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OPENING CEREMONIES
CLOSING CEREMONIES
1. To climb a mountain and look afar.
2. To sit around a embered campfire with good friends
3. To test his strength and his skills on his very own.
4. To be alone with his own thoughts and with his God.
5. To be ready to reach out and find the hand of an understanding
man ready and willing to help.
6. To have a code to live by ...easily understood and fair.
7. A chance to play hard just for the fun of it...and to work
hard for the thrill of it.
8. To have a chance to fail...and know why.
9. To have and to be a good friend and have a chance to prove
both.
10. To have a hero...and a vision to measure him by.
Some people call me Old Glory, others call me the Star Spangled
Banner,
but whatever they call me, I am YOUR Flag, the Flag of the United
States of America ....something has been bothering me, so I thought
I
might talk it over with you.. because it is about you and me..
I remember when people would line up on both sides of the
street to
watch a parade, and naturally, I was leading it, proudly waving
in the
breeze. When your Daddy saw me coming, he immediately removed
his hat
and placed it over his heart, up against his left shoulder ....remember.
And you, I remember you. Standing there straight as a soldier,
You
didn't have a hat, but you were giving the right salute...and
remember
little sister? Not to be out done, she was saluting the same as
you
with her right hand over her heart ...remember?
What happened? I'm still the same old Flag. Oh, I have a
few more
Stars since you were a boy. A lot more blood has been shed since
those
parades of long ago.
But now, I don't feel as proud as I used to.. When I come
down your
street, you just stand there with your hands in your pockets,
and I may
get a small glance and then ; you look away. Then I see the little
children running around and shouting...they don't seem to know
who I
am.. I saw one man take his hat off., then look around, and when
he
didn't see anybody with theirs off, he quickly put his back on..
Is it a sin to be patriotic anymore? Have you forgotten
what I stand
for and where I've been?... Anzio, Guadalcanal, Korea, and now
Vietnam. Take a look at the Memorial Honor Rolls of those who
never
came back in order to keep this Republic FREE. One Nation Under
God..
when you salute me. you are actually saluting them.
Well, it won't be long before I'll be coming down your street
again, so
when you see me, stand straight, place your right hand over your
heart,
and I'll salute you, by waving back...and forth....and I'll know
that.
YOU REMEMBERED!!!!
We used the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing America the
Beautiful as our background music. I'm sure you may use
almost any patriotic music and get the effect you want.
On the 29th of July in 1907, Lord Baden-Powell took 22 boys
with him to
Brownsea Island, off England's southern coast. This was the world's
first Scout camp. That little camp was the foundation of the
tremendous world-wide Scouting movement. The Boy Scouts of America
was
organized along with Scouting associations in many countries,
Today
there are more that 15 million Scouts and leaders in over 150
countries. Time changes many things, but the Scout Promise and
Law are
as important today as they were in the beginning. PLEASE STAND--
give
the Scout sign and repeat the Scout Promise with me, followed
by the
Pledge of Allegiance.
- I am your flag.
- I was born June 14, 1777.
- I am more then just cloth shaped into a design.
- I am the refuge of the World's oppressed people.
- I am the silent sentinel of freedom.
- I am the emblem of the greatest sovereign nation on
earth.
- I am the inspiration for which American Patriots gave
their lives and fortunes.
- I have led your sons into battle from Valley Forge to
the dense jungles of Vietnam.
- I walk in silence with each of your honored dead to
their final resting
- place beneath the silent white crosses - row upon row.
- I have flown through peace and war; strife and prosperity;
and amidst it all, I have been respected.
- I am your flag.
- My red stripes symbolize the blood spilled in defense
of this glorious nation.
- My white stripes signify the yurning tears shed by Americans
who lost their sons and daughters.
- My blue field is indicative of God's heaven, under which
I fly.
- My stars, clustered together, unify fifty states as
one, for God and Country. "Old Glory" is my nickname,
and I proudly wave on high. Honor me, respect me, defend me with
your lives and your fortunes.
