The Mission to Become an Eagle Scout

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It’s not the kind of project that comes to mind when you think of volunteering.

KVRR’s Noor Alomran shows us why a group of volunteers at a cemetery is helping a local Boy Scout.

“Steak knives and a brush”

Those tools are a part of an unusual project that will result in a Boy Scout becoming an Eagle Scout.

“Cleaning grave stones leveled with the ground by cutting away over growth,” Ethan Smith, the project coordinator explained.

Although out of the ordinary, it’s a rewarding project.

“Then you can change it from over grown to clear, like you’re revealing a person that was hidden before. It’s … it’s really satisfying,” Says Ethan.

And by no means is it a clean job.

“My hands are dirty, my jeans are dirty it’s phenomenal and just looking at all the graves and just knowing   who they are … there is a little bit of connection, just like I wonder how they’re doing, I wonder if they’re having a good day today or whatever it may be,” explained Braeden Henze, one of the three team leaders during the project.

“It’s kind of nice to be able to come in and help people that maybe, obviously honoring those that have passed, but then also to help others who are looking for family history,” says Tod West, a community member volunteer.

Community members are not only uncovering stones, they’re also revealing stories.

“From the stones that I’ve looked at there was one that just said mother and just to know that that was the mother of a family and how she probably just raised the kids and just thinking of the story behind it was really touching to me,” says Henze.

“Baby Girl Fuss, 1963–1963” read West.

And now, after organizing this project, Ethan is one step closer to reaching his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout.

“It’s really nice for people to give support especially when it’s not required from them.”

A day of volunteering that will help restore the memories of those who have passed away.

The goal was to clean 2,000 gravestones.

To find out how you can volunteer at a local cemetery, contact Ethan Smith at tkdethan@gmail.com