Once his Eagle Scout project is approved, Stephen Costello plans to add lights to the Medal of Honor Memorial.
Pending approval from the Eagle Scout Council and the Town Board, some improvements are coming to the Medal of Honor Memorial.
Stephen Costello was recently approached by a member of the American Legion informing him of a number of projects the veteran organization is looking to complete.
“I’m really into everything military,” Costello said, “so I took one immediately.”
He explained the Legion has been eager to add lights to the memorial so it’s visible at night. Costello visited the site and immediately envisioned what his Eagle Scout project would entail.
The Boy Scout drafted plans that include digging trenches for the electrical wiring, the installation of three lights, and beautification of the site.
Two lights will be on either side of the stone wall and will shine directly on the Medal of Honor plaques. The third will shine up the flag pole. The lights will operate on a timer, which will be installed inside a junction box.
New mulch and edging will be added beneath the trees and the bald spot in front of the memorial will be reseeded.
Costello expects the project will cost roughly $1,000, and he hopes to complete a majority of the project through donations. The remainder will be split between the American Legion and the Town.
The prospective Eagle Scout has arranged for Home Depot to donate mulch and edging.
He’s spoken to an electrician about wiring the lights, but it’s unknown if any of the services or materials will be donated.
Once the project is approved, Costello expects it will take three weekends to complete, working five hours a day. He’s already recruited his football teammates and fellow scouts to help him.
“I like to give back to my community,” Costello said of the project. “I like that it’s for the American Legion. Whatever I can do to help, I love to do.”