Eagle Scout does his part to spruce up Union Cemetery

Alexander Wischki thought the entrance to Union Cemetery was a little too drab, especially when one considers that it’s the final resting place for many military veterans.

When the Village of Saukville erected a new sign at the entrance, the Eagle Scout thought he could improve on that by building a flower planter to accompany the addition.

The Saukville teen decided to make it his Eagle Scout project and gained the support of village officials for the planter.

“This will provide a permanent fixture to honor the families of the veterans buried there and the veterans in my community,” Wischki wrote to village officials. 

“The flower box is meant to improve the visual impact of our cemetery all year and especially during parades and events.”

Wischki started work earlier this spring and met his goal of having it finished by Memorial Day.

“I wanted to be able to support our veterans, and the other planter didn’t look as good as it could have,” he said.

At age 15 and just entering 10th grade, Wischki is younger than many other Eagle Scouts who complete their project.

“I’m kind of young, but I had the ambition to go for it,” he said.

The planter is made of stones and stands about 10 feet long, three feet wide and about a foot high, Wischki said. Neuens Lumber in Fredonia helped provide the materials.

Wischki said the total project cost was about $700, most of which he raised by selling koulouria, traditional Greek Easter cookies that he made with the help of friends who are in Scout Troop 6888.

Wischki also got help from Cub Scout Troop 3638 in Cedarburg and Boy Scout Troop 875 in Port Washington. 

A plaque dedicating the planter to veterans has yet to be installed and the village plans on erecting a flag pole there.

Wischki still must present his project to his Eagle Scout Board of Review.