By Mark Reynolds
On Veterans Day, November 11, scout John Reynolds unveiled his completed Eagle Scout project. John along with assistance from fellow scouts from Troop 172, family and friends, built a quiet, meditative area beside the Plattekill Library for people to reflect upon the sacrifices of the men and women who have served in the military throughout the history of the United States to keep us safe and free.
Reynolds constructed a 144 sq/ft patio using paving stones, installed a new 25 foot commercial grade lighted flagpole, a bench and a memorial stone etched with the six military service emblems with an inscription that reads; In Honor of All Veterans that Have Served This Great Nation for God and Country, Freedom is Not Free.”
Reynolds said he began thinking about this project, “when it came time to decide when I had to pursue Eagle a year and a half ago.”
Reynolds, who comes from a military family, recalled that when the library expanded their driveway it necessitated the removal of an old flagpole and a veterans stone. From there he developed the scope of his Eagle Scout project. He said he is proud of his project, adding that the process brought up a lot of emotions for him.
Tim McGregor, Scoutmaster of Troop 172, said the project, “turned out to be a really great thing...I try to encourage the scouts to do community-related projects and it’s nice that we branched out for this one and did something for Modena and the library too. It’s been a long process for John and a fun experience for all of us as well.”
Bill Farrell has long been involved in scouting.
“We’re very happy that something like this can happen and when you get a project like this I just think it’s great. This is what it’s all about and everybody chipped in,” he said. “John had a lot of good support and thank you very much for doing this for the Veterans.”
Plattekill Supervisor Dean DePew said, “this is totally a fantastic job and most importantly happy Veterans Day. Thank you very much to all of the Veterans who are actually in action today, who will serve in the future and have served in the past and thank you [John] for this project that you have done.”
The keynote speech was given by Lt. Col. Jeffrey M. Sweeney, of the U.S. Air Force.
“What an incredible feat you’ve accomplished here. You’ve done it with your family, with the community and with Troop 172. The education and the mentoring opportunities you’ve learned during planning and execution of this project will follow you for your lifetime and you will appreciate it more in the years to come,” he said. “In your case John, you’ve served greatly, honoring others for their service and sacrifice to their community and our great nation.”
Sweeney pointed out that scout Reynolds had a vision. “to expand this grand display of this nation symbol even further. You conceived of a place where the community could take time to reflect on the many sacrifices of Veterans, who have and would say yes to their nation’s call, so that we all may live and be free, and who would ensure that our stars and stripes continue to whip and sway and rest in this beautiful place.”