- Never let my enemies tear me down from my lofty position,
lest I never return,
- Keep alight the fires of patriotism; strive earnestly
for the spirit of Democracy.
- Worship Eternal God, and keep his commandments; and
I shall remain the bulwark of peace and freedom for all mankind.
- I AM YOUR FLAG!
Marine Master Sargeant Percy Webb
Dear Lord, from your judgment seat on high,
Look down on a Scouter such as I.
Search me through and find me whole,
Then help me Lord to reach my goal.
Help me Lord to work for Thee,
Guard my homeland - Keep it free.
Help me to work with others and be kind,
Helpful with my hands and mind.
Keep me Lord, both well and strong
To help our growing boys along.
Control my thoughts, keep them right,
sound, clean weapons for life's fight.
Protect my morals, keep them high,
Grant this to a Scouter such as I.
CALL FROM YOUTH
I'd rather see a lecture than hear one any day.
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely point the
way.
The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear.
Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear.
And best of all the teachers are the men who live their creed.
For to see the good in action is what everybody needs.
I can soon learn how to do it if you let me see it done.
I can watch your hands in action but your tongue too fast may
run.
And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true,
But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
For I may understand you and the high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
(Santa Clara County Council)
The flag of the United States is a symbol of our country
and all it
represents. One of the many great things our flag represents is
Scouting. Let's look at the flag from our Scouting viewpoint.
The white stripes are all Scouts with their clean, fresh desire
to
learn, be with the best of others, and still stand out in their
own
individuality.
The red stripes can represent the parents, who have given
their sons
the blood of inheritance, the closeness of constant support, the
brilliance of visible good example and distinction of encouraging
self-
reliance.
The blue field represents the Scouting organization with
it's broad
principles and high ideals bound together with sound practices
serving
a teaching and supporting background.
The white stars are Scout leaders - Scoutmasters, Cubmasters,
Den
Leaders, Patrol Dads, and Den Chiefs. All those who assume the
color
and interest of the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, guide them in self-
leadership, brighten the way of their growth, and illuminate the
goals
to constructive manhood, that basic ingredient that supports our
country and earns our Flag it's most distinctive honor -RESPECT.
It's just a piece of cloth, that's all it is
Just a piece of cloth.
But when a little breeze comes along, it stirs and comes
to life
And flutters and snaps in the wind, all red and white and
blue...
Then you realize that no other piece of cloth could be like
it.
It has your whole life wrapped up in it..
The meals you eat, the time you spend with your family,
The kind of things boys and girls learn at school,
The strange and wonderful thoughts you get in church.
Those stars on it..
They make you feel just as free as the stars
in the wide, wide, deep night.
And the stripes...
they are the bars of blood
To any dictator who would try to change this way of life.
Just a piece of cloth, that's all it is
Until you put your soul into it and give it meaning;
Then it is the symbol of liberty and decency
and fair dealing for everyone.
It is just a piece of cloth
Until we breathe life into it,
Until we make it stand for everything we believe in
And refuse to live without it.
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 principals
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;
support it's Constitution; to obey it's laws; to respect it's
flag; and to defend it against all enemies.
William Tyler Page
The stage is set with a large kettle and campfire. Inside
the kettle
and against one side is a folded flag out of sight of the audience.
1st boy: Tonight we're going to fix for you a treat that's
really grand and make for you a recipe -- the Grandest
in the Land.
2nd boy: In first we'll put a heaping cup of red for courage
true.
(pours in container of red paper cut in small pieces)
3rd boy: And then we'll add for loyalty a dash of heavenly
blue. (Pours in container of blue paper cut in small
pieces)
4th boy: For purity we'll now sift in a layer of snowy white,
(pours in container of white paper cut in small pieces)
5th boy: We'll sprinkle a pinch of stars to make it come
out
right. (pours in a small container of silver stars)
6th boy: We'll stir and stir and you will see that what
we've
made is Old Glory. (pulls out flag and holds it up)
7th boy: Our flag is the most beautiful flag in the world,
Let's
always be loyal to it. Will everyone please stand and
give the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag?
