At a very solemn and impressive ceremony held last Friday night at the Clinton Martin Recreational Hall, in New Hyde Park, Joseph Gulotta attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest in Boy Scouting.

Gulotta's project to be eligible for the Eagle Scout rank was to photograph and fingerprint children to be used for identification in case of kidnapping or disaster.

The room was packed with dignitaries and friends and most of the dignitaries were there to present various awards to the newly inducted Eagle Scout.

Awards were presented by New York State Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell and by Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello who commented, "This evening's service is even more poignant because this morning many of us here attended the Memorial Service held for Westbury Mayor Ernie Strata's son, Thomas, whose very young life was terminated when the terrorists hit the Twin Towers on Sept. 11. The service this morning celebrated his lost life and tonight we are here to celebrate the life of young Joseph Gulotta who has his whole life in front of him as he attains the rank of Eagle Scout that states he will serve God, country and fellow countrymen."

Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell also mentioned the Memorial Service for Strata's son and the fact that his newest son was born just four days before the World Trade Center nightmare. She said, "Joe, you and young men like you will have to serve as the role models and mentors for the many young men who are growing up without one or two parents.

Town Councilman Anthony D'Urso presented a proclamation on behalf of the North Hempstead Town Council and Fred Pollack presented a flag flown over the Capitol in Albany on behalf of Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli. New Hyde Park Village Mayor Daniel Petruccio was on hand to present a citation to young Gulotta. Petruccio, who is a teacher at Chaminade High School said that he knew most of the young men in Troop No. 544 and he said, "If Joseph is an Eagle Scout in this group then he must be special."

Nassau County Executive Thomas Gulotta presented young Gulotta (no relation) with a county proclamation. County Executive Gulotta said, " It is impossible to participate in any ceremony without reflecting on the terrible cloud that hangs over our heads due to the horrific act of Sept. 11. As we all look to an uncertain future there has to be a flicker of light and hope in the distance and tonight that flicker of hope and light is Joseph Gulotta as he receives the Eagle Award."

Other awards were presented by chief of the Garden City Park Fire Department and by the New Hyde Park Fire Department; Bruce McMillan of the Theodore Roosevelt Council BSA; Mario Obertis, commander, VFW G & E Linder Post No. 8031, New Hyde Park; representative of the New Hyde Park American Legion Ernie Pyle Post, John Lowe, Grand Knight of New Hyde Park Knights of Columbus; Nassau County Police representative of Police Commissioner William Willet; Thomas Liddy, who was the charter organization representative for Troop No. 544 acted as the master-of-ceremonies and he presented the Catholic Committee on Scouting award for the Diocese of Rockville Centre for his wife Judy Liddy, who was home with a broken ankle.

Among the honored guests were former New Hyde Park Village Trustee Florence Lisanti and former New Hyde Park Mayor Warren Tackenberg; Robert Bogart, former New Hyde Park village mayor and Shelter Rock BSA District Eagle board chairman; Scott Christensen, Shelter Rock BSA, district committee chairman; Vincent Scott, New Hyde Park Memorial High School science teacher and Key Club advisor at New Hyde Park Memorial High; Ed Woods, school board member, Notre Dame Parish and advancement chairman of BSA Troop No. 544. And many more guests.

Perhaps one of the most interesting presentations was that given by the Order of the Arrow Service, of which Joseph Gulotta is a member. It is represented by the Scout wearing a white sash with a large red arrow emblazoned on it. The service was conducted by the members of the Matinecock Chapter Order of the Arrow Ceremonial Team. Those members were drummed in by the single drumming of a small hand held drum fashioned after the drums the Indians used and then in came young members with masks of animals, in fur, draped on and around their heads. Each one represented a different animal such as the raven, falcon, hawk and finally the eagle...stating in very dramatic gestures and words the significance of their individual animal and with the dull beating of the drum in the background, the service ended with the fact that an Eagle Scout is just the beginning not the end.