Southlake Scout Honors Local WWI Veterans

Photos by Marissa Leland

Thomas Elieson, a freshman at Carroll High School in Southlake, recently organized and led a meaningful Armistice Day commemoration at White’s Chapel Cemetery. As part of his Eagle Scout project, Thomas, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spent months researching World War I veterans buried in cemeteries in Northeast Tarrant County. He worked closely with the Southlake Historical Society and Natalie Hansen, a local genealogy specialist, to research and discover thirteen WWI veterans who are interred in the area: four at Lonesome Dove Cemetery and nine at White’s Chapel. Constance Cooley, President of the Southlake Historical Society, is so grateful for Thomas’ efforts. She says, “When Thomas first contacted us, he mentioned he wanted to do something with ‘historical value.’ Well, that was right up our alley! Our society’s historian, Anita Robeson, suggested that Thomas help us identify other WWI veterans buried in Southlake cemeteries, research their lives and plan a way to honor them.”

For the centennial remembrance this year, Thomas cleaned the gravestones and placed American flags at each. On the evening of November 11, along with his scout troop, Thomas held a public flag ceremony during which he read biographies he had composed of eight veterans. He invited descendants of several of the veterans, who were honored at the ceremony as well. “The first world war is often greatly overlooked,” said Thomas, “even though it had a very high casualty count. People get caught up in World War II, but World War I was very devastating. 

 I decided to help others remember how good men had fought and died in those years. Some of them were from right here in Southlake,” said Elieson.

Southlake City Council members, Shahid Shafi, Shawn McCaskill, and John Huffman were present and each was able to pay tribute to the veterans from the area, express their gratitude for the freedoms that these soldiers preserved, and to thank Thomas for his dedication to such a worthy endeavor. 

“Thomas Elieson and his troop made us proud as Americans. Their commemoration of our WWI Veterans in Southlake reflects a profound sense of civic duty embedded in these young men by their parents and the Boy Scout organization. I was honored to attend the ceremony and wish them the best for their future,” Dr. Shafi said.

Other scouts honored each veteran by reading their name and attributing one of the points of the Scout Law to each. “The Scout Law states that a Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent. I believe that every soldier we honored today embodied those values in their service to our country,” Thomas said. Thomas’ fellow scout, Kevin Ward, played “Taps” and Southlake residents Emily Lund, her daughters, and Ashley Pace performed a moving rendition of “In Flanders Field.” The chill in the air and the traffic noise from Southlake Boulevard seemed to fade away as the beautiful voices and violin brought everyone in the audience to a moment of solemn remembrance for the millions of lives lost in World War I. Because the lyrics of the song refer to poppies, which were adopted as a symbol of remembrance, small red poppies were distributed to those in attendance.

“It was an honor and a privilege to represent the City of Southlake at this event,” said Shawn McCaskill. “I am thankful that Thomas, his family, and his fellow scouts organized such an important event that brought us together for reflection, to show respect, and to rejoice that the service and sacrifice of our heroes provide the freedoms that our country and its citizens enjoy.”

Almost 100 people were at the ceremony, more than Thomas expected. “I was very proud of the turnout. I was grateful that some of the veterans’ descendants were able to come. I feel like I did my job.”

Recently, says Constance Cooley, “Thomas and his mother presented our board with documentation of the veterans and shared their plans to bind several copies for the society as well as placement in the Local History section of the Southlake Public Library. On behalf of our board, we are most grateful to Thomas for his hard work and follow through!”