To earn his Eagle Scout designation, Justen Levesque successfully maneuvers his way to improve the town’s War Memorial.
Justen Levesque had to jump through some hoops to complete his Eagle Scout project, which gives the War Memorial at the Durham Town Park a new look.
Levesque’s efforts came to fruition Sunday, as the last poles – and the flags to go with them – went up at the park. A new electrical outlet will furnish light for the American flag, so that all will be as it should be.
Levesque said he and his fellow Boy Scouts are honored to do something for veterans.
“They’ve given so much of their lives to protect our country,” he said. “They deserve a gesture of thanks from the community.”
Levesque’s effort, which he has been working on all year, was intended to earn him his Eagle Scout recognition. But the War Memorial project was not completed until about two weeks after his 18th birthday – and Eagle Scout projects are supposed to be done prior to the Scout’s 18th birthday.
Levesque doesn’t think that will stand in the way of his becoming an Eagle Scout.
“We’ll take it up with the Pine Tree Council within a month,” he said last Wednesday. “There were some holdups that I couldn’t prevent.”
Pownal residents allocated $5,102 for town park improvements at the town meeting in April, and Levesque raised the balance of a $6,000 cost, most of it going for six new poles. Two 30-foot poles are for the American and State of Maine flags, which Levesque and his fellow Boy Scouts put up Sunday night. The Scouts erected four 15-foot poles for Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines flags on Aug. 3.
Levesque, who is working this summer as a pizza cook at Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro in Freeport, will be a senior this fall at Freeport High School. He feels he’s learned a lot regarding town government – and just getting things done.
“I feel pretty proud of myself,” he said. “It’s been a pretty big feat going through all the town processes. I feel honored to do it, too.”
Joe Howe, Scout leader for Troop 145 of Durham, has followed Levesque’s work with interest.
“He’s been a great Scout and a good role model, for certain,” Howe said. “He’s definitely put a lot of work in on this.”
Levesque had to pass muster with his project through the Board of Selectmen, as the park is town property. He had to get his plan approved by the Durham Historic Commission, because the War Memorial is part of the town’s historic district. All the while, Levesque received guidance from Howe.
Howe recalled that during the 2014 Memorial Day parade, the ceremonies at the War Memorial showed that the place of honor needed attention.
“Justen had an issue with one of the ropes on the flagpole, and that’s how this got started – to replace the poles at the memorial,” Howe said. “He and the fire chief (William St. Michel) on the Memorial Day Parade Committee had been talking about it. He came along at the right time to move forward with that. The poles weren’t in good shape and there was no lighting. The American flag is supposed to be lit all night.”
Town officials worked with Central Maine Power Co. to hook up the electrical outlet for a spotlight at the gazebo, Howe said.
Howe said that the town provided some money for the War Memorial project, and Levesque raised some on his own.
“He presented a proposal to the board in February or March,” Howe said. “They approved of it and looked into it. Then he got approval from the Boy Scouts and final approval from selectmen for the money at the town meeting in April. There were plenty of things for him to go through.”
Levesque’s mother, Colette Wagner, also has been involved with her son’s endeavor, and is familiar with the history of the War Memorial.
“The town had put a solar light there that had broken off,” Wagner said. “We couldn’t raise the American flag to its proper level. It didn’t go all the way up.”
Levesque was a Star level Boy Scout at the time – close to the Life Scout level needed to become an Eagle Scout.
“He has done all the applications,” Wagner said. “Once it’s completed he can submit to a board of review with Pine Tree Council for Eagle Scout. The poles were ordered late – the electrician couldn’t get them on time,” she said. “We just need to present our case to the council in Portland, in the next couple of weeks. There was a lot of process. I’m very proud of him. That can be a daunting task.”
Boy Scouts Justen Levesque, left, and James Wagoner lift a pole in place for the American flag Sunday night at the War Memorial, located at the Durham Town Park. Levesque was finishing up his Eagle Scout project, which included extensive work at the memorial. Courtesy photo
Members of Boy Scout Troop 1450 and adult leaders helped Justen Levesque finish his Eagle Scout job Sunday night at the Durham Town Park. From left are Larry Wagoner, Colette Wagner, Levesque, John Wagner, James Wagoner and Joe Howe. Courtesy photo
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