Troop 747 from Phoenix Arizona watched “Only the Brave” and hiked the Granite Mountain Hotshot Memorial to honor the 19 firefighters who lost their lives defending Yarnell, Arizona.
In December, Scouts BSA Troop 747 of Phoenix, proudly chartered with Phoenix Friends Church, spent a week honoring the “Yarnell 19.” For those who may recall, in July 2013, nineteen courageous hotshot firefighters lost their lives in a wildfire near Yarnell, Arizona. When 65-mile-per-hour winds shifted unexpectedly, the wildfire rapidly overtook the team in a remote box canyon, a tragedy that continues to resonate across Arizona and the firefighting community.
The week began during the troop’s regular meeting, where Scouts watched Only the Brave, starring Josh Brolin and Jeff Bridges. The film chronicles the formation of the Granite Mountain Hotshot team and the wildfire that claimed their lives, providing Scouts with a deeper understanding of the sacrifice and heroism of these firefighters.
Just five days later, fourteen Scouts and eight adult leaders set out on a hike along the trail at Granite Mountain Hotshot Memorial State Park. Every six hundred feet along the trail, a stainless-steel plaque honors one firefighter, featuring a photo and short biography. The Scouts took turns reading each plaque, gaining insight into the lives, dedication, and courage of each team member.
Reaching the overlook, the Scouts reviewed informational boards detailing the timeline of the fire. After a brief lunch, most of the troop hiked down into the canyon to witness the site where the firefighters gave their lives defending Yarnell. The memorial’s emotional weight was profound, with one Assistant Scoutmaster reflecting, “I just couldn’t stop crying down there.”
Before leaving the overlook, the troop held a brief ceremony to honor the firefighters. They placed their troop neckerchief on the memorial board, joining other tributes such as patches, stickers, and hats. Standing at attention and facing the canyon, the Scouts delivered a crisp Scout Salute, paying a heartfelt tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Granite Mountain Hotshots.
Granite Mountain Hotshots – we salute you.
Author Submission: Doug Ullrich, Scoutmaster/Founder, Troop 747, Phoenix
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