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How This Scout’s Memorial Project Inspired a Community

Ryan inspired his community to raise money for the memorial. (Photo credit: KESQ)
Ryan inspired his community to raise money for the memorial. (Photo credit: KESQ)

When Eagle Scout candidate Ryan P. of the California Inland Empire Council decided to memorialize fallen war heroes for his service project, he expected it to be a costly venture. What the Scout did’t expect was dozens of fellow community members banding together to help raise more than $7,000.00 for his patriotic Eagle project.

That’s exactly what happened when locals of Palm Springs, Calif. heard about Ryan’s noble effort to honor servicemen who gave their lives for their country. Thanks to the help of more than 80 community members, Ryan created a permanent memorial to honor local fallen soldiers.

The Scout explained to KESQ why giving is important to him. “There are so many people out there that need help and it’s important to remember and give recognition to their veterans who gave their lives for this amazing country.”

The dedication for the monument was the perfect depiction of how the community had teamed up to help erect the memorial months before. On May 21, Armed Forces Day, residents, community leaders, and family members of fallen war heroes attended the dedication at the Palm Springs American Legion post.

Scout Ryan P. and his community honor fallen soldiers. (Video credit: KESQ)
Scout Ryan P. and his community honor fallen soldiers. (Video credit: KESQ)

Ryan received praise from many appreciative citizens, including Palm Springs’ mayor, Robert Moon.

“What an eloquent and tenacious young man, and he even got through the bureaucracy of Palm Springs City Hall, which is saying something,” Moon shared with KESQ.

By completing this project, Ryan has done far more than building a memorial—he’s setting a positive example for other youth in the community. According to Kristal Granados, the executive director of United Way of the Desert, Ryan is nothing short of a trailblazer. “Ryan is the perfect example of a young man who has grown up in this valley, who is going to be a future leader and we can’t wait to see what he brings to the world,” she told KESQ.

To learn more about Ryan’s project, be sure to read the full article from KESQ.

To learn more about the positive impact that Scouting can have on young people like Ryan, be sure to check out this article on the recent Tufts study.
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Video credit: KESQ

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Rochelle

Rochelle Randles is a communications specialist at the Boy Scouts of America. She enjoys sharing incredible adventure stories within the Scouting community and beyond. If you have story ideas or questions, reach out to us at communications@scouting.org.