A century has passed since The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints became the first organization to formally sponsor Scouting troops for its youth.
Since then, millions of LDS young men have worn the iconic uniform of the Boy Scouts of America. Legions of men and women, meanwhile, have served as leaders in Scout troops and Cub Scout packs. The church's 100-year-old partnership with Scouting was celebrated Tuesday at the LDS Conference Center in an original stage production chronicling the ongoing story of LDS Scouting. The program — which was broadcast live to thousands of meetinghouses across the United States — included choir music, historical reenactments and video tributes to what church and Scouting leaders have dubbed "a century of honor."
President Thomas S. Monson was recognized at the event for his lifelong service and support of the Scouting movement. BSA National President Wayne Perry added his voice to a variety of LDS Church and Scout leaders who saluted President Monson in video tributes — including his two counselors in the First Presidency, President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.
Perry noted that earlier in the day, President Monson had been presented Scouting's Medal of Honor for saving the life a girl who was drowning in the Provo River when he was 12 years old.
"That was just the beginning of a lifetime of reaching out and rescuing others in need of hope, friendship, encouragement and strength," said Perry. "Further evidence of President Monson's enduring commitment to the values of Scouting came in his response to that presentation, when he recited the Scout oath and law flawlessly."
Perry then announced that the Leadership Excellence Complex, located on the 10,000-acre Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia, would be renamed the Thomas S. Monson Leadership Excellence Complex.
President Monson, who has served on Scouting's National Executive Board for nearly 44 years, said he was humbled by the recognition.
"I love the Boy Scout organization and can think of nothing with which I would rather have my name associated than the Leadership Excellence Complex of this organization," he said. "Scouting changes the lives of boys in positive ways, and I am grateful that this complex will help provide the training for them to become the leaders of tomorrow."
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