Lifestyles
Dierks Boy Scout Camp 'Liberty Circle' dedication set Oct. 6
By NeTseO Trails Council
Oct 5, 2007

What began as the lifelong dream of a man whose name will always be synonymous with the finest Scouting has to offer is now a reality.

The NeTseO Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America announces that the "Liberty Circle" project at Camp Dierks Boy Scout Camp near Wright City, Oklahoma is complete and the dedication has been set for Saturday, October 6 at 2:00 p.m. at the camp. 

Dignitaries and state officials from both Texas and Oklahoma are expected to attend this unveiling ceremony.

Liberty Circle began several years ago as an idea of Lynwood Hogue of Ector, Texas; however Mr. Hogue passed away before its completion.  It was his hope that this would serve as a tribute to honor Scouts and Scouters throughout the Council's territory.

Bonham and Fannin County have a long history of Scouting and for 55 years Lynwood Hogue signified the all the best of this fine tradition.  He will be missed and will always have a place in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.  Mr. Hogue had a vision and a lifelong dream of honoring each and every Scout that earns the Eagle Award.  His dream became a reality as a result of the dedication and countless hours of hard work by volunteers.

The "Circle" centers around a scale model of the Statue of Liberty, which is one of only 16 presented to various members of Congress and/or state governors in 1951.  This particular Lady Liberty was presented to the Scout Council by then-U.S. Congressman and House Speaker Sam Rayburn of Bonham.  The area surrounding the statue includes four flagpoles (for U.S., Oklahoma, Texas and Boy Scout Council Flags) inside individual circles, enclosed by a larger circle, all interconnected with a pathway of bricks. 

Each of those bricks along the path will honor members of the Scout program with the NeTseO Trails Council.  The three groups being honored are Eagle Scouts, Silver Beaver Award recipients and Vigil Order of the Arrow members.  There are more than 1,900 members of those three groups.  Each individual is recognized for this achievement with a 4" x 8" brick with the individual's name, community and the year each award was earned.

For the record, Mr. James T. Griffis with Troop 58 was the first to receive his Eagle in Bonham.  The Bonham area alone has over 200 names that have a brick laid in their honor.  This impressive way to honor Scouts began as one man's dream and will continue to stand as a testament of the virtues of Scouting for generations to follow.