1 small American flag
1 white candle
1 blue candle
1 red candle
4 persons
1st person: Practically from the beginning of time,
man has used
symbols to express hope, ideals, and love of his own
nation. Our flag represents the ideals and science,
commerce and agriculture. It symbolizes the sacrifices
made by men and women for the future of America. It
stands for your home and everything and everyone you hold
dear.
"I light the red candle which is the symbol of the
red in
our flag, and stands for hardiness and valor and
symbolizes the lifeblood of brave men and women."
2nd person: "I light the white, which is the
symbol of purity and
innocence and symbolizes the white of our flag."
3rd person: "I light the blue candle which is the symbol
of
perseverance and justice, and symbolizes the eternal blue
of the heavens."
4th person: "The stars in our flag represents states.
They indicate
that the heights of achievement for our nation are
limitless as the heavens above us.'
Together: "Won't you join us in the Pledge of Allegiance?"
Opening (or could be Closing without the Pledge).
Scout stands blindfolded, gagged, and bound before the audience.
The Scoutmaster says:
This is an American boy. The American Revolution won
him freedom. (Scoutmaster unbinds him.) The
Constitution guarantees him free speech. (He removes
the gag.) A free education gives him the ability to
see and to understand. (He removes the blindfold.)
Let us help Scouting teach him to preserve and enjoy
his glorious heritage and to become a good citizen.
Turn off lights, spotlight American Flag, and repeat the
Pledge of
Allegiance.
Needed: Flag, 3 candles,(red, white, blue) board or holders,
narrator
and three scouts to light candles.
Have you noticed the strong bond between our flag and our
promise? Let
me show you.
(Scout lights white candle in center)
One of the colors of the flag is white, It is the symbol
of purity and
perfection, It is like the first part of our Scout Promise, Our
Duty to
God.
(Another Scout lights red candle)
The color red in our flag means sacrifice and courage, the
qualities of
the founders of our country. Red is the symbol of the second part
of
the Scout Promise. Our duty to other people requires courage to
help
anyone in trouble and the self-sacrifice of putting others first.
(Another Scout lights blue candle)
Blue is the color of faith. It represents the Law of the
Troop, which
we faithfully follow. We do our best to be true and honest and
strong
in character.
Let us rise and dedicate ourselves with our Pledge to the
Flag and
follow with the Boy Scout Promise.
The following item may be used for an opening flag ceremony for
troop meetings, courts of honor, PTA meetings, or any flag ceremony
where it would be appropriate. It is a modification of John Wayne's
"Face the Flag My Son".
FACE THE FLAG
Face the flag of stars and bars
Of red and white and blue.
A flag that guarantees the rights
For a people like me and you.
Face the flag friends, read what's written there;
The history, the progress, the heritage we share.
Our flag reflects the past, but stands for so much more,
And in this age of Aquarius, it still flies in the fore.
It leads the forward movement, shared by all mankind;
To learn, to love, to live with peace of mind,
To learn the mysteries of space as well as those of Earth,
To love each person for what they are regardless of birth,
To live without the fear of reprisal for belief,
To ease the tensions of a world that cries out for relief.
Face the flag of stars and bars
Of red and white and blue.
A flag that guarantees the rights
For a people like me and you.
Face the flag friends, take a good long look,
What you see now can't be found in a history book.
It's the present, the future friends, its being written now,
And you're the ones to write it, and the flag can show you how.
Do you know what it stands for? What its makers meant?
To think, to speak, the privilege of dissent,
To think our leaders might be wrong, to stand and tell them so,
These are the things that people under other flags will never know.
But, responsibility, that's the cross that freemen must bear.
If you don't accept that, then freedom isn't there.
