Many of us grew up in blissful ignorance of the complexities found in the 21st century.  Our lives were pretty easy to understand: boys wore pants and girls wore dresses, dads went to work and moms were at home, we respected our elders and expected to get swats if we didn't.  Tuesday night was Scout Night and we pledged allegiance to the flag and swore the Scout oath (and meant it!):

The men who volunteered to be our Scoutmasters, served on the committee, helped on Scout Night, drove us to campouts and taught us outdoor skills, gave us things money couldn't buy: self-confidence and independence.  As we progressed through the Scouting ranks, starting as a Tenderfoot, we learned to respect ourselves.  Our Scout leaders allowed us to stretch our wings and encouraged us to attempt greater things.  If we faltered, their encouragement helped us to try again until we succeeded. 

Today, more than 50 years later, we find ourselves beyond fatherhood and many are now grandfathers and even great-grandfathers.  I believe we have a duty not only to ourselves and our families, but to the memory of the men who lead Troop 44, to continue the tradition of guiding young men (and young women) to become confident, independent adults of tomorrow. 

The photos on this web site are dedicated to all the men who lead Troop 44.