New Veterans' Memorial Board
Austin Clark, Boy Scout Troop 246 -- When it came time to choose a project to earn his Eagle Scout (see explanation below), Austin wanted to do something for the Town he lives in. In his own words:
When it was time to choose my Eagle project I knew I wanted to do something for the Town I live in. I came up with a few ideas that I thought would benefit the Town and then I thought more about each one and what they would mean to the residents that live here. I finally decided I would like to choose a project that would benefit the Town and recognize a group of individuals that are important to the history of Charlton. I decided I would like to construct a new memorial for the Veterans’ that have lived in Charlton and that have served actively in any U.S. related war, from the American Revolution to the present day Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. The hamlet of Charlton has a strong history and the residents here appreciate the efforts of our armed forces that allow us to enjoy the freedoms we do today.
“We have a small park in the center of the historic district in Charlton, the Gideon Hawley Park, and I thought this would be the perfect place. There is a memorial presently in the park to the Veterans, but it is falling apart, is being held up with brackets and needs to be updated. It actually needs to be bigger and it should be moved to another location in the park. Construction on our new Town Hall was recently completed and the Gideon Hawley Park is located at the end of the entryway to the Town Hall, so it is seen by anyone coming to the Town Hall. The town Park Committee has made small improvements to the park and the construction of a new Veterans Memorial will be a great addition to the park.
I have been working on my project now for almost one year and I hope to get the sign up in the park by this fall. I’ve done some fundraising for the sign and when it’s done, I want to enhance it by adding new landscaping.”
Austin Clark, Boy Scout Troop 246 -- When it came time to choose a project to earn his Eagle Scout (see explanation below), Austin wanted to do something for the Town he lives in. In his own words:
When it was time to choose my Eagle project I knew I wanted to do something for the Town I live in. I came up with a few ideas that I thought would benefit the Town and then I thought more about each one and what they would mean to the residents that live here. I finally decided I would like to choose a project that would benefit the Town and recognize a group of individuals that are important to the history of Charlton. I decided I would like to construct a new memorial for the Veterans’ that have lived in Charlton and that have served actively in any U.S. related war, from the American Revolution to the present day Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. The hamlet of Charlton has a strong history and the residents here appreciate the efforts of our armed forces that allow us to enjoy the freedoms we do today.
“We have a small park in the center of the historic district in Charlton, the Gideon Hawley Park, and I thought this would be the perfect place. There is a memorial presently in the park to the Veterans, but it is falling apart, is being held up with brackets and needs to be updated. It actually needs to be bigger and it should be moved to another location in the park. Construction on our new Town Hall was recently completed and the Gideon Hawley Park is located at the end of the entryway to the Town Hall, so it is seen by anyone coming to the Town Hall. The town Park Committee has made small improvements to the park and the construction of a new Veterans Memorial will be a great addition to the park.
I have been working on my project now for almost one year and I hope to get the sign up in the park by this fall. I’ve done some fundraising for the sign and when it’s done, I want to enhance it by adding new landscaping.”
The Town Board unanimously approved Austin’s project, and, we all look forward to the dedication of the new memorial.
Additionally, Austin has “adopted” a Soldier every year for the last five (5) years. Soldiers who are so very far away from home always love to get something, even a card or letter that implies that they are remembered and that we appreciate the sacrifice that they’re undertaking for our Country. Austin’s proud parents are Woody & Stacy Clark.
What is an Eagle Scout? An Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). A Scout who attains this rank is called an Eagle Scout or Eagle. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 2 million young men. The title of Eagle Scout is held for life, thus giving rise to the phrase "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle".
Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout. Additional recognition can be earned through Eagle Palms, awarded for completing additional tenure, leadership, and merit badge requirements.
Explanation compliments of Wikipedia.