The Scouting Way of Life
2010 marked the 100-year anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, with the centennial celebration spanning a two-year period. We applaud this values-based organization founded on leadership, service and community which has served millions of America’s youth, including the Colonel.
The time I spent in the Boy Scouts has had a huge influence on my life. During my scouting days, I lived out in the country in a small community in east Tennessee. The old Marlow School where scout meetings were held was about two miles as the crow flies down the railroad track, across the field, through the woods and across a high, high railroad trestle.
During the summer when the days were long, I enjoyed the two-mile hike across the backwoods to attend the scout meetings for my Troop No. 2. However, at times the return trip would be after dark; and that was a bit scary even though I never admitted it.
Money was not that plentiful and my only cash flow was $1.50 a week from delivering newspapers to a widely-scattered fifteen subscribers. So, my scout uniform never progressed beyond a scout cap and neckerchief.
But the Boy Scouts was, to me, more than a uniform. It was a way of life that served me well then and even today. I took to heart the principles I read in the Scout Handbook (which I still have) and made the commitment that I would always apply these principles to my life to the best of my ability.
We salute the scouting way of life and what it has meant to so many young people during the last 100 years.
Regards,
Colonel
The Scout Law
1. The Scout Is Trustworthy
2. A Scout Is Loyal
3. A Scout Is Helpful
4. A Scout Is Friendly
5. A Scout Is Courteous
6. A Scout Is Kind
7. A Scout Is Obedient
8. A Scout Is Cheerful
9. A Scout Is Thrifty
10. A Scout Is Brave
11. A Scout Is Clean
12. A Scout Is Reverent
Note missing corner which was used to make a guitar pick.
The Colonel learned #9 well!
The American’s Creed
I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign nation of many sovereign states; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity, for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.
I therefore believe it is my duty to my Country to love it, to support its constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its Flag, and to defend it against all enemies.
William Tyler Page
(From the Boy Scout handbook)
