Local Scout Raising Funds for Eagle Scout Service Project

Jesse Ward is a 17-year-old junior at Portland high school. He is working on a service project to become an Eagle Scout. Ward says, “It will be a ceremonial fire pit at the local VFW for flag retirement ceremonies.”

Ward has served actively in scouting since he was in first grade. He says, “My position is the Junior assistant scoutmaster of troop 129, the rank of life. I also volunteer with the cub scouts as a Den Chief, helping with leading activities for the kids.”

Ward is also in the Portland Community orchestra and takes violin lessons. He is the son of Dawn and Tom Ward.

Ward has set up a Go Fund Me campaign to raise $1,000 to cover the costs of the project, which he hopes to have complete this Spring. Anyone interested in donating to the project can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/eagle-project-ceremonial-fire-pit

According to the VFW national site (https://www.vfw.org/community/flag-etiquette), flag disposal guidelines are:

1. The flag should be folded in its customary manner.

2. It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag.

3. Place the flag on the fire.

4. The individual(s) can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.

5. After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.

6. Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.

Update 4/16/19 (Not included in initial posting of this piece).

Post 4090 Commander Bill Almy said, "We are excited to announce that local boy scout Jesse Ward has chosen our post as the site for his Eagle Scout project. Jesse will be constructing a fire pit at our south lawn area. The fire pit will be primarily used for proper disposal of American flags. Jesse will be the project manager from start to finish. He will be in charge of design, construction, fund raising and the final presentation. He hopes to complete the project by mid-summer. Plans are for both the Boy Scouts and Post 4090 to participate in all flag disposal services.""