A group of Boy Scouts from Troop 447 in Laurinburg earned some 25 community service hours over the weekend by working at the National Guard Armory on Main Street.

The objective of their labor was to assist fellow Scout Thomas Schmidt complete "phase two" of his Eagle Scout project, that of preparing the ground for a concrete pedestal on which to place a seven foot replica of the Statue of Liberty. Schmidt's project should be completed next month.

"The work was done to assist me in laying the form boards for the pedestal of my Statue of Liberty Eagle Scout project," Scout Thomas Schmidt said. "I was very happy to have the assistance of some of my fellow Scouts."

Schmidt said he had intended to ask for "three or four" volunteers, but received 10 overall.

"I was afraid there wouldn't be enough labor for everyone, but it worked out really well," Schmidt said. "Everyone got involved in a special job, and learned important skills in the process."

After the Scouts finished laying the form boards in a 10 inch deep, seven by seven foot square, Schmidt said he and the group "were able to get a concrete specialist on site right away. Now that the concrete pad is in, phase two is finished. We're now starting phase three, where we order bricks (for the base) and have them installed."

Created and designed by Schmidt, 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. Once the base is completed, the statue will stand some 16 feet high.

Schmidt's father Michael has previously expressed pride for his son's endeavor.

"It's a very meritorious project," the elder Schmidt said. "Thomas has been interested in a career in the armed forces since about age 6, and I appreciate his wish to honor the men and women who sacrificed so that we might be a free people."

Schmidt hopes to have the completed statue up by mid-August, with the unveiling and a dedication ceremony to follow.

"I'm very optimistic, and looking forward to the final phases of the project," Schmidt said.

Schmidt was assisted by Ben Ewald, James Macy, Walker Davis, and Richard Macy. Others who offered assistance included Tyler Byrd, David Pechumer, Keith Allred, Tyler Elvis, and Jeb Britt.

The Clinton V. Willis National Guard Armory is located at 1520 South Main Street in Laurinburg.