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The American Legion Recognizes Eagle Scout of the Year

2015 Eagle Scout of the Year Ethan Copple addresses members during the General Session at the 2015 American Legion National Convention in Baltimore, on Tuesday, September 1. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion
2015 Eagle Scout of the Year Ethan Copple addresses members during the General Session at the 2015 American Legion National Convention in Baltimore, on Tuesday, September 1. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion

 

Earning the Eagle Scout rank is an incredible honor on its own, but the American Legion recognizes standout Eagles a step further when their services pay a special tribute to veterans. That’s why the American Legion proudly honored a star Eagle by naming him the 2015 National Eagle Scout of the Year at the National American Legion Conference yesterday.

Chartered by Congress in 1919, the American Legion is a patriotic veterans organization that focuses on service to veterans, service members and communities across the nation.

As the largest wartime veterans service organization in the U.S., the American Legion is committed to mentoring youth, advocating patriotism, promoting strong national security, sponsoring value-based programs and honoring service members and veterans. With a mission closely aligned to that of Scouting, the organization has a long history of supporting the BSA and its Eagle Scouts’ service to veterans.

2015 Eagle Scout of the Year Ethan Copple addresses members during the General Session at the 2015 American Legion National Convention in Baltimore, on Tuesday, September 1. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion
2015 Eagle Scout of the Year Ethan Copple addresses members during the General Session at the 2015 American Legion National Convention in Baltimore, on Tuesday, September 1. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion

Continuing this tradition, the American Legion presented Ethan C. of the Mid-America Council with the 2015 National Eagle Scout of the Year plaque and a $10,000 scholarship for his exceptional service and involvement in the community, Scouting activities and academic achievements.

For Ethan’s Eagle Scout project, he led an effort to build a granite Korean War memorial in Douglas County’s Prospect Hill Cometary. The five-foot-tall memorial commemorates the community’s local veterans, including both of his grandfathers. Ethan was inspired at school to complete the project after learning the war is frequently called “the Forgotten War.”

Thanks to his remarkable service to Douglas County veterans and the Local Legion and VFW posts’ funding contributions, the memorial was officially dedicated May 2012.

The American Legion and the BSA celebrate Ethan for his hard work and honorable service to the veteran community.

Check out The American Legion for the full story on Ethan’s award and catch Ethan at the American Legion conference by watching on-demand and live streaming videos at www.legiontv.org

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Hayley

Hayley Cordaro is a communications specialist at the Boy Scouts of America. She loves sharing inspiring success stories and uncovering new ways volunteers and employees can make the most of their Scouting experience. If you have story ideas or questions, reach out to us at communications@scouting.org.