[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E315]]
                TRIBUTE TO BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA TROOP 3

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 15, 2000

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
deeds of an important group from my district, Boy Scouts of America 
Troop 3 of Clifton, New Jersey. Troop 3 is celebrating both its 75th 
anniversary and its years of community service on this date. It is only 
fitting that we gather here for this honor, for this group epitomizes 
caring and generosity of spirit.
  This Troop was formed not long after the founding of Boy Scouts of 
America. The national organization was Incorporated on February 8, 
1910, and chartered by Congress on June 15, 1916. Troop 3 was organized 
in1923, and received its Charter from the Boy Scouts of America in 
January 1924 for the purpose of ``Character Building, Americanization 
and Citizenship Training.''
  Since its inception, Troop 3 has always been involved in serving the 
community. The first Scoutmaster of this community organization was 
William Topp. The time spent under Scoutmaster Topp's leadership 
instilled in the Troop the attributes necessary for it to become the 
stellar force in the community it has now become. It was the small 
steps in the beginning of its development that gave it the fundamentals 
that would make its members role models to the people that they now 
serve.
  Known for a questioning mind and an ability to get things done, 
William Topp, the Troop's first Scoutmaster, also organized its first 
committee. The members of this initial Committee were Adrion Wentink, 
Frank G. McIntosh and A.W. Moore. These visionary leaders fostered and 
aided the group during its nascent years, and helped it to become what 
it is today. Boy Scout Troop 3 is forever indebted to these men.
  The early days of Troop 3 saw the Scouts participating in much of the 
same activities as today. These include basic Scouting activities such 
as hiking and camping. This Troop has shaped the lives of many 
generations of Americans, and this is a valuable and noble contribution 
to society.
  This active and involved group from Clifton has many records of its 
75-year history. The Troop's archives contain a picture dated July 25, 
1926, which shows the Scouts preparing for a weekend trip. The Scouts 
were the guests of Clifton's then Mayor Thornburn. In addition, minutes 
of early meetings show that not much has changed in the order of Scout 
business. Then, as now, the meeting began with the recitation of the 
Scout Oath and Laws, followed by games and skill building.
  Boy Scouts of America Troop 3 continually touches the lives of the 
people of Clifton. The troop is known throughout the community for its 
tradition of service. Whether the Scouts are aiding seniors or their 
fellow students, they have made an important and lasting impact on the 
citizens of Clifton over the last 75 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Boy Scouts of 
America, the residents of Clifton, and the family and friends of past 
and present members of this organization in recognizing the outstanding 
and invaluable service to the community of Boy Scouts of America Scout 
Troop 3.

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