Bristol Twp. High Schooler Puts Up New Flagpole For Langhorne Legion Post

November 10, 2023

The flagpole being installed.
Credit: Submitted

A senior at Harry S. Truman High School has successfully spearheaded a fundraising campaign to replace a flagpole at an American Legion post.

Timothy Bess, 17, a Boy Scout Troop 121 member, successfully raised $7,770 over six months for his Eagle Scout service project. The funds were allocated to replace an aging flagpole with a new 35-foot one at the American Legion Jesse Soby Post 148 in Langhorne Borough.

The new flagpole was installed on October 7 will be officially dedicated on Veterans Day on November 11 at 10 a.m.

The flagpole will have a plaque commemorating Past Commander Joseph A. Zalot Sr. (1932-1934) and Bess.

Motivated by the American Legion Post 148’s need for a new flagpole and his family’s military background, Bess embarked on the volunteer project.

Bess’ father and grandfather are U.S. Army veterans.

Fundraising efforts included multiple car washes organized by Troop 121 and a GoFundMe campaign initiated by Bess’s mother.

Contributions also came from American Legion Post 148 and the Levittown VFW John Billington Post 6495.

Bess acknowledges the support from his mother, fellow scouts, and Don Minnick, Post 148’s scouting representative.

Timothy Bess and fellow scouts.
Credit: Submitted

Reflecting on the project, Bess learned the challenges of leadership and the importance of stepping out of his comfort zone.

“It’s not always easy to be a leader. It made me step out of my comfort zone and was a challenge to get the help I needed,” he said.

A scout since kindergarten, Bess is on the cusp of achieving the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank, Eagle Scout.

“When I am awarded my Eagle Scout, I will feel like I have accomplished a lot, which took a lot of effort and hard work,” said Bess.

Bess heading to work at Ockanickon Scout Reservation as a camp counselor.
Credit: Submitted

Bess scouting journey has included dog sledding in Minnesota, winter camping at -33 degrees, a 60-mile hike in the Sangre de Cristo Range, ATV riding in the Appalachian Mountains, and ecological explorations in Key West, Florida.

Bess credits scouting for his ability to succeed outside his comfort zone and encourages fellow teens to embrace new experiences through scouting.

“Much of what I have done has helped me realize that I can stop out of my comfort zone and succeed,” said Bess.