Eagle Scout candidate's project at local historic cemetery

HOWELL -- Troop 300's Eagle Scout candidate Spenser Butrym is currently working on his Eagle project at Jerseyville Cemetery in Howell. He is raising funds to purchase supplies to complete his project, which will honor and respect veterans from two historic wars, who are buried at the cemetery.

Spenser said that his project will include cleaning the cemetery up, replacing an archway and adding signage that will record those who are buried there.

"My project is about restoring the honor and respect to Civil War and Revolutionary War veterans buried in Jerseyville Cemetery, which has been neglected. All donations to this project will go to help make sure that this cemetery -- with Civil and Revolutionary War veterans buried there -- is not forgotten.

"The Civil War veterans are from the New York infantry and artillery divisions, and the Revolutionary War Veterans most likely fought alongside George Washington at the Battle of Monmouth.

"I am going to use the money to replace the entry archway to the cemetery (originally built in the 1980s, but now falling apart), adding a message board describing who is buried there and the history of the cemetery, and a larger sign to help make the cemetery more widely known, hopefully professionally made to withstand weathering."

Spenser also explained why he is passionate about his project.

"I believe this project is important because it is going to help us remember the sacrifices that were made in order to shape this country into what it is today.

"This project really spoke to me because I have a strong interest in American history and a belief that history must be preserved and remembered in order for the world to move forward."

If you would like to support Spenser's Eagle Scout project, please visit his fundraising page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/spenser039s-eagle-scout-project-honoring-veterans.