It started with thunder.
Ear-splitting, chest-rattling thunder. Black clouds rolled in and rain poured down as lightning lit up the Texas sky. And in the middle of it all, a small group of boys in uniform, rehearsing their Color Guard ceremony with a mixture of nerves, pride, and fierce determination.
The Trailmen of Troop TX-0777 had arrived early at Fireman’s Park to prepare for the Maifest Senior Coronation—part of the oldest festival in Texas. It was the Troop’s first time presenting the colors. And they felt the weight of it. They weren’t just part of a local tradition. They were stepping into a moment of honor—serving their community, respecting the flag, and standing for something bigger than themselves.
But the weather must have missed the memo. The coronation was delayed. Then delayed again. And again. The rain just wouldn’t quit.
Still, the boys pressed on.
Rain pelted their faces. Their shirts clung to their skin. Yet these determined young men, ranging in age from nine to fifteen, were steadfast. They darted into the clearing between storms to practice—sodden boots slapping through puddles, hands slick on the flagpoles, rain dripping from their noses. Between downpours, they took cover under the stadium bleachers—laughing, shaking off the wet, refocusing. Not once did they complain. Not once did they ask to go home.
Even when the start time was pushed from 7 p.m. to nearly 9 p.m., and organizers gave them permission to leave, not a single boy backed out.
They stayed.
Because commitment means something to them. Because they understood their duty.
And when the time finally came, they marched onto the rain-soaked field—drenched, cold, but dignified. From the stands, someone whispered, “Bless their hearts.”
But make no mistake. These boys weren’t looking for pity. They were small in number—but giants in spirit.
And they weren’t done yet.
The very next morning, they were back—this time marching in the Maifest parade. The flags were heavy. The harnesses dug into their necks. You could see the strain on their faces, the discomfort in their steps—but still there was no complaining, no dragging their feet. They carried the weight—literally—with honor.
By Saturday evening, the skies had cleared. The Junior Coronation went off without a hitch. Behind the Trailmen, a line of local first responders stood in silent respect. And as the National Anthem played, the boys held their flags high one last time—faces glowing, shoulders square, pride unmistakable.
And when it was over, they beamed, even though, as one mom described, “When my boys got home Friday night, their shoes were still making a squishing noise because they were full of water.”
That weekend, these young men lived out the Trail Life motto: Walk Worthy.
They showed what it means to take responsibility seriously. To stand firm when it’s uncomfortable. To honor your word—even when soaked to the bone.
They faced a literal storm, and stood tall. And in doing so, they prepared for the figurative ones that are sure to come.
Because more storms will come. Not just the kind that soak your shirt and rattle the sky. Life will bring disappointment, pressure, dilemmas, setbacks, and fear. But boys who learn to carry the flag through the wind and rain—without quitting—grow into men cut out to carry far more.
Men who don’t flinch when lightning strikes.
Men who keep their footing when the clouds roll in.
Men who know how to stand.
Find a Troop near you or Learn how to bring Trail Life to your community at TrailLifeUSA.com