Jonathan and Phillip Arnold of Gallatin were honored last week as “Outstanding Missourians”
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The Missouri House of Representatives honored Jonathan and Phillip Arnold last week as “Outstanding Missourians.” Third District Representative Jim Whorton nominated the brothers for the award upon the recommendation of the Daviess County Commission for the successful establishment of a restored Civil War cannon and Veteran’s Walk of Honor on the Daviess County courthouse lawn.
The project began as Jonathan Arnold’s Eagle Scout project. Jonathan envisioned the Walk of Honor and the sale of bricks to finance the restoration of the Civil War cannon. His portion of the project was dedicated at the Daviess County Chautauqua last September.
Phillip Arnold then enlarged and improved the site for his Eagle Scout project. Under his planning and guidance, bronze service medallions were obtained and installed on each corner of the pentagon, the walk ways extended and flagpoles were made to fly the flags of deceased veterans on holidays.
Gallatin Boy Scout Troop 67 has accepted the responsibility for seeing that the flags are flown on appropriate occasions. Phillip and Jonathan continue to manage the ongoing project as additional orders for veterans’ bricks and flag contributions are made.
The brothers appeared on the floor of the Missouri House of Representatives April 26, where they were introduced by Rep. Whorton, who explained to the House chamber the magnitude and success of the boys’ undertaking. The House responded with a standing ovation as the awards were presented at the Speaker’s podium.
Rep. Whorton noted that the Outstanding Missourian honor is reserved for a very elite group of Missouri citizens who perform extraordinary service. “The ‘Outstanding Missourian’ honor is usually reserved for adults and I was quite pleased that the House chose to recognize these youth in this way.”
The brothers were originally recommended for the honor by the Daviess County Commission. Presiding Commissioner, David Tolen, stated, “When we learned of the ‘Outstanding Missourian’ award from Rep. Whorton, the commission immediately thought of Jonathan and Phillip, and felt this would be an appropriate way to honor their accomplishments. The commission appreciates the efforts of Rep. Whorton in bringing this to the attention of the state House of Representatives.”
In accepting the “Outstanding Missourian” recognitions, the brothers agreed that without the tremendous support of the community, the project could not be the success that it is. In thanking Rep. Whorton and the Daviess County Commission, the brothers noted that “every person who shared in helping with the project also deserves to share in this honor.”