An Eagle Scout Community Service Project to place a 16-foot replica Statue of Liberty on the grounds of the National Guard Armory took another step toward completion Saturday.

Created and designed by Boy Scout Thomas Schmidt of Troop 447 in Laurinburg, "phase one" of the project was completed in May, when Schmidt purchased the statue itself. The replica, which reaches about seven and a half feet without its brick and mortar base, is currently on display in the law office of his father, Michael Schmidt, located at 452 South Main St. in Laurinburg.

"On Saturday at 9 a.m., and with the help of several of my fellow Scouts, I plan to begin phase two of the project, that of digging the foundation where the statue's brick pedestal will be placed," Schmidt said. "We will be digging a square, 10 inch-deep hole, where we will then place framing boards in preparation for the concrete to be poured."

Schmidt has spoken to various community service groups throughout the county to rally support for the project. In an earlier interview he said the feedback he has received has been positive.

“It’s a great encouragement when I see such strong American spirit and enthusiasm about supporting our Statue of Liberty project,” said Schmidt. “The real focus is to honor our veterans and troops. I think that every visitor is going to drive off the future Interstate 74 and realize how much the people of Laurinburg support the troops and veterans and honor the sacrifices they have always made in the name of liberty."

Brigadier General Clinton V. Willis, in whose honor the Laurinburg armory was named, was instrumental in gaining clearance for Schmidt to proceed with his plans to put a monument on the armory grounds.

"Since the armory is a government facility, not just anything can be placed on the grounds," Willis said. "I intervened on his behalf by going to Raleigh and meeting with the adjutant general, who directed me to the colonel in charge of engineering and facilities. Once I reached the right person, it didn't take long to get the process going."

Schmidt said he is looking forward to completing this stage of the project and moving to the third phase, that of constructing the brick pedestal. The final step will be to erect the statue upon it, followed by the unveiling and a dedication ceremony.

"I hope to have the statue up by early to mid-August," Schmidt said. "I'm very optimistic, and looking forward to the final phases of the project."

Schmidt said the public will be "thrilled" to see Statue of Liberty replica "in the middle of our beautiful town.

“It’s going to be a beautiful and wonderful day," he said.

Schmidt's scoutmaster is Robert Weagraff of Laurinburg.