PLEASE NOTE: Legislative Information cannot perform research, provide legal advice, or interpret Maine law. For legal assistance, please contact a qualified attorney.
JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA FOR ITS PUBLIC SERVICE AND ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LIVES OF THE NATION'S YOUTH
WHEREAS, scouting is the largest voluntary youth movement in the world, with a membership totaling more than 38 million; and
WHEREAS,  the Boy Scouts of America is an organization that was incorporated on February 8, 1910 and recognized by federal charter on June 15, 1916 to provide an educational program for boys and young men to build strong moral character, learn the responsibilities of participatory citizenship and develop personal fitness; and
WHEREAS,  the Boy Scouts of America teaches the core values of duty to God and country, personal honor, respect for the beliefs of others, volunteerism and interdependence with the environment, values that are conducive to good character, citizenship and health; and
WHEREAS,  since 1910, more than 111 million people have been members of the Boy Scouts of America; and
WHEREAS,  the Boy Scouts of America has enhanced the lives of millions of children and young persons from every ethnic, religious and economic background, including those with disabilities and special needs, who participate in scouting programs across the United States; and
WHEREAS,  each local Boy Scout Council charges each scout with performing 12 hours of community service yearly, for a total of 14 million community service hours worth over $344 million in 2018; and
WHEREAS,  more than one million adult volunteer leaders selflessly serve young people in their communities through organizations chartered by the Boy Scouts of America; and
WHEREAS,  the Boy Scouts of America has always affirmed faith in God as foundational and essential to its purpose and mission, animated by Lord Baden-Powell's insight that "God has given us...the great Book of Nature to read"; and
WHEREAS,  last year 141 young men earned the Eagle Scout rank in Maine, and since 1916 more than 7,000 young men have earned the Eagle Scout rank in the Pine Tree Council; and
WHEREAS,  the Boy Scouts of America enjoys a sustained record of proven success in producing leaders for our nation who are trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Legislature now assembled in the First Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this opportunity to recognize the Boy Scouts of America and express our appreciation for the public service it performs through its contributions to the lives of the nation's youth.