Surrounded by family, friends and onlookers Saturday, Hays High sophomore Kam Welma took pride in accomplishing a feat that has been months in the making.

On the outside, his project, a fire pit constructed of stone and mortar, is simple and unimposing. But for Welma, a member of Buda Boy Scouts Troop 967, it’s what the pit symbolizes that matters most – a place where area residents can properly and respectfully retire American flags.

That was the goal for Welma, who on Saturday offici...