Teen Rekindles Spirit of Giving

Brewster teen, Dylan DeSilva, kneels alongside some of the more than 500 care
packages assembled during a Cape Cod Cares for our Troops drive held in Bourne, Mass.

BOURNE, Mass. – As the Holidays fast approach most Americans focus on the economy and how to make ends meet. Sixteen-year-old Dylan DeSilva isn’t like most Americans. The Brewster native is focusing his efforts on giving even more to others this season. DeSilva is “giving even more,” because he’s been giving for over four years.

When DeSilva was twelve years old, he started Cape Cod Cares for Our Troops. His goal that year was, with the help of his family and friends, to send a few care packages to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Glory Revisited

Members of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment participate in a historic ceremony to reorganize 

the famous 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment at the State House in Boston, Nov. 21, 2008. 

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Don Veitch)

Today the Massachusetts National Guard re-designated it’s honor guard to the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment. The Ceremony took place with in the Hall of Flags at the State House. The Governor was on hand to personally recognize the unit to acknowledge the descendant of William H. Carney, the first African American and to earn the Medal of Honor.

In addition to the re-designation, 31 units of the Massachusetts National Guard were awarded their campaign streamers for actions in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

The Soldiers started of the ceremony by entering the State House through the grand front doors. Historically, the front doors of the State House are only opened when the Governor leaves  office, the President or a foreign Head of State arrives and when Massachusetts units are returning from battle.