[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9638-S9639]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO NEW HAMPSHIRE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA TROOP NO. 135 AS THEY 
                    CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to New 
Hampshire Boy Scouts of America Troop No. 135 as they celebrate their 
50th anniversary. I am proud to congratulate such an outstanding 
organization as they observe this impressive milestone. Troop 135 has a 
long history of achievement and service to their community.
  Boy Scout Troop 135 was founded in 1946 by seven men with Leo Leclerc 
as their Scoutmaster. Among the founding members was Albert Bellemore, 
whose son Raymond is the current Scoutmaster for the troop. Raymond, 
who has served for 34 years is the holder of the Catholic Diocese St. 
George Award of Merit, the Boy Scout Silver Beaver Award from the 
National Council of Boy Scouts of America, and was the first in the 
state to receive the National Eagle Scout Association Scoutmaster's 
Award.
  Troop 135's 50 year history is marked by distinction and achievement 
like Raymond's. More than 968 Boy Scouts have been members of Troop 135 
over the years and 81 of them have attained the rank of Eagle Scout. To 
become an Eagle Scout, a young man must earn badges for citizenship in 
the community, citizenship in the nation, and citizenship in the world. 
This is an important recognition for a young man.
  Troop 135 has been involved in numerous Scout activities and won many 
prestigious awards over the years. They have participated in many High 
Adventure trips and every National Boy Scouts Jamboree since the troops 
founding. Troop 135 has won the Klondike Derby district and statewide 
trophy almost every year for the past 20 years. Many of Troop 135's 968 
members have been very decorated Scouts. Many alumni of Troop 135 are 
returning for the anniversary celebration festivities on the weekend of 
August 16-18. They will hold a reunion, an open house, and a formal 
court of honor for Scoutmasters and Eagle Scouts.
  The Boy Scouts of America promotes good citizenship, character-
building,

[[Page S9639]]

and community service among the boys of this country. Troop 135 of 
Sacred Heart Parish has built a reputation for providing the youth of 
the community with the leadership skills needed to be successful in 
today's society. Boy Scouts of America provides good, solid role models 
for the youth of our Nation and teaches them to be community minded. In 
this organization, they learn valuable skills that will serve them for 
a lifetime. I am proud to have such an outstanding Boy Scout troop here 
in the Granite State. Congratulations on reaching this tremendous 
milestone.

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