Boy Scout Selling Memorial Bricks For Eagle Scout Project

TINLEY PARK, IL — An eighth grader working towards becoming an Eagle Scout is selling personalized memorial bricks to help fundraise for his final project, family told Patch.

Luke Rost is currently a Life Scout in Troop 318, the final level before reaching the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Before he can earn the designation only 8 percent of all scouts achieve, however, Rost has to plan and execute a large scale project within his community.

"My Eagle Scout Project is the creation of a beautiful outdoor space at my parish that will honor current military service members and memorialize military veterans and fallen service members," Rost said in a statement.

The parish is St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church in Tinley Park. Final plans include a brick path, brick patio, a flagpole, new landscaping and benches for visitors to sit and reflect. For the young boy, the project is more than simply beautifying. Three of Rost's siblings are currently serving in the military, he told Patch.

While the Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School student has some funds in place, the full project will cost about $10,500 to complete. In order to raise the additional money, Rost is inviting military family members or anyone who wants to pay tribute to pay for a personalized brick which will create the path and patio to the flagpole.

"We're inviting everyone to be a part of my project," Rost said.

The bricks will be laser engraved and vary in price depending on custom messaging or logos.

A small brick with text will cost $50 while a small brick with text and a logo will be $60. Rost said businesses and supporters could add an American flag or military logo to any brick for an additional $10. Larger bricks will cost $125.

A more affordable option is a small tile for $15 while those looking to donate even more can sponsor a bench for $2,000.

"What I like about this project is the legacy that we are creating for the community," Rost said in a statement. "People are invited to forever remember their loved ones who currently serve or served in the military and the community is invited to help make this project a reality by buying bricks for their families, businesses and organizations."

Brick sales will continue through the end of January. Those interested can find more details here. The memorial is slated to be built in the spring.