[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 160 (Thursday, October 2, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING BOY SCOUT TROOP 31

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 2, 2008

  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join 
me in congratulating Boy Scout Troop 31 for celebrating their 90th 
anniversary. The troop will celebrate this milestone on October 25 in 
Flint, Michigan.
  In 1909, William D. Boyce of Chicago was visiting London and became 
lost in a dense fog. A Boy Scout helped him to safety. When he offered 
a tip to the youngster, the young man responded that a Boy Scout could 
not take a tip for doing a good deed. William Boyce was so impressed 
with the child that he sought out Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of 
the Boy Scouts, to learn about the organization. From that meeting the 
Boy Scouts of America was born. The concept of boys coming together to 
learn life skills spread across the United States and in 1918 Troop 31 
was founded by Charles P. Coates at Court Street United Methodist 
Church.
  Troop 31 is the fifth oldest troop in Michigan and 1 of 250 troops 
across the Nation that have been in existence for 90 or more years. 
Charles Coates was the first Scoutmaster leading the troop for the 
duration of World War I. During this time the Scouts served as 
messengers for the War Board, sold Liberty Loan Bonds, and collected 
War Savings stamps. C.S. Mott was mayor of Flint and his son, Harding 
C.S. Mott, was one of the first members.
  Over the years, Troop 31 has been blessed with outstanding 
Scoutmasters and leaders. Norman A.J. Asselstine, known as ``Mr. A'' 
served the troop for over 40 years and Robert Bigler, known as ``Mr. 
B'' served for 50 years. Robert Bigler was the oldest and longest 
registered member of the Tall Pine Council when he passed away in 2004. 
Over 1,000 boys have belonged to Troop 31 over the past 90 years and 
over 60 Scouts have reached the rank of Eagle Scout.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Scouts, Scout 
alumni, parents, leaders, and Scoutmasters of Boy Scout Troop 31. For 
the past 90 years, young men have gathered at Court Street United 
Methodist Church and pledged in the Scout Oath, ``On my honor I will do 
my best To do my duty to God and my country and obey the Scout Law; To 
help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, 
mentally awake, and morally straight.'' These words combined with the 
example of their leaders have guided the Scouts of Troop 31 as they 
matured into men. I pray Troop 31 will carry on this legacy for many 
years to come.

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