DAPHNE, Ala. — Long hours of labor on the construction of Boy Scout Troop 87’s new gathering place paid off Sunday during a dedication ceremony for the structure located beside the Knights of Columbus Hall on Main Street.

The 1,152-square-foot, wooden building — an effort two years in the making, labor-wise, but decades more, for the troop, which formerly used the K. of C. hall — will host scout meetings and award ceremonies. Scouts dedicated it to Tommy Bertagnolli for his long-time dedication to Troop 87.

Brass instruments swelled in the dramatic and patriotic piece entitled “Fanfare for the Common Man.”

“America is full of common men — we don’t have royalty,” Malcolm Zellner, assistant scout master, said. “It is we the people, in our sameness … that makes this nation wonderful. I can think of no one who exemplifies this more than Tommy Bertagnolli,” he said.

As Bertagnolli approached the porch, an honorary sign hung above the steps that read, “Tommy Bertagnolli — Scout Lodge.”

Bertagnolli humbly accepted the tribute and quickly redirected the honor back to the scouts.

“On May 15 of this year, the boy scouts (Troop 87) will be in the 65th year as an unbroken charter. It was organized in 1943,” he said.

Also honored at the event were scout leaders Stan Wiese, Zellner and Joe Traumuta — for their exhaustive physical labor on the project.

Each of the men received eagle awards and Wiese made a light-hearted acceptance speech.

“I’m glad to see this day get here,” he said with a chuckle.

Troop 87 spent between $3,000 and $4,000 — a lot of sweat equity, too — on their new, $60,000-value meeting area.

The roof materials — about $10,000 — and windows — about $7,000 — among other gifts, were donated, Zellner said.

Also Sunday, scouts and leaders recognized monetary contributions from businesses that made the project’s completion possible. Among them were Jeff Nelson Construction and Lowe’s Home Improvement.

The Rev. Timothy Deasy, pastor of Christ the King Catholic Church, blessed the building with holy water and thanked all the workers for their commitment.

“Thank you for the dedication of so many — for all the blood, sweat and tears,” he said.

The scouts then held their first court of honor inside the new lodge. The boys received merit badges for service projects they had completed.

Scouts, leaders, family and friends had dinner at the Knights of Columbus Hall and then watched a slideshow of the scouts in action.

PICK UP THE APRIL 2, 2008 DAPHNE BULLETIN FOR PICTURES FROM THIS OCCASION!