Boy Scout Dedicates Memorial at Nesconset Library

A local Boy Scout has ensured that although the Nesconset Armory has been transformed into a library, those who served their country who never be forgotten.

Life Scout Alex Barnes of Troop 214 Smithtown/Hauppauge held a dedicated a plaque and garden in memory of all those who served out of the Nesconset Armory from 1961 to 1992. Barnes built a brick patio and garden around the original flagpole from when the armory was in use as his Eagle Scout project.

"I thought it was appropriate to remember those who served," he said. " As Director [Robert] Lusak told me, there was no physical remembrance of those 30 years, three decades at that time."

Barnes said the project took 600 man hours to complete with assistance from his family and fellow troop members. He recounted countless fundraisers from selling T-shirts to dinners at T.G.I. Fridays.

Library Trustee Anthony Monteleone presented Barnes with a plaque as a token of appreciation from the Smithtown library board for his

"We certainly appreciate all your hard work to bring to fruition... This is not only a tribute to you and your fellow scouts of Troop 214, this will be a tribute for many years to come," Monteleone said. "This will be a permanent piece of architecture for the library. We will take a great pride in it. It was a perfect development of this space."

Barnes said he got the idea for the project as he has always been interested in helping the library - his grandmother works there - and after conversations with Lusak, an United States Army veteran himself, undertook the project.

Many local businesses who helped to make the project possible by donating supplies or funds include Bogdan Masonry, Barry Block Landscape Design and Contracting, Olsens Discount Nursery, Kaufman Allied Patio Furniture and Allen E. Fricke Memorials.