The year is 1825. It’s the 50th anniversary of American independence from Britain and the country is celebrating. Marquis de Lafayette is the last living general from the Revolutionary War and President James Monroe invited him to embark on a tour of the United States as the “Nation’s Guest.” Lafayette, then 66, returned stateside to visit the 24 states that comprised the country.
On May 31, Lafayette arrived at the U.S. Arsenal in Lawrenceville. Pittsburgh residents lined the streets to greet Lafayette atop his white horse-drawn carriage.
200 years later, Mt. Lebanon scouts took center stage at Arsenal Middle School to commemorate Lafayette’s grand visit. The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) hosted the event.
Event organizer John Carroll, a 17‑year veteran color guard leader who founded the SAR’s own local unit, led the scouts through their first time marching in a color guard.
The scouts’ mission aligns well with the color guard. “They fit into the mold … It enabled them to participate in an event that was historically important and relevant today, as there’s still an alliance between the U.S. and France.”
The scouts spent a month and a half rehearsing for the event, which Lucy Mobley described as challenging but rewarding. “You can’t lock your knees, because the blood flow won’t go to your brain,” she said.
Lucy, Pat Haven Drive, joined Troop 9065 in December. “I’ve enjoyed it because of the community.” Her mother, Mireille, praised the “soft‑skills development” that scouting provides.
Weston Chernysh, North Ridge Drive, senior patrol leader of Troop 284, led his fellow scouts during the event. “Not many people get to experience this, especially in the scouts,” he said. Working with outside troops was his favorite part of the experience.
Johnny Baldridge, Navahoe Drive, is a first-class scout in Mt. Lebanon Troop 28, but on this day, he stood with the Aquinas Academy color guard. His father, John, said Mt. Lebanon troops represented all of Pittsburgh scouts during the commemoration. Troops usually don’t interact with one another much, so this event was a welcome change according to John — one which he hopes continues in the future.
During the ceremony, scout color guards presented U.S. and French flags, while musicians played renditions of La Marseillaise and the Star‑Spangled Banner.
“Scouts participating in the event refined their leadership skills, and in the process, gained a deeper understanding of our American heritage,” said Carroll.
Mireille appreciated the historical insights. In fact, Mirelle shared her family’s own connection to the history of Lafayette. Her mother was from Roamme, France, a town near Lafayette’s hometown of Chavaniac.
“This is something I never would’ve gone to normally, but it was really interesting,” she noted. “We learned a lot about history.”