LITTLESTOWN, Pennsylvania –
Travis Hartlaub, son of Maryann Hartlaub, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Future Operations, recently unveiled a veteran’s memorial as his Eagle Scout project.
“As a Cub Scout, I set my sights on one day becoming an Eagle Scout,” said Hartlaub. “When I moved from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, I began thinking of what i would do for my Eagle Scout project. That’s when i thought of a veteran’s memorial. When I decided to undertake the design and construction of this veterans memorial as my Eagle Scout project, I was determined that it would be something special.”
The memorial is located at the Littlestown Community Park in Littlestown, Pa. The memorial serves as a place where Hartlaub hopes veterans are honored and their service respected. It includes an eagle, the symbol of strength and liberty; the United States flag, the symbol of liberty; the battlefield cross, an immediate means of showing respect for the dead among the still living members of the troop; the POW symbol, recognizing military members taken as prisoners of war or mission in action; a saluting soldier, representing respect to all service members who have served, are currently serving, and those who will be serving; and a seal representing each of the branches of the military.
During the dedication ceremony, retired Navy Vice Adm. Keith Lippert, and Dan Moul, Pennsylvania State Representative of the 91st Legislative District, served as guest speakers.
Hartlaub is a Life Scout with Troop 84 in Littlestown, Pa. He has raised $18,000 since May 1, 2016, for his project, which he completed at the end of October 2016.
“My hope is that all who visit this memorial will remember and be grateful to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who defend and preserve our nation,” said Hartlaub.