STRONG — Benjamin Fisher Butterfield of Phillips was presented scouting’s highest honor during a ceremony held in Strong on Nov. 11, Veterans Day.
Scout leader Ken Flagg presented the Eagle Scout medal to Ben’s mother, Sheila Butterfield, who pinned the award to her son’s chest at the Strong Methodist Parish House.
Ben had earned enough merit badges to earn three Eagle palms in addition to the Eagle rank — 15 beyond the amount required for Eagle.
The ceremony also was a time to honor and recognize veterans who were present, including Flagg and Ben’s father, Robert Butterfield. It was appropriate that his ceremony be held on Veterans Day, as Ben’s Eagle Scout project was the restoration of an historic cemetery in Phillips that includes the final resting place of veterans of military actions dating back to the Civil War. Scout officials said Ben put in a lot of work to honor them.
“My favorite thing about scouting is all of the opportunity it provides,” Ben said. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins sent a representative, and other political leaders sent letters praising Ben on his achievement.
PHOTO: Ben Butterfield reciting the Scout Oath. (Submitted photo)