(chorus)
Face the flag of stars and bars
Of red and white and blue.
A flag that guarantees the rights
For a people like me and you.
Face the flag friends and face reality.
Our strength and our freedoms are based in unity.
The flag is but a symbol friends, of the world's greatest nation.
So do what "you got to do", but always keep in mind
A lot of people believe in peace, but there are the other kind.
If we want to keep the freedoms we may have to fight again,
God forbid. But, if we do, let's always fight to win.
The fate of a loser is futile, it's bare;
No love, no peace, just misery, despair.
Face the flag friends and thank God it's still there.
OPENING CEREMONY - THE SIX SHIPS OF SCOUTING
Arrangement: Six Scouts hold large cardboard cutouts of
ships with
flags on which have been printed the following words:
SCHOLARSHIPS, FELLOWSHIP, SPORTSMANSHIP, WORKMANSHIP,
STATESMANSHIP AND FRIENDSHIP.
Scoutmaster: Tonight Troop ____ would like to tell you about
the six
ships of Scouting. These are ships which were launched
in America - strong and mighty ... ships that will last
forever.
1st Scout
SCHOLARSHIP - This ship is very important on the sea of
Education, On her deck stands such officers as Ambition,
Determination, Intelligence and Application. Her flag
bears symbols of the letter "A" and the plus sign.
2nd Scout
FELLOWSHIP --This ship stands for good spirit, fine
cooperation and never-failing unity. It's flag floats
high - the flag of Scouting.
3rd Scout
FRIENDSHIP - This is the most handsome ship of all. It is
true blue and it's flag golden - since friendship is
golden.
4th Scout
WORKMANSHIP - This ship's every line, every part, every
mast represents the best that a person can give. It's
flag bears a laurel wreath.
5th Scout
STATESMANSHIP - This ship represents wise guidance,
constant, unselfish interest and sincere endeavor. It's
flag is white with purity.
6th Scout
SPORTSMAN-SHIP, This is the ship that's fair and square.
It never veers from it course. Its flag is never at half mast.
Scoutmaster
And there you have six strong and sturdy ships to brave
the sea. Three cheers for the SCOUTING SHIPS!
From Indian Nations Council Pow Wow -1973
I Me, an individual, a committee of one
PLEDGE Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give
without self-pity
ALLEGIANCE My love and devotion
TO THE FLAG Our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of
freedom. Wherever she waves, there is
respect because your loyalty has given her
a dignity that shouts freedom is
everybody's job.
OF THE UNITED That means that we have all come together.
STATES Individual communities that have united
into 50 great states. 50 individual
communities with pride, dignity and
purpose, all divided with imaginary
boundaries, yet united to a common purpose,
and that's love for country.
OF AMERICA A state in which sovereign power is
AND TO THE REPUBLIC invested in representatives chosen by the
people to govern. And government is the
people and it's from the people to the
leaders, not from the leaders to the
people.
FOR WHICH IT STANDS Meaning, so blessed by God.
ONE NATION UNDER GOD
INDIVISIBLE Incapable of being divided.
WITH LIBERTY Which is freedom and the right of the power
to live one's own life without threats or
fear of some sort of retaliation.
AND JUSTICE The principle or quality of dealing fairly
with others.
FOR ALL. Which means that it is as much your country
as it is mine.
* * * * * * * * * *
We used the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing the Battle Hymn
of the
Republic for our background music. Do not start talking until
the
entire introduction is completed, then the talking will end just
about
at the conclusion of the song. Have the speaker speak slowly and
distinctly.
1892 -- Francis Bellamy
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH
IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE,
WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
What do these words mean to you? to me they say "Thank
you,
America, for your strength, your courage and for our
freedom...which has been a beacon to the world for two
hundred years.
OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA -
Whose bright stars are fifty states...each bearing it's own
stamp of individuality. People...two hundred million
strong...people...who have come to her from all corners of
the earth.
AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS -
A land of laws...with an ingenious system of checks and
balances that allows no man to become a tyrant...and let's
no group prevail... if their power is not tempered with a
real concern for the governed a land where the right of
dissent and of free speech is jealously guarded.. where
the ballot box is the sword.. and the people it's wielder.
ONE NATION...UNDER GOD -
A land where freedom of worship is a cornerstone of Her
being. A land graced with temples and churches, synagogues
and alters that rise in profusion to embrace all the
religious of the world.
INDIVISIBLE -
A land forged by the hot steel of raw courage...and formed
forever.. by the awful crucible.. of civil war.
WITH LIBERTY -
Where man in pursuit of an honest life will not be denied
his chance here her citizens move freely within her vast
borders without hindrance or fear...a land brimming with
opportunity.. where freedom of choice, is the guideline
for all.
AND JUSTICE -
The doors to our land are open to all, it's wheels of
justice grind for all causes...all people. They look to
every avenue for justice ...every concern of the law, and
they temper their reasoning with mercy.
FOR ALL!!! -
(EVERYBODY) I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR
WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH
LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL !!!
(In this ceremony, four Scouts take part. Room is in
complete darkness. Spotlight is on the flag with color
guards on one side of room. Three colored candles
red, white and blue - are set on the table.)
CEREMONY
SCOUT 1 (LIGHTING RED CANDLE) The red of my flag is the
lifeblood of
brave men ready to die or worthily live for this, our
country.
SCOUT 2 (LIGHTING WHITE CANDLE) The white of my flag is
for purity,
Cleanness of purpose, thought,word and deed.
SCOUT 3 (LIGHTING BLUE CANDLE) The blue of my flag is for
truth and
justice, like the eternal blue of the star-filled heavens.
SCOUT 4 (ALL FOUR SALUTE) My flag - the flag of America,
home of
liberty, land of opportunity, where men of all races and
creeds live in peace and friendship together.
SCOUTMASTER Two! Lights! Troop will take the _____________
formation.
(Troop meeting proceeds according to plan.)
Arrangement: Flags are presented in the usual manor.
12 uniformed scouts have speaking parts.
1st Scout: My country gives each one of us the opportunity
to
advance according to his ambition. Education is for all.
I am an American
2nd Scout: My country means love of freedom, faith in democracy,
justice and equality. I am an American.
3rd Scout: My country believes in the moral worth of the
common
man. I am an American.
4th Scout: My Country gives us the privilege of expressing
beliefs
or opinions without fear of persecution. I am an
American.
5th Scout: My country has the best form of government. It
is our
duty to keep it that way. I am an American.
6th Scout: My country promises life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness I am an American.
7th Scout: My country gives us a privilege that we shall
protect
and defend even with our lives. I am an American.
8th Scout: My country is and always shall remain the land
of the
free and the home of the brave. I am an American.
9th Scout: My country offers a living Americanism which
demands an
informed, intelligent, and active citizenship. I am an
American.
10th Scout: My country meets any need or suffering with
it's
abiding love and loyalty. I am an American.
11th Scout: My country is the servant - not the master.
I am an
American.
12th Scout: My country possesses a Statue of Liberty whose
torch
shall burn as long as we keep it alight with our
devotion to the freedom of the individual. I am an
American.
Please join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
SCENE OPENS:
(Three boys walking past the flag, discussing politics,
baseball,
football)
Suddenly, the flag lights up and a voice (preferably a microphone
speaker inside of the flag)says: "Go ahead and pass me by!!"
(Lights
out)
The three boys stop. look around, stare at each other and
say,(1st boy)
I'm sure I heard something," (2nd boy) "I heard it,
too" (3rd boy) "Did
that flag say something?" ( 1st boy) "I thought so too."
(3rd boy) "I
was afraid to say something, I thought you both would think I
was
crazy." (2nd boy) "But can flags talk?"
