This event was one of the many Suffield gatherings postponed by the COVID pandemic.
Boy Scout Troop 66, sponsored by the Second Congregational Church, put together a very impressive ceremony on a Sunday afternoon in early June, followed by an abundant buffet dinner in Father Ted Hall of Sacred Heart Church, where the Fitzgerald family is churched. Three brothers in the family (grandchildren of Brian Fitzgerald, veteran Town official and Town Meeting moderator) had each completed their Eagle requirements before their 18th birthday, but only one is still an active Scout. Now all could be honored together.
Three Fitzgerald brothers recite the Scout Pledge during their Eagle Scout Award ceremony. From the left: Jack, David and Tommy.
The ceremony itself was not untypical: Among other elements of the program, the levels of Scouting were explained by younger Scouts; Mike Fitzgerald, one of the troop leaders, spoke proudly of his sons’ careers: the new Eagles recited the Scout Oath; mom Donna pinned each son; Rep. Tami Zawistowski presented State legislative commendations; a troop mother read Gov. Lamont’s certificates; and finally each of the proud young men spoke of their heart-felt thanks for all the help they had received along their path to Eagle.
The Eagle Scout rank requires the completion of a significant community service project. Jack Fitzgerald, 15, who is still active with the troop, installed many bee-friendly bushes and plants in the Hilltop Farm natural growth region surrounding the boardwalk and eagle watch station. David, 18, created a prayer garden at Sacred Heart Church. Tommy, 20, did needed trail maintenance at the Lewis Farm Bird Sanctuary, whose property abuts the rear of the Fitzgerald home lot on Hill Street. These Eagle Scout projects will benefit Suffield for many years.