Scouting News

Scout dedicates Vietnam veterans monument

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Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano recently joined Boy Scout Peter Dugan at the official unveiling of his Eagle Scout project — a Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Wantagh Park. 

Dugan, of Wantagh, is a student at General Douglas MacArthur High School in Levittown. He is a member of Boy Scout Troop 689, based in Seaford.

Mangano thanked Dugan for his efforts, including the collection of private donations “to erect this beautiful Prisoner of War and Missing In Action monument in Wantagh Park. Inspired by his grandfather, a two-tour Vietnam veteran, Peter worked tirelessly to make his vision for a monument a reality.”

Dugan said he was determined to create a lasting memorial to honor those soldiers and their families that served the United States in Vietnam. He worked for nearly two years to raise the $8,000 needed for the monument by hosting car washes and bake sales, and selling wrist bands and magnets. 

He credited members of his Boy Scout troop with helping him complete the project. The group of approximately 25 volunteers spent several weekends preparing the site by removing old wooden posts and installing new ones, along with stringing nautical rope from post to post. 

Troop 689 Scoutmaster Mark Elkin commended Peter for taking on such a huge project and said he believes it may be the largest fundraising effort by any Scout in the troop’s history.

Joining in the dedication were representatives of numerous veterans organizations including Bob Chiappone, commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart; Joseph Ingino and Paul Masi, the president and past president, respectively, of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 82; and Robert W. Kohler, commander Vietnam War Veterans Association. Also attending was Jay Garee, the CEO of Theodore Roosevelt Council of Boy Scouts.

Mangano said that Dugan, at such a young age, has accomplished a task that means so much to so many residents. “As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War,” Mangano said, “we renew our commitment to all soldiers and their families.  Our debt of gratitude can never be repaid, but when we gather at monuments such as this, we demonstrate our never ending respect and appreciation.”