WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington High School incoming 9th grader Taylor Hirst unveiled his Eagle Scout Project at last week’s Select Board Meeting.
Hirst, a member of Troop 56, will be constructing an “Avenue of Remembrance,” also referred to as an “Avenue of Flags,” at Wildwood Cemetery.
The “Avenue of Remembrance” will fly the casket flags of Wilmington veterans. The flags, which will be loaned out by the veterans’ families, will be flown at the cemetery 5-6 times per year, including Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day. The flags will be put up — weather-dependent — around 7am and taken down around 5pm by scouts, with assistance from high school students and other volunteers. This practice will become a tradition that is passed down to future members of Troop 56.
Hirst previously secured support from his project from the Director of Veterans’ Services Lou Cimaglia, as well as Jamie Migaldi and Gerry Lawrenson of the Department of Public Works. Holes will be dug in an assigned location at the cemetery and sleeves will be placed with concrete to hold the poles. The holes will not provide an obstacle to the cemetery’s grounds crew when mowing the grass. The flags will be stored at Veterans Affairs Office. The poles will be stored off-site. A board near the Avenue will explain whose flags are being flown and provide details about their service to our country.
Hirst hopes to have the project completed by Veterans Day 2023, but noted Memorial Day 2024 may be more realistic. He is currently finalizing his fundraising plan and finalizing project costs.
The idea for the “Avenue of Remembrance” came from Hirst’s father, who is familiar with a similar project in the Town of Sterling, which started with 15 flags approximately 20 years ago and now has more than 200 flags.
The Select Board unanimously approved Hirst’s project, and offered their support.
“For anyone watching, get in your donations. Contact Lou Cimaglia to learn where you send them,” said Select Board Chair Gary DePalma. “I wish you the best. If you need any assistance, let us know.”
[Editor’s Note: Wilmington Apple will share the fundraising information when it becomes available.]
“Eagle Scouts are 4% of Scouts. You will carry this rank for the rest of your life,” said Selectman Frank West, who is a Scout Leader of another troop in town.
“There are not many incoming 9th graders that have such an impressive project,” added Selectman Greg Bendel. “We’re really proud of you and thankful that you’re willing to take this on.”
“This is wonderful to see… You’re a great young man,” remarked Selectman Kevin Caira. “…And I like the idea that this going to be passed down, so [Troop 56] will continue to maintain it and monitor it, which I think is important to the legacy of those veterans that those flags represent.”
“This is going to be a wonderful addition to what we already have in place for our veterans here in town,” added Selectwoman Lil Maselli. “Great job.”
Below is one example of an “Avenue of Flags” from a cemetery in Oklahoma. The look and size of avenues can vary widely from this example.
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