An 88-year-old man was officially declared an Eagle Scout this weekend in Florida, decades after missing out on the Boy Scout honor due to World War II.

The Fort Myers (Fla.) New-Press said Saturday that Walter Hart was granted the rare rank of Eagle Scout nearly 80 years after he joined the Boy Scouts and decades after he was forced to forgo the honor in lieu of World War II.

Despite the lengthy delay in receiving the honor, which only an average of 5 percent of Boy Scouts ever receive, Hart was appreciative of the recognition.

It means a lot to me, Hart said Saturday. I've been looking forward to this for a long time. It's pretty unusual.

While Hart had completed all of the requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout, he joined the Navy in 1943 instead. From there, he served for two years in the war and afterward circumstances prevented him from being awarded the scouting honor.

The newspaper said to become an Eagle Scout, one must fulfill requirements in outdoor skills, as well as prove oneself in community service and leadership abilities.

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