Honoring the sacrifice of heroes; Boy Scout unveils fallen soldier monument
Published 11:25 am Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Sam Hagan’s Eagle Scout project was unveiled Tuesday behind the Austin VFW during a dedication ceremony. — Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Sam Hagan has worked for about six months to place a memorial at the corner of the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ parking lot, and he wasn’t going to let a little snow stop him from the big unveiling on Veteran’s Day.
“Today we make our county proud and all those who’ve gone before us proud,” Sam said during his speech.
Sam Hagan describes the project.
After an introduction to the project by veteran Norm Hecimovich and VFW President Scott Wiechmann, Sam spoke about why the project was important, expressing his hopes that people will stop and reflect when they see the monument.
“I kind of want them to just remember their fallen soldiers who have fallen in recent and past wars,” Sam said.
Sam, 13, a Boy Scout for eight years, raised money and landscaped to put the fallen soldier memorial on the VFW grounds as part of his project to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
Members of Boy Scout Troop 113 unveiled Sam Hagan’s Eagle Scout project Tuesday behind the Austin VFW.
Sam’s dad, Dennis Hagan, was excited about the dedication and happy for his son.
“I’m extremely proud of Sam today, it’s been a very long process and he really shined, and the day is entirely his,” Dennis said.
He was out around 8 a.m. Tuesday, clearing away snow from the monument that had fallen during the night. Sam’s mom Liz Hagan chuckled about the morning’s events.
“He was blowing the snow away because they were covering the evergreens,” she said. “He said he wanted it to look as nice as possible, because this is an important day to him as well as his son. It’s very important to my husband.”
“We’re very proud of Sam,” Dennis added. “Everything’s worked out perfect.”
Liz was also excited for the day, and was glad the project came together after all the work that was put into it.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Liz said. “Sam’s been planning this for the last six months, and I couldn’t be more proud than I am of him today.”
Sam Hagan is congratulationed by people attending the unveiling of his Eagle Scout project.
She noted many of Sam’s relatives were at the dedication, including his grandparents, his aunt and uncle, Godparents, and others. Several community members from Austin and Rochester, several veterans, the postal service and other boy scouts from Troop 113 who helped Sam with his project also attended.
Some of those attending were donors, including members of the VFW and the Disabled American Veterans. Some of the more surprising donations Sam received were from St. Charles Child Care, where he attended 12 years ago, a private donation from Castleford, England, and a private donation from San Antonio, Texas. Many of the donors were veterans or former Eagle Scouts themselves.
The fallen soldier memorial stands about 3 1/2 feet tall, weighs 150 pounds and is made of solid bronze. The statue features a pair of boots with an army gun propped up between them and a helmet at the top. The memorial came from Brodin Studios in Minnesota. Neil Brodin, a former police officer and veteran, started the company with his brother, joined later by his other brother and a long-time life and business partner. Due to weather conditions, Brodin was not able to attend Tuesday’s dedication.
Sam currently ranks as a Life Scout and is the senior patrol leader in Boy Scout Troop 113. He has two merit badges left before he is able to become an Eagle Scout.
His mother was happy to see his project completed successfully.
“It’s been a lot of work, but he’s a good boy and this is really near and dear to his heart,” Liz said. “I think it’s very significant that it’s done at a VFW, and to have it presented on Veteran’s Day, how much more can you ask for.”
