More than just a monument
DALTON MATTHEWS STANDS PROUDLY NEXT TO A MONUMENT DEDICATED TO FREEDOM AND VETERANS THAT HAS BEEN IN ME- MORIAL PARK SINCE 2010. HE’ S THE REASON THAT MONUMENT EXISTS. THE MONUMENT WAS HIS EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT IN 2008.
Dalton Matthews looks back on Eagle Scout project
STORY AND PHOTOS BY TONI HOPPER
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monument dedicated to freedom and veterans has been in Memorial Park since 2010. This year, Dalton Matthews proudly stood next to it for a photo, before the Memorial Day ceremony began. He’ s the reason that monument exists. Matthews was 16 when he first began his Eagle Scout project in 2008 and it took two years to complete. The monument still is meaningful to him.
“ It’ s a unique feeling knowing I was able to accomplish something like this. You don’ t usually see Scouts making lasting projects. Doing this left an impression on me,” he said.
His family military history dates back to the Revolutionary War and Civil Wars. After high school, Matthews served four years in the U. S. Navy, and exited as an E4 Petty Officer 3rd Class. He’ s a member of the American Legion Post # 55 in Duncan. Current Commander Bobby Marshall said Matthews was Post Commander a couple of years ago.
Matthews said he encountered many challenges, from bureaucracy to finances. He also pointed out an error on the monument, as the name below the quote should read“ Clarence” Darrow. He recalls reading the proof from the monument company and writing the correct name. By the time the monument was ready to be placed, it was past the point of being repaired. Other than that, he is still proud that it holds a place in Memorial Park.
He leaves for seminary school in Virginia this August, along with his wife, Robbi, who is a Registered Nurse. Matthews said he has always been a champion for the veteran’ s community.
“ Being a minister helps drive me. They need someone to care for them, because for many, nobody cares about them.”
He hopes that lonely veterans know they do not have to be alone.