By Kim Hilsenbeck
A new veterans memorial now stands in Buda as a tribute to those who served our country. And it’s all thanks to a 15-year-old.
The memorial is the brainchild of Brandon Garcia, a member of Boy Scout Troop 128 in Buda. Completing the project was the final step in his journey to become an Eagle Scout, the highest rank a scout can earn.
At a dedication ceremony at Bradfield Park on Saturday, Brandon unveiled the memorial, which consists of an engraved stone, sidewalk pavers with names of the fallen and four flags: the U.S. Flag, the Texas Flag, the MIA POW Flag and the Honor and Remember Flag.
He led the audience in the pledge of allegiance and the scout pledge.
“I’ve been working on this project for about year now,” he told the crowd of more than 200 onlookers. “I wanted a meaningful project that would be challenging and a lasting part of the community.”
He said scouting has been a big part of his life and this project has been a rewarding experience.
Brandon said, “I’m grateful I was given the opportunity by my scout master, Larry Ferris.”
Brandon said he learned many skills along the way including brainstorming, goal setting and public speaking. The newly recognized Eagle Scout had to talk to city leaders, community members and business owners throughout the project.
“I started with the goal of 100 [pavers] and today there are 165 laid at the memorial,” he said.
Each paver was $50 to memorialize a veteran, which helped pay about $8,200 toward the project. The total value of the memorial is $20,000. Brandon said many local businesses contributed supplies to offset the cost.
Aside from the honor of achieving Eagle Scout rank, the memorial is special to Brandon for another reason.
“My great-grandfather, Adolfo Hernandez, is recognized in the memorial,” he said. “He served in World War II.”
Brandon thanked his friends, including James Wallace, Thomas Farrell and Travis Egenolf who helped him build the memorial. He said two younger scouts, Leo Uriarte and Christopher Bowman, also helped.
Then he handed the memorial over to the VFW Post 1258 and the city of Buda to be maintained in perpetuity.
A few days after the ceremony, Brandon reflected on the event.
How did he feel looking out over the crowd on the day of the dedication?
“I was proud,” he said. “It was rewarding to see so many people be touched by my project.”
Would he consider being a Boy Scout leader in the future?
“I will consider being a scout leader but it is hard work and a big commitment,” he said. “I am grateful to my scout master Larry Farris. He is a great scout leader.”
Brandon also offered advice to future prospective Eagle Scouts.
“Choose a project that is meaningful and you will enjoy working on,” he said. “It is a lot of work and you should try to get as much out of it as possible.”
