the American Legion grounds, helping clean the memorial area, park, Legion grounds, and inside the building.

After completing the projects, the Young Marines were treated to pizza, snacks, and pop in appreciation for their efforts.

“These were two outstanding Saturdays of service for our youth,” said Dan Harrington, Unit Commander. “The Young Marines take great pride in giving back to the communities and veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country. We are grateful to the Worthington VFW and Brewster American Legion members for the opportunity to serve alongside them.”

Harrington also thanked Simon Koster of the Worthington VFW and Retired Sergeant Major Thomas Behrends of the Brewster American Legion for their assistance, hospitality, and kindness shown to the Young Marines during both service projects.

The Buffalo Ridge Young Marines is a youth leadership and service program serving communities throughout southwest Minnesota, focused on leadership, citizenship, discipline and community involvement.