Flag lights up and voice speaks, "Of course I can talk,
I have always
been able to speak. Since 1776, I have been speaking to those
that
would listen. I have had 200 years of public speaking to my credit,
I
have spoken to the free, the not-so-free and even to the enslaved.
I
have always preached the same sermon. I have said it to individuals,
small groups, large crowds and to the whole world. Anybody that
cares
for my flag waving can hear me and be much the better person for
it.
My story is simple, direct and to the point. Would you boys care
to
hear my story? (All boys together "Yeah! Yes!")
"Fine, then here it is: through the years I have been
insulted, used,
ripped, torn , shot at, put on fire, pulled down, cut up, cried
on,
spit upon disgraced, blood soaked, spied upon, buried, embarrassed,
and
in general tried to put down as something unrelieved. When people
are
in trouble, cast out, homeless and deprived, they look for my
stars,
and stripes to lift them up from the depths of despair and raise
themselves to any heights they so choose. I do not ask for much
in
return. A little respect, a bit of honor, and a few morsels of
love
and the right to throw my arms around the oppressed and down trodden.
Help people to become free thinkers and encompass love and passion
for
their fellow man. You three boys could help by starting all the
people
in this room with the pledge to your flag and country."
Here is a reading that sums up the way most Scout leaders and
Scouts
feel about our country's flag:
Of all the flags since the world began there is none other
so
full of meaning as the flag of this country. That piece of
red, white and blue bunting means five thousand years of
struggle upward. Your flag stands for humanity, for an equal
opportunity to all the sons of men. This flag has a glorious
future, it is not so much the flag of our Father's as it is
the flag of our children, and of the children's children yet
to come. It is the flag of tomorrow, it is the flag of
yourself and all your neighbors. Don't be ashamed when your
throat chokes and the tears come as you see it flying --- you
will never have a worthier emotion.
The following ceremony can be very effective for opening any type of scouting meeting which involves adult leaders in scouting such as roundtables, pow wows, workshops, etc. Those speaking the lines should pause briefly after saying "scouting is". If desired, each participant could hold up a colored poster of the rank of which he speaks with #7 holding up a star of life rank and #8 holding up the rank of eagle.
FIRST PERSON: SCOUTING IS. . .
THAT LITTLE BOBCAT WHO THE CUB SCOUT PROMISE MAKES.
SECOND PERSON SCOUTING IS. . .
THAT WOLF CUB SCOUT WHO HIS FIRST ELECTIVE UNDERTAKES.
THIRD PERSON: SCOUTING IS. . .
THAT OLDER BEAR CUB WHO CAN TACKLE MUCH MORE.
FOURTH PERSON: SCOUTING IS. . .
THAT WEBELOS SCOUT WHO'S RUNNING UP A FINE ACTIVITY BADGE SCORE.
FIFTH PERSON: SCOUTING IS. . .
THAT YOUNG LAD, A TENDERFOOT, WHO'S STRIVING TO BE A GOOD SCOUT.
SIXTH PERSON: SCOUTING IS. . .
THAT FIRST CLASS SCOUT WHO KNOWS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT.
SEVENTH PERSON: SCOUTING IS. . .
YES. THAT'S WHAT SCOUTING IS. . . PLUS MUCH MORE, TOO. GIVING US ALL THE REASON FOR THE SCOUTING WE DO.
EIGHT PERSON: SCOUTING IS:
YES THAT B-O-Y (SPELL OUT BOY) CLAD IN GREEN OR BLUE MAKES THIS GATHERING IMPORTANT TO YOU AND YOU AND YOU! (POINT TO DIFFERENT SECTIONS OF AUDIENCE)
The following closing ceremony ties in with the opening
ceremony "Scouting Is" (immediately above). To stage the following closing, have several Scouters stand by the campfire or on stage, etc., facing the audience.
The
narrator will have a flashlight if needed to read by. The other
members will have flashlights which have cardboard Scout emblem
taped
onto the end. They stand by the narrator holding lights down at
their
sides. At appropriate time (as indicated) they all hold up their
Scout
lights and turn them on so the emblem will be illuminated, Another
ideas for making the lights is to take a foam cup and cut the
bottom
out, cut out the shape of Scout emblem in the center of the cup.
