As a Miami Beach Girl Scout, here's what I learned from veterans about real patriotism
Patriotism is more than a concept; it is a responsibility. That's what I have learned as the Girl Scout teen representative for the Miami Beach Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3559.
VFW post 3559, officially established in 1936, is a vital part of the city's rich military history. It has long supported veterans returning from overseas conflicts and war zones and remains the only Veterans Service Organization on Miami Beach.
For me, what began as a Girl Scout project with the veterans post to collect worn flags evolved into something much greater. I became the guardian of these symbols — ensuring their respectful retirement and educating younger Girl Scouts on the significance of each fold, stripe and star as these flags aged while flying across Miami-Dade.
From the veterans on Miami Beach, I learned patriotism is not just about knowing history; it is about actively shaping the future in its honor.
As part of my project, I have worked to connect my community with those who sacrificed for it.
I led younger Scouts in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at the Miami Beach mayor's 2025 'State of the City' address and have educated more than 80 girls on patriotism and civic responsibility, from properly folding the flag to understanding the importance of voting.
Through my leadership in patriotic instruction, I have emphasized the traditions and deeper meanings behind them, ensuring that the lessons of service, sacrifice and respect endure.
In 2024, I was honored to be selected by the post's command staff to assist in the exclusive 'Big Deck' hospitality event, welcoming the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan to Miami.
Serving as a color guard aboard the ship, I ensured the proper handling and placement of military headgear in accordance with protocol.
At this event, I was recognized for outstanding service, earning four prestigious challenge coins from Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General Brian W. Cavanaugh, U.S. Navy Admiral Daryl Caudle and U.S. Army General Laura Richardson.
I have officially passed my flag project on to a new generation of Girl Scouts, ensuring its continued impact. And this month, I was selected by VFW Post 3559 as a 2025 recipient of their annual Girl Scout Lifetime Membership Scholarship Award for my contributions during my Girl Scout journey.
More importantly, I have come to understand that patriotism is not passive: It is action, leadership and stewardship.
And my time with VFW Post 3559 has reinforced that service doesn't end with a single project or event — it is a lifelong commitment to honoring those who came before us and ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
I will carry these lessons with me for a lifetime, whether through advocacy, leadership or continued service. I know my mission is clear.
Sections of this essay represent the winning entry of an annual contest for Miami Beach Girl Scouts graduating from high school. The contest is sponsored by the VFW Youth Activities and Americanism program, which fosters participation in patriotic stewardship, U.S. flag etiquette and mission-oriented engagement alongside veteran mentors.
Penelope Rose Heller is a senior at the School for Advanced Studies at Miami-Dade College, Wolfson Campus and a Girl Scout ambassador with Troop 1239; she is also a Gold Award 2024 recipient.
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