Senate Resolution No. 2196

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of Boy Scout Troop 58, Delmar, New York, on November 16, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those organizations that are devoted to instilling in youth the values of community service and civic responsibility; and

WHEREAS, Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and its members are dedicated to the development of character and leadership in the youth of this Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Boy Scout Troop 58, Delmar, New York, to be celebrated on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at the Nathaniel Adams Blanchard American Legion Post No. 1040; and

WHEREAS, The Boy Scouts of America have so manifestly contributed to the preservation of those treasured ideals of compassion, honor, preparedness and concern for others which are so paradigmatic of our American Heritage; this auspicious event will celebrate the leadership the Troop 58 Scouting program has provided to the youth of the Town of Bethlehem and its surrounding communities for 100 years; and

WHEREAS, Boy Scout Troop 58 was formed in the Fall of 1919 as Troop 1 of Elsmere under the leadership of Kenneth Swallow; reorganized in 1920, the Troop kept its original name until 1926, when it became Elsmere Troop 58; and

WHEREAS, As the organization of the Boy Scouts of America grew throughout the country, Boy Scout Troop 58 fell under the jurisdiction of the Fort Orange Council of Albany County; and

WHEREAS, During World War II, many Scouts did their part to support the cause by selling war bonds at home, forging a great bond between the Troop and the Nathaniel Adams Blanchard American Legion Post No. 1040, who officially adopted Boy Scout Troop 58 as a chartered organization in 1941; and

WHEREAS, In 1963, the Fort Orange Council merged with the Uncle Sam Council of Rensselaer County and the Columbia Council to the south, forming the Governor Clinton Council in honor of DeWitt Clinton, Governor of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Nearly three decades later, another merging took place with Saratoga County, Schenectady and Sir William Johnson Councils, stretching Boy Scout Troop 58's council community from the City of Hudson north to Wilton, from Petersburg west to Gloversville, and north to Speculator; and

WHEREAS, Growing again in 1998 to include Mohican Council of Washington and Warren Counties, this council is known today as the Twin Rivers Council; and

WHEREAS, Today, Boy Scout Troop 58 continues to honor scouting origins by camping and hiking, braving rain and snow, and earning such traditional merit badges as leather craft, path finding and carpentry; furthermore, the troop honors the changing world by embarking on newer pastimes and adventures and earning such merit badges as rockery, space exploration, emergency preparedness and entrepreneurship; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to its community, Boy Scout Troop 58 has engaged in countless service projects through the years, including adopting a highway and its annual food drives; additionally, Scouts place flags on the graves of local veterans who have died in defense of this great country to honor their service and give their last full measure of devotion; and

WHEREAS, With a proud and distinguished history, Boy Scout Troop 58 has maintained the traditional values of Scouting and has upheld the Oath and Law of the Boy Scouts of America for the past 100 years; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to add its commendation and congratulations on this notable occasion, recognizing the exemplary efforts and promising future of Boy Scout Troop 58 and its dedicated leadership who have given so selflessly, with meritorious achievement, in contributing to the education and development of the youth of their community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Boy Scout Troop 58, Delmar, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Boy Scout Troop 58, Delmar, New York.