[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24119]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         SUPPORT FOR BOY SCOUTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2004

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution 
introduced by my good friend from Colorado, Mr. Hefley. I 
wholeheartedly endorse this resolution, which expresses the sense of 
Congress that the Department of Defense should continue to provide 
assistance and support to one of America's most treasured institutions, 
the Boy Scouts of America.
  The Boy Scouts of America is one of the finest organizations in our 
country. Countless young men have learned the values of God, home, and 
country as young scouts, and the Boy Scout motto, ``Be Prepared'', has 
inspired generations of youths to prepare for and lead full and 
productive lives.
  One of the most significant lessons taught by the Boy Scouts is the 
importance of being a patriotic American. To call into question the 
status of the Boy Scout organization, and potentially deprive young men 
who are military dependents of the opportunity to participate in Boy 
Scout troops on their military bases, is an absolute shame.
  I was fortunate to join the Boy Scouts when I was growing up, and I 
still remember how proud my mother and father were when I attained the 
rank of Eagle Scout. I later led a scout troop in my hometown and was 
enormously proud when my sons also became scouts. I am honored to have 
a continued association with the Boy Scouts today.
  So I call on my colleagues to join us in voicing our support of the 
Boy Scouts, and encourage the Department of Defense to continue their 
excellent efforts to promote this important institution.

                          ____________________