[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13581]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA TROOP 150 ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 
                            85TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2013

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Boy Scouts of 
America Troop 150 on the occasion of its 85th anniversary. Boy Scouts 
of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United 
States, with more than 4.5 million current members. Since its founding, 
nearly 84 million boys have participated in scouting.
  Founded in 1928, Troop 150 was the first Boys Scout Troop in Fairfax 
County and remains one of the longest-standing active troops in the 
country. Since its founding, every meeting, including the very first 
which consisted of only 10 boys, has been held at the Annandale United 
Methodist Church. The relationship between the church and Troop 150 not 
only has endured; it has grown. The Annandale United Methodist Men have 
been the predominate partner over the years. The first Scoutmaster, 
John Walter Mercer, is buried at the church cemetery, and a memorial 
fund bearing his name was created 20 years ago by John Webb, an 
original member of Troop 150. This fund sponsors annual trips designed 
to develop the leadership potential of deserving scouts.
  Troop 150 plays a prominent role in the wider community as well. The 
Troop 150 Color Guard leads the annual Annandale Parade and also has 
performed this honor for Tee Ball on the South Lawn at the White House. 
Troop 150 has built community gardens, collected food for the needy, 
repaired trails, and participated in many other projects for the 
betterment of the community. More than 80 young men from this troop 
have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Many of our country's greatest 
leaders have been scouts, and having been a scout, especially reaching 
the rank of Eagle Scout, is an achievement that is highly prized by our 
Military Service Academies.
  Scouting develops leadership skills and ethics that foster future 
success in life. Troop 150 exemplifies the values and tenets of the Boy 
Scouts of America and supports the character development that 
encourages responsible citizenship and self-reliance. Members of this 
troop adhere to the Scout Law: ``A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, 
helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, 
clean, and reverent'' and by the Scout Slogan: ``Do a good turn 
daily.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Boy 
Scout Troop 150 on the occasion of its 85th anniversary and in thanking 
its Scoutmaster, volunteers, family members, and community sponsors for 
their commitment to our children.

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