HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 95-4617, by Representatives Benton, Hatfield, Lambert, Robertson, Chandler, Kremen, Pelesky, L. Thomas, Cooke, Talcott, Delvin, Mason, Foreman, Campbell, Hankins, Poulsen, Ogden, Conway, Cody and Blanton

        WHEREAS, The children of our State are at risk due to the increasing violence committed by youth; and

        WHEREAS, Gangs continue to try and take over neighborhoods using fear, intimidation, and force to attempt to wield influence over the lives of our youth; and

        WHEREAS, The rising juvenile violence is a concern to us all, creating a greater need than ever for the influence of the skills and values taught in the programs of the Boy Scouts of America; and

        WHEREAS, The Boy Scouts of America was formally incorporated February 8, 1910, with the intent of fostering good citizenship through activities that appeal to boys; and

        WHEREAS, Scouting's ultimate goals were building character by using fun programs to promote the ability of youth to do things for themselves and others, to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues; and

        WHEREAS, Scouting's original goals and the Oath and Law, adopted in May 1911, remain unchanged today and continue to provide an ethical code we would all do well to live by; and

        WHEREAS, The Scout Law, possibly known by more Americans than any vow except for the Pledge of Allegiance, reinforces the influence of Scouting; A Scout is:  Trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent; and

        WHEREAS, The Scout motto of "Be Prepared" and the Scout slogan of "Do a good turn daily" both provide a positive message and mission; and

        WHEREAS, Scouts of all ages have provided assistance in many local and national emergencies, participating in "Scouting for Food" and other productive programs; and

        WHEREAS, The Boy Scouts of America policy states, in part, "Leaders must be a good role model because our children's values and lives will be influenced by those leaders"; and

        WHEREAS, February 8, 1995, is the eighty-fifth birthday of the Boy Scouts of America; and

        WHEREAS, As long as mothers and fathers cry for their children because they are afraid for their safety or because their child has died a violent and senseless death, there will be a need for the values and skills taught in the programs of the Boy Scouts of America; and

        WHEREAS, Governor Lowry has proclaimed February 8, 1995, Boy Scouts of America Recognition Day in the State of Washington;

        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives recognize and applaud the efforts of volunteer and professional Scouters for the service and great benefit they provide the youth of this state; and

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That in recognition of the positive impact that the Boy Scouts of America have on the youth of this state, the members of this body declare February 8, 1995, to be Boy Scouts of America Day in the Washington State House of Representatives, and by so declaring, hereby recognize those Scouts who are present today on the legislative campus and those current and future Scouts who will continue to make our great state even greater.

               I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

              Resolution 4617 adopted by the House of Representatives

                                 February 8, 1995.

                          ________________________________

                           Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk