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Eagle Scout project honors fallen heroes

Teen's great-grandfather, WWII vet, inspires memorial garden
Unveiling the Fallen Heroes Memorial Plaque are (l-r) Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes; Larence Kirby, Air Force chief master sergeant retired and executive director of the Delaware Commission of Veteran's Affairs; Eagle Scout Candidate Collin Sullivan; Lewes Mayor Ted Becker; Francis E. McAroy Jr., Air Force master sergeant retired; and Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton. BY NICK ROTH
Nick Roth
May 29, 2015
Sullivan's project included a memorial plaque honoring all who have and will lose their lives in the line of duty while serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. BY NICK ROTH
Eagle Scout candidate Collin Sullivan welcomes guests and talks about his project. BY NICK ROTH
Members of the Allied Airmen's Preservation Society attended the event. Shown are (l-r) Donald Hattier, Scott Wallen and Mike Rogers. BY NICK ROTH
Lewes Mayor Ted Becker thanks Collin Sullivan for creating the Fallen Heroes Memorial Garden, which sits outside the mayor's window at Lewes City Hall. BY NICK ROTH
Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, talks directly to Collin Sullivan during his time at the podium. BY NICK ROTH
Delaware Commission of Veteran's Affairs Executive Director Larence Kirby, Air Force chief master sergeant retired, and Frank McAroy, Air Force master sergeant retired, salute during the playing of taps. BY NICK ROTH
John Kelly, left, and L. Michael Corbin share a laugh during the ceremony. Both men are members of the Allied Airmen's Preservation Society. BY NICK ROTH
Sam Furman plays taps. BY NICK ROTH
Delaware Commission of Veteran's Affairs Executive Director Larence Kirby, Air Force chief master sergeant retired, talks about the importance of memorials honoring the sacrifices of military men and women. BY NICK ROTH
The Rev. Jeffery A. Ross of St. Peter's Episcopal Church blesses fallen heroes and the Fallen Heroes Garden. BY NICK ROTH

Collin Sullivan wanted to do something special for his Eagle Scout project. After researching and uncovering previously unknown information about his great-grandfather's military service during World War II, 15-year-old Collin knew he wanted to honor those who've paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom.

After brainstorming with his father, he determined the perfect project would be a Fallen Heroes Memorial Garden, honoring all who have died in all wars and conflicts as well as those who will die to protect the United States.

After years of hard work, the garden was unveiled during a ceremony May 23. Sitting outside the mayor's window at Lewes City Hall, the memorial will serve as a constant reminder of the courage of the military men and women who have been lost.

“This has been a long and rewarding process to this point in my scouting career,” Collin said. “This Fallen Heroes Memorial Garden holds a special place to me in my family history.”

He was determined to create a military memorial after researching and learning his great-grandfather's military history. Albert Kidwell, the inspiration for the project, served in the Army during World War II, storming Omaha Beach on D-Day and taking part in Hitler's last stand at the Battle of the Bulge.

Sullivan's project garnered praise from those in attendance of the unveiling ceremony.

“Here we are, due to Collin's thoughtfulness, thinking of those who've gone before us and saying thank you,” said Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes. “It is thoughtful, it is meaningful, and it is appreciated.”

Executive Director of the Delaware Commission of Veterans' Affairs Larence Kirby, a retired Air Force chief master sergeant, presented Collin with a challenge coin in recognition of his work to honor fallen soldiers.

“Lewes will now have a place of reflection for those who lost their lives defending our great nation,” he said. “They have this because of the vision of a leader; a young leader who understands the sacrifices of our women and men in the armed forces.”

As part of the project, Collin will maintain the garden until his 18th birthday, at which point the city of Lewes will then take over.

Editor's note: To learn more Collin Sullivan and his great-grandfather's service during World War II, see the Saltwater Portrait in the Tuesday, June 2 edition of the Cape Gazette.

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