YARMOUTH – The Cape Cod and Islands Council, Boy Scouts of America have selected Cape Cod Cares for the Troops and Medal of Honor recipient USMC Col. Harvey C. “Barney” Barnum as this year’s Distinguished Citizens.
The awards will be presented at the annual dinner that will be held on June 21 at the Yarmouth House Restaurant.
“Cape Cod Cares for the Troops is an outstanding example of community service and dedication to Scouting principles,” said President of the Council Dennis Walczewski. “What began as a project by a Boy Scout Troop to support a local soldier grew into an organization that has now sent more than 23,000 care packages to our servicemen and women.”
“Barney” Barnum is the fourth marine to be awarded the nation’s highest honor, the Medal of Honor for valor in Vietnam.
He is also the only Medal of Honor recipient to return to action there.
A Second Lieutenant when he went to Vietnam in 1965, Barnum rose through the ranks and retired from the Marine Corp in August 1989, having achieved the rank of Colonel.
Barnum was active in scouting as a young man in Chesire, Connecticut.
The program will also recognize the 24 young men who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout this past year.
It is the highest award a scout can earn and requires significant demonstrations of leadership, service to others and strength of character.
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