When looking to fulfill his Eagle Scout project requirement, Devin Sherron of Troop 3 in Monroe, knew he wanted his project to honor those who have served in the armed forces.
“I’ve always appreciated and admired the men and women who make the commitment and sacrifice to serve and protect our country,” Devin said in a prepared statement.
With that goal in mind, Devin contacted the New Jersey State Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park in Edison. He met with the Supervisor of Recreation Christine Caratozzolo to discuss and consider several projects.
Devin said, “Once I met the president of the veterans, Glen Osborne, I knew this was the project for me.”
He explained his project would fulfill Osborne’s vision to enhance the entrance to the facility.
“The veterans home is located in between the Metro Park Train Station and the Menlo Park Mall. People drive by the facility every day and don’t take notice. Painting the 24 large boulders lining the entrance with patriotic colors and designs provides a bold, artistic way to catch the attention of the public,” Devin said in the statement.
The project design included three parts. First, seven boulders that line the front entrance were painted: two represent the prestigious Purple Heart award and the remaining five each stand for a sector of the military.
Second, along the road leading to the main residence, 17 boulders were painted to portray the American flag: four were painted blue with white stars and 13 were painted red and white representing the flag’s 13 stripes.
In the final phase, five signs each with a logo representing a sector of the military were installed at the front entrance.
The project planning started in August 2017, and in April, under Devin’s supervision, 20 scouts and other volunteers helped to make this vision a reality, according to the statement. The project required three days for completion and took more than 300 man hours to complete.
“I really appreciate the support of my troop, family, friends and local businesses that supported me along the way,” Devin said in the statement. “I also want to acknowledge my new friends at the veterans home, Mrs. Caratozzolo and Mr. Osborne, who inspired me to create and implement this meaningful project.”
All of the paint was donated by Lowe’s in Marlboro and the supplies were donated by Home Depot in Milltown. The signs were manufactured by Sticker Chick Graphics in Monroe, purchased with monetary donations from family and friends.
Looking out at the “Rock Flag of the United States,” the name affectionately given to the project by the veterans who reside in the memorial home, there is a sign that includes Devin’s personal dedication of his project:
“The boulders were designed as a symbolic representation of the strength and unwavering courage shown by the men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and to honor the veterans who reside at the N.J. Veterans Memorial Home.”
