Governor Chet Culver honored the life and spirit of service of Aaron Eilerts Tuesday at a special ceremony at the young man’s middle school in Eagle Grove. Eilerts lost his life last year when a tornado tragically struck the Little Sioux Boy Scout Ranch.

“Today is a day for all of us to lift up Aaron’s memory in prayer, and in gratitude for his life. It’s also a day to remember him and the example he set for others. He kindly committed his short life to giving back to others and because of this, I think it’s fair to say Aaron Eilerts, was one of the finest young men the State of Iowa had to offer,” said Governor Culver. “It’s because of Aaron’s gift of always giving to others that as Governor I was proud to proclaim today, his 15th birthday, February 24th, 2009 as the Aaron Eilerts Day of Service and Giving in honor of his life and work in service to his friends and neighbors.”

Aaron Eilerts of Eagle Grove was known for his commitment to service and volunteering. Throughout his life, he worked to make his community and his state a better place through such volunteer efforts as making pillowcases for hospital patients across the country and donating blankets for dogs at animal shelters.

Last year, Governor Culver named Aaron’s 15th birthday – February 24, 2009 – as the Aaron Eilerts Day of Service, and called on schools across the state to follow Aaron’s example by giving back to their communities and their state. Responding to Governor Culver’s call to serve, 64 projects are currently scheduled at schools around the state today, bringing together hundreds of students in service to their state and fellow Iowans.

Governor Culver marked the day by traveling to Eilerts’ hometown of Eagle Grove for a special remembrance ceremony, where the Governor presented a posthumous Governor’s Volunteer Service Award to Aaron Eilerts. The Award was presented to the Eilerts family, and is the first Governor’s Volunteer Service Award to be presented in 2009.

Governor Culver is encouraging Iowans to help remember Aaron by donating to the Aaron Eilerts Service and Giving Foundation, which will help rebuild the Camp Little Sioux Scout Ranch. Donations can be made to:
Aaron Eilerts Service and Giving Foundation
900 S. Jackson Avenue
Eagle Grove, Iowa 50533