Wantagh, NY - July 3, 2015 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano joined Boy Scout Peter Dugan at the official unveiling of his Eagle Scout project - a Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Wantagh Park.
“I thank Boy Scout Peter Dugan raising the private donations needed to erect this beautiful Prisoner of War and Missing In Action monument in Wantagh Park,” said County Executive Mangano. “Inspired by his grandfather, a two-tour Vietnam veteran, Peter worked tirelessly to make his vision for a monument a reality in Wantagh Park.”
Peter Dugan was determined to create a lasting memorial to honor those soldiers and their families that served our country in Vietnam. Dugan worked diligently for nearly two years to raise the $8,000 needed for the monument by hosting car washes, bake sales, and selling wrist bands and magnets.
Dugan credited members of his Boy Scout Troop with helping him complete the project. The group of approximately 25 volunteers spent several weekends prior to the monument dedication preparing the site by removing old wooden posts and installing new ones, along with stringing nautical rope from post to post. Scoutmaster Mark Elkin of Seaford’s Troop 689 commended Peter for taking on such a huge undertaking and believes it may be the largest fundraising effort any scout in the troop’s history may have undertaken.
“Peter, I am amazed by you and your hard work,” added County Executive Mangano. “At such a young age you have accomplished a task that means so much to so many of our residents. As we mark the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, we renew our commitment to all soldiers and their families. Our debt of gratitude can never be repaid, but when we gather at monuments such as this, we demonstrate our never ending respect and appreciation.”
Pictured: Bob Chiappone (Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart), Paul Masi (Past President of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 82), Danny Dugan, Peter Petix, Jay Garee (CEO of Theodore Roosevelt Council of Boy Scouts of America), Lisa, Bill and Shannon Dugan, County Executive Ed Mangano, Eagle Scout Candidate Peter Dugan, Joseph J. Ingino (President Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 82), and Robert W. Kohler (Commander Vietnam War Veterans Association, Inc.)