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Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 112th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. On February 8, 1910, Chicago businessman, William D. Boyce, who grew up in Western Pennsylvania, incorporated the Boy Scouts of America.

Since that time, millions of young men and women have joined the Scouts and learned the values of patriotism, courage, and self- reliance.

The Scouts have helped shaped some of the most memorable figures in U.S. history: Former President George W. Bush, Martin Luther King, Jr., and even retiring Supreme Court Justice, Stephen Breyer.

Mr. Speaker, I have spent more than 50 years in scouting, including serving as Scout Master and achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in 1977. It was these experiences that first sparked my interest in public service. The Boy Scout oath, in part, urges us to perform our duty to our country. I am proud to introduce this resolution designating today as Boy Scouts of America Day to honor the tireless service of Scout volunteers and participants in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I have witnessed firsthand the important principles, values, and lessons that are imparted upon young people and last a lifetime. The Boy Scouts of America has played a pivotal role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow and I look forward to seeing their continued contributions to our country.

Mr. Speaker, after the Bible, probably this manual, the Boy Scout Handbook, has done more to shape my life and made me the person that I am today.

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