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Calling All Scouts, Scouters, and Families,Marine Cpl. John J. Edwinson Jr. was killed at Guadalcanal on September 24, 1942, and buried on the battlefield by his comrades. His remains have recently been identified and brought back to the US. A member of WHS Class of 1938, Cpl. Edwinson will be laid to rest with his family in the Wildwood Cemetery after a service at Nichols Funeral Home at Noon on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Cpl. Edwinson will be carried from the funeral home to the gravesite, escorted by his family.
The Wilmington Department of Veterans Services would like to line the route with residents holding American Flags to support the family of our Hometown Hero.
https://www.wilmingtonma.gov/veterans/events/206761
***Please wear your Boy Scout Uniform without the merit badge sash.***
Boy Scouts should attend a Missing in Action (MIA) soldier's graveside service for several meaningful reasons:
1. Honoring Service and Sacrifice
Boy Scouts learn the value of duty, patriotism, and respect for those who serve. Attending such a service instills a deep appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice made by the soldier and reinforces the importance of honoring those who protect our freedoms.
2. Civic Responsibility and Respect
Participating in solemn ceremonies teaches Scouts to respect national symbols and traditions. It fosters a sense of civic duty and reverence for military service, which are key aspects of good citizenship—a cornerstone of Scouting.
3. Connecting History with Humanity
For many Scouts, this may be the first time they witness the return of a long-lost hero. It personalizes history and teaches that each name lost in war was a real person with a family, a story, and a sacrifice — helping the Scouts develop empathy and understanding.
4. Modeling Community Leadership
Showing up to pay respects is a way for Scouts to lead by example. It demonstrates to peers and the community the importance of remembering and honoring those who never came home, even decades later.
5. Living the Scout Oath and Law
Scouting emphasizes being "reverent" and "helpful." By attending, Scouts live out those values — offering presence and support to a family and a community that has waited years for closure.
In short, it's about respect, honor, learning, and setting a good example — all key traits that Scouting hopes to cultivate in its young members.
YIS,
Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Carriere
US Army Reserves
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, Massachusetts, United States
