Amy Batista, Special Writer
MONROE Sean Evans of Monroe Township Troop 60 has big plans for his Boy Scout Eagle Project. He is raising funds to build a memorial to veterans killed in action. The memorial is at Veterans Park on Avenue K.
Sean, a junior in high school, had raised $3,700 and sold about 20 bricks as of Monday. The military flags are being donated by a local veteran’s post and a local nursery is donating the shrubbery that will be around the monument. The town is going to take care of the foundation and the stone memorial.
His inspiration for the project came from an article his mom came across about Sgt. Warren J. Southworth of Monroe, a WWII veteran who was killed in action in Europe. He died at age 21 in the Battle of the Bulge and he sacrificed himself so his fellow soldiers could regroup and launch a counter-offensive.
”He was posthumously awarded for his efforts in receiving a Purple Heart and a Silver Star,” Sean said. “After reading in the article about how his memory had pretty much faded until recently I noticed that there wasn’t a memorial dedicated solely to those who were killed in action, and so my project became to erect a stone memorial for killed in action veterans from Monroe and Jamesburg, from all branches of the military and from all wars.”
Sean started his project in June of 2010 during his freshman year of high school. He has been part of scouting for ten years now.
He discussed the requirements for earning the rank of Eagle, which included earning a certain amount of merit badges, being an overall good Scout, being in a position of responsibility in the troop and completing a service project.
”The service project is the most difficult part of becoming an Eagle Scout,” Sean said. “The requirements for completing the project are pretty strict. To start, the project must benefit the community in some way.”
”The location of the memorial will be great as they are doing major expansions in the park,” parent Irene Evans of Monroe said. “This way families coming into the park will see the monument and have a reminder of what our service men did and are still doing for us. Sean has always had a military interest since he was little, so this project is perfect for him.”
Sean has been working and coordinating with other local community leaders in the town. Feist Engineering of Monroe is heading the project on the town’s behalf making sure plans are correct and having their engineers look over Sean’s plans and making it work for the park. Sean also worked with the Veterans Council of Monroe and Jamesburg as well as the Monroe Township Council.
”We commend Sean for his patriotism and enthusiasm,” said Dan Mann of theVeterans Council of Monroe and Jamesburg.
”As a combat veteran of World War II, I am especially appreciative of his efforts to honor those who have defended our country. (Sean) is a great example of what we hope the next generation of Americans will become,” Mr. Mann said.
Sean started asking the community, businesses, clubs and organizations to help by purchasing a personalized brick for the pathway. They could have their name or organization’s name or even a remembrance of a loved one inscribed on it. Their goal is to have opening day on Armed Forces day May 19.
”Our servicemen and women sacrifice so much for our country and many of them made the ultimate sacrifice,” Sean said. “This is an opportunity for me and the community to show them our appreciation. I am also seeking funds to cover the cost of the Fallen Soldier statue. Any help your organization or group can help me with would be very much appreciated.”
”Our fallen soldiers have given all for us and our country. Let’s give something back in their honor and memory,” Sean said.
For more information on how you can help contact Sean at [email protected] or visit the Monroe website, to print more copies of the fundraising form and click on the “What’s New” link. http://www.monroetwp.com.

