Hartselle teenager completes Eagle Scout project
A Hartselle teenager recently completed a project to achieve his rank as an Eagle Scout.
Griff Knox, 14, a student at Hartselle High School, launched his project to create a retirement pit for American flags that need to be disposed of properly. The Knox family also decided to build a separate depository box, which is now located at the Hartselle Police Department.
Griff’s mother, Lori, said she and her husband have always tried to teach their son about the importance of reverence when it comes to the American flag.
“We have always taken him to vote and explained to him reverence and patriotism,” Lori said. “You always take your hat off and stand up for the Pledge (of Allegiance) … We have always tried to instill that patriotic spirit in him.”
The project took about a day, with the help of Troop 92. Lori said there are multiple reasons a project is required to achieve the Eagle Scout rank.
“First, it helps your community, and it also gives the Scout the opportunity to head up the project,” she said. “As much as it is for the community, it’s also giving the Scout the opportunity to plan it, to be the one to manage the volunteers and handle anything that comes up on the day of the project. It’s as much about the life experiences and what is learned through Scouting as it is the ranks and the merit badges.”
Lori said her son worked diligently to arrange the donations and organization of the project from start to finish.
“He called everyone and went to the businesses to ask for the donations. He figured out what material he needed and how he could get it,” she said. “Luckily, we have some great businesses in town who have supported the Scouting community in the past. That was a very much a blessing.”
Corum’s Building Center, Lowe’s, David Suggs and Vinemont Welding and Fabrication donated material for the fire pit. Jimmy and Tabitha Harvell at Larry’s Signs and America’s Thrift Store donated material for the depository box.
“It’s important to support our veterans in the community because there aren’t a lot of people in this day and age who do that,” Griff said.
The box is located at the Hartselle Police Department for public use.
“If you have flags to donate, we will prepare and retire them,” Lori said, adding her thanks to Police Chief Justin Barley for allowing the box to be stationed at the HPD.
A flag retirement ceremony will be held at the American Legion in Hartselle May 22 using the new retirement pit.
