[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 876]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



     RECOGNIZING THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

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                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2000

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 90th 
Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. This organization was founded 
with the purpose of helping to give young men a sense of self worth and 
satisfaction from knowing they can accomplish the goals they set and a 
sense that they are part of a winning team. Today, this organization 
continues to provide young men with values and experiences that 
cultivate discipline and a sense of responsibility; traits that they 
carry with them throughout their lives.
  The Boy Scouts of America teaches values of community and service to 
our Nation. In the wake of such tragedies as Columbine and an increase 
in the number of reports of alienation of youngsters at school, we need 
only to turn to the Scout Oath as a fine example for what is right with 
our youth. Do my best, to do my duty, to God and my country, to obey 
the Scout Law, and to help other people at all times. These are solid 
values that youth should use to build a foundation for their lives. The 
Boy Scouts instill values that make our community much stronger: public 
service, volunteerism and good citizenship. Scouting develops both self 
reliance and teamwork.
  From its beginning in 1911, the Boy Scouts have grown in size to more 
than 5 million active members in 1999. In the 90 years since their 
incorporation, the Boy Scouts have influenced more than 100 million 
boys, young men and women.
  While much has changed in the past 90 years, the Boy Scouts remain 
committed to their founding principles. The Boy Scouts have 
strengthened efforts to provide value-based curriculum and character 
building youth programs. By providing youth with the tools to make good 
decisions and providing the clues to their own inner strength the Boy 
Scouts have imbued in their members a commitment to improving the world 
around them.
  Recently, I was honored by the Central New Jersey Council of the Boy 
Scouts of America as their Good Scout Honoree of 1999. I am honored and 
inspired by their commitment to pursuing the best for the youth of our 
Country. As a former Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster, I share the 
values set forth in the Scout Law and Scout Oath. I see them 
demonstrated regularly when I attend Eagle Scout Courts of Honor in my 
district.
  I thank the Scouters, volunteers and parents who contribute their 
time and energy to making the Boy Scouts of America a place that young 
men, and now young women, can turn for guidance, leadership and worthy 
life experiences.
  The impact of Scouting on youth is truly a life changing experience. 
On this 90th Anniversary of Scouting, I wish the Boy Scouts of America 
continued success in the future as they strive to help build character 
and strengthen the communities around the country for the next 
generations of Americans.




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