Glue
a piece of construction paper on the top and tape the bottom of
the cup
onto the flashlight.
NARRATOR: Think about our Opening Ceremony "Scouting
Is". In closing
now, let us remember the full meaning of that saying: SCOUTING
TODAY IS
A LOT MORE THEN YOU THINK! So as we leave here tonight, we'd like
to
leave a closing thought with you which is entitled:
" A HUNDRED YEARS FROM NOW "
A HUNDRED YEARS FROM NOW
'TWILL NOT MATTER AT ALL
WHAT YOUR BANK ACCOUNT WAS
WHETHER LARGE OR SMALL
THE KIND OF HOUSE YOU LIVED IN
'TWILL BE IMMATERIAL, TOO
AS WILL THE KIND OF CAR YOU DROVE
AND THE FAMOUS FOLKS YOU KNEW.
BUT THE WORLD MAY BE A BETTER PLACE
BECAUSE THOSE BOYS YOU DID NOT FAIL
BECAUSE YOU GAVE YOUR TIME TO SCOUTING
TO GUIDE FUTURE LEADERS DOWN LIFE'S TRAIL
SO KEEP THAT SCOUTING LIGHT SHINING
AS A BEACON LIGHT FOR EACH BOY
THEN IN YEARS TO COME YOU'LL SEE THEM AS MEN
WHO FILL YOU WITH PRIDE AND JOY
YES, SCOUTING IS...........THAT BOY.
CLOSING
Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, said this to
Scouts
everywhere: "I often think when the sun goes down, the world
is hidden
by a big blanket from the light of Heaven, but the stars are little
holes pierced in that blanket by those who have done good deeds
in this
world. The stars are not all the same size; some are big, some
are
little, and some men have done small deeds but they have made
their
hole in the blanket by doing good before they went to Heaven.
Try and
make your hole in the blanket by good work while you are on earth.
It
is something to be good, but it is far better to do good. "Think
of
Baden-Powell's words when you promise "to help other people."
Good
Night.
More than three score years ago, President Wilson said:
"This flag,
which we honor and under which we serve, is the emblem of our
unity,
our power and our thought and purposes as a nation. It has no
other
character than that which we give it from generation to generation.
The choices are ours. It floats in majestic silence above the
hosts
that executes those choices, whether in peace or in war. And yet,
though silent, it speaks to us, speaks to us of the past, of the
men
and women who went before us and of the records they wrote upon
it, We
celebrate the day of it's birth; and from it's birth until now
it has
witnessed a great history, has floated on high, the symbol of
great
events, of a great plan of life worked out by a great people."
This is
the heritage it gives to us; let us serve it well. Good night......
(To be used occasionally for special meetings. A
table is placed in the center of the meeting room
between the flag of the United States and the Troop
flag. Upon this table are three lighted candles - one
red, one white, one blue. Three Scouts are detailed
to extinguish the candles. Partial darkness is
suggested.)
CEREMONY
SCOUT 1 - As I put out this white candle, which represents
purity, may
we ever be mindful of this obligation, that a Scout is clean.
He keeps clean in body and thought, stands for clean speech,
clean sport, clean habits, and travels with a clean crowd.
SCOUT 2 - As I put out this blue candle, which represents
loyalty, may
we ever be mindful of this obligation, that a Scout is loyal.
He is loyal to all to whom loyalty is due - his Scout leader,
his home, his parents, his country and his God.
SCOUT 3 - As I put out this red candle, which represents
courage and
sacrifice, may we ever be mindful of our obligations to
remember the sacrifices that have been made for us by many
others, that we may enjoy the lives of good citizens in the
American way.
TROOP - (in unison) So may it be!
SCOUTMASTER - Troop, attention - Troop dismissed!
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