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It took seven years, determination and a Scout like attitude for one Scouter to see his goal accomplished. Ted Langowski, a 55-year veteran scouter, saw the vision of a flag waving over the new Pikes Peak Council, Boy Scouts of America activities center, when they first took ownership of the building, seven years ago. His vision came true Wednesday night, as he raised the flag for the ceremony, dedicating the new 40-foot flag pole.

The flag pole originally flew the flag at a local Perkins restaurant, but was tore down due to the restaurant closing. Langowski, heard word of them wanting to donate the pole to the Scouts, and knew it would be perfect at the new council office off I-25 and Fillmore. However, due to financial constraints, Pikes Peak Council was unable to budget the funds needed to install the poll, but thanks to the generosity of GE Johnson Construction Company, and Langowski’s perseverance, the work was completed this fall.

“What you’re seeing here is half the pole. I was told that it was too big to put in originally, but I took care of that,” Langowski said. He cut the 80 foot pole in half, and now you will see the remains standing tall on the west side of the activities center. “The best thing is, it didn’t costs the Scouts one penny,” he said.

The flag pole dedication ceremony was conducted by the Order of Arrow, the honorary camping program. County Commissioner and long-time Boy Scout supporter Peggy Littleton was in attendance to support the flag pole dedication.

“It’s exciting to see the American Flag waving over Pikes Peak Council, BSA because Boy Scouts of America stands for patriotism, freedom and love of country,” Littleton said.

Scout Executive and CEO of the Pikes Peak Council, Kent Downing said doing ones duty to God and Country is a cornerstone of the Boy Scout Oath.

“Dedicating a new flag pole at the Boy Scout Activities Center is a proud and patriotic day for Scouting and our community. This important project would not have happened without the dedicated service of veteran Scouter and volunteer, Ted Langowski and the backing from GE Johnson Construction Company. Our heart filled appreciated for their support,” he said.

Many Scout supporters were there to celebrate in the monumental occasion and also enjoyed the reception afterwards of American flag cupcakes. Even for the younger generation, the pride of duty to country stands strong.

Pikes Peak Council serves 7,650 youth and has 4,520 adult volunteers in the communities of Colorado Springs, Woodland Park, Manitou Springs, Fountain, Monument and Colorado’s eastern plains. The youth program instills the values of character development, citizenship and physical fitness to youth in age 7-21.