The timing of the latest Eagle Scout project in Durham is no coincidence.
Douglas Hanley, a Boy Scout entering his senior year at Coginchaug High School, recently installed a 35-foot flag pole next to the scoreboard at the school's athletic complex.
"I've enjoyed doing something that takes hard work," Hanley said Monday as he delivered the American flag that will fly over the complex to school officials.
A scout since the first grade, Hanley is a member of Boy Scout Troop 33 of Middlefield. He came up with the idea of installing a flag pole while the athletic fields were still under construction.
He's had some help along the way.
"All of this was done through the Durham VFW. I couldnt have done it without them," Hanley said.
While the organization covered the cost of the Eagle Scout project, local Boy Scouts from Middlefield and Durham helped install the flag pole, including digging the four-foot hole and pouring the concrete base where it now stands.
The timing of the project couldn't be better.
"It speaks to a lot of the patriotism in the Boy Scouts, speaks to a lot of patriotism in the school. It symbolizes our commitment to our country and what we have to give back," he said.
Flowers will be planted at the base of the flag soon, according to Hanley, and there are plans to install a plaque nearby as well.
He's looking forward to attending the first event at the athletic complex when the National Anthem is played over the loud speaker.
"I'm going to be really happy. I'm going to be really satisfied with my project."
