Eagle Scout project restores WWII Veterans’ Memorial in Weymouth
Weymouth — Matthew Walsh of Troop 2 looked at many different opportunities for his Eagle Scout project, but after meeting with Frank Burke of the Veterans Administration at the site of the South Weymouth World War II Veterans’ Memorial on the corner of Pleasant and Columbian Street next to the Fogg Library, he knew that this was what he wanted to work on and complete for his Eagle Scout requirements.
The Veterans Council is scheduled to have a rededication ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. at the memorial site.
When Matthew, 14, first went to the memorial to see what restorations were needed, he felt that these men gave their lives for our freedom and weren’t being properly honored or given due respect for their sacrifice since the monument was covered by overgrown shrubs and could not be seen.
Matthew started his quest by planning and designing exactly what he wanted the final outcome of his labors to reflect. Once he completed this process, he ventured out and did some price checking and comparing to see exactly how much money he would need to raise in order to complete all the improvements he planned on making to the site.
Matthew started his fundraising by having a yard sale with items donated by members of his troop and community. With the anticipation of the project costing more than Matthew raised at his yard sale, he then went from door to door to the local businesses in Columbian Square, explaining his purpose for seeking monetary donations.
He recruited a work crew of Scouts from Troop 2, local businessmen, and adults of the community to clean and re-grout the memorial stone, build a brick pathway with pavers engraved with each branch of the military’s insignia, install new hardware for the flagpole, install granite benches, design and construct flower beds, and plant flowers.
Matthew also had his crew of volunteers complete some extras as he had them sand and varnish the existing wooded benches and rake, landscape, and clean the adjacent area.
Matthew said that his project taught him how to delegate responsibility and become a better leader, lessons that he will use for the rest of his life. He also realized the importance of teamwork and how anything is possible with the help of others.
Matthew was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support as every person he contacted went above and beyond for him, whether it was to volunteer time, donate equipment, give him a discount, or help him with instructions about how to properly get the job done.
In his years as a Cub Scout in Pack 73 and a Boy Scout in Troop 2, Matthew has learned the importance of leadership, service, and giving back to the community. He is currently a member of the senior patrol, a mentor for younger scouts, and a member of the drum corps.
A freshman at South Shore Christian Academy, Matthew plans to try out for the basketball and baseball teams.
An altar server for Immaculate Conception Church and a member of the Old South Union Youth Group, he enjoys skiing and playing golf in his free time.
Over the summer, Matthew plays baseball for Weymouth Babe Ruth and looks forward to his week of summer camp with Troop 2 at Cliff Island in Bristol, N. H.
Copyright 2010 Weymouth News. Some rights reserved
The Veterans Council is scheduled to have a rededication ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. at the memorial site.
When Matthew, 14, first went to the memorial to see what restorations were needed, he felt that these men gave their lives for our freedom and weren’t being properly honored or given due respect for their sacrifice since the monument was covered by overgrown shrubs and could not be seen.
Matthew started his quest by planning and designing exactly what he wanted the final outcome of his labors to reflect. Once he completed this process, he ventured out and did some price checking and comparing to see exactly how much money he would need to raise in order to complete all the improvements he planned on making to the site.
Matthew started his fundraising by having a yard sale with items donated by members of his troop and community. With the anticipation of the project costing more than Matthew raised at his yard sale, he then went from door to door to the local businesses in Columbian Square, explaining his purpose for seeking monetary donations.
He recruited a work crew of Scouts from Troop 2, local businessmen, and adults of the community to clean and re-grout the memorial stone, build a brick pathway with pavers engraved with each branch of the military’s insignia, install new hardware for the flagpole, install granite benches, design and construct flower beds, and plant flowers.
Matthew also had his crew of volunteers complete some extras as he had them sand and varnish the existing wooded benches and rake, landscape, and clean the adjacent area.
Matthew said that his project taught him how to delegate responsibility and become a better leader, lessons that he will use for the rest of his life. He also realized the importance of teamwork and how anything is possible with the help of others.
Matthew was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support as every person he contacted went above and beyond for him, whether it was to volunteer time, donate equipment, give him a discount, or help him with instructions about how to properly get the job done.
In his years as a Cub Scout in Pack 73 and a Boy Scout in Troop 2, Matthew has learned the importance of leadership, service, and giving back to the community. He is currently a member of the senior patrol, a mentor for younger scouts, and a member of the drum corps.
A freshman at South Shore Christian Academy, Matthew plans to try out for the basketball and baseball teams.
An altar server for Immaculate Conception Church and a member of the Old South Union Youth Group, he enjoys skiing and playing golf in his free time.
Over the summer, Matthew plays baseball for Weymouth Babe Ruth and looks forward to his week of summer camp with Troop 2 at Cliff Island in Bristol, N. H.
Copyright 2010 Weymouth News. Some rights reserved
