Flagpole Dedication

Scout's Eagle Project Dedicated in Memorial Day Ceremony

• Memorial Day May 26, 2014
• By Paul Garrod
• Email Paul Garrod
• Paw Paw Courier-Leader, May 30, 2014

WAVERLY Township. - When Waverly Township Supervisor Bob Reits was elected in 2012, one of his first orders of business was to look into the possibility of installing a flag pole at the Waverly Township Hall, located in Glendale, just west of County Road 665, on M-43.

Colin DeYoung, a freshman at Paw Paw High School, and Waverly Township resident, accepted the challenge to install a flag pole.

Colin, a Life Scout with Paw Paw Boy Scout Troop 169, presented his Eagle Scout Project to the Waverly Township Board, who accepted his request with just one stipulation - that the project be completed by Memorial Day.

Following a year of planning, the project was completed earlier this month. A dedication ceremony was held Memorial Day, with more than 50 people in attendance.

DeYoung planned the ceremony and was joined by the Color Guard of Boy Scout Troop 169; the Waverly Township Board; Van Buren County Commissioners Chairman Dick Godfrey; Waverly Township's County Commissioner Mike Toth, and many others.

DeYoung was given the honor of raising the colors on the pole for the first time at the ceremony. After presenting a flag and dedicating the pole for the township's use, DeYoung turned over the pole's keys to Reits.

DeYoung said the favorite part of the project was, "The day the pole went up, and all the great people that helped and supported my efforts throughout the project."

Letter to the Editor

• Paw Paw Courier-Leader
• May 30. 2014

Dear Editor,

I would like to thank the businesses and individuals who assisted me in installing a flagpole at the Waverly Township Hall, which served as my Eagle Scout Project.

I would like to thank the Waverly Township Board, Supervisor Bob Reits and Trustee Mr. Tony Millek. I would also like to thank Tapper Towing, Thomas Bros. Equipment, and Flame Tamer Fire Protection.

I would like to thank the members of Paw Paw Boy Scout Troop 169 and Scoutmaster Scott Anderson. I would like to thank Mr. Bob Adams, Mr. John Porter, Mr. Larry Chase, Mr. Gary Ewert, Mr. Mike Melnyk, Mr. Jim Hooper, Mr. Nathan Ratzlaff, and Mr. Jason Dooley, for donating their time and resources so that the project could be completed.

I would also like to thank the public and all the public officials that attended the Flag Pole Dedication ceremony on Memorial Day and Boy Scout Troop 169 who served as color guard for the inaugural flag raising.

Sincerely,

Colin DeYoung
Boy Scout Troop 169

About Eagle Scouts

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 two million young men.

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.

Congratulations, Colin, and thank you for a job well done!