OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A local Scout’s vision to honor veterans has transformed a cherished public space, leaving behind more than just bricks and mortar — it left a message of service, pride, and remembrance.

On May 17, family, friends, and community members gathered at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park to celebrate Nicholas Dwight Eggers, a member of Scout Troop 72, Scouting America of Ocala. His Eagle Scout project: a complete redesign and modernization of the Military Service Flag Display Plaza.

“This was not an easy task. I know when he started, he had a couple of ideas that didn’t pan out, and then he got out here with the folks at the veterans’ park, and they talked about redoing and modernizing the plaza. There are a total of eight services recognized, where there were only six in the prior plaza,” said Sandy Clardy, Boy Scout Master of Troop 72, noting that the Space Force and the National Guard now have markers.

Nicholas Eggers, Ron Oppliger and Sandy Clardy at the unveiling of Nicholas Eggers Eagle Scout project at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park on May 17, 2025. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Nicholas Eggers Eagle Scout project was to redo and modernize military service flag display at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Jennifer Eggers, Ken Eggers, Nicholas Egger and Kathy Bryant at the dedication of the military service flag display plaza. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Nicholas Eggers, a Scout with Troop 72 in Ocala, celebrates the unveiling of his Eagle Scout project — a redesigned and modernized Military Service Flag Display Plaza at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. The May 17 ceremony honored his efforts to recognize all eight military service branches and leave a lasting tribute to local veterans. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

Eggers’ project was no small undertaking. Few scouts take on something of this size and scope, and the completion of the newly redesigned plaza helped him reach the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.

The process included planning the layout, coordinating with a contractor to pour the concrete, and overseeing the brickwork and landscaping to bring the display to life, said Clardy.

During the ceremony, Marion County Board of County Commissioners Chair Kathy Bryant presented Eggers with a proclamation, thanking him for his contributions and congratulating both him and his parents, Jennifer and Ken Eggers.

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“You have left your mark on Marion County,” said Bryant. “You’re not only going to have a legacy here, you’re going to have a legacy in the public records of Marion County. You have raised an outstanding young man, and we look forward to the things he’s going to accomplish in the future because based on seeing what I’m seeing here, they’re going to be great.”

Nicholas wanted to give something meaningful and lasting to the park and the community, said his mother, Jennifer Eggers.

“Many people helped bring this vision to life, offering materials, time, expertise and encouragement,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. She expressed deep gratitude for the support from the Friends of the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park Foundation and Marion County Parks and Recreation, noting how they treated her son as a true partner in the project. “As a parent it felt like such a selfish gift.”

For Nicholas, the project was the final step in his journey to Eagle Scout — but more importantly, it was a tribute to the men and women who serve their country.

“The veterans memorial park is a place for remembrance, respect and reflection,” said Eggers, who will soon graduate from Forest High School.

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