Eagle Choir and 100 years of BSA in Utah

I am involved in Scouting on many levels…too many sometimes.  So when one more thing came up, I was hesitant to commit that much more time.  I decided, though, that joining the Eagle Scout Choir for the Century of Honor broadcast to celebrate the 100 year partnership between BSA and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints would be a once in a lifetime opportunity.  It wasn’t something I could pass up.

Practices began on Sunday evenings in September.  It was fun to join with so many men in learning new songs.  There has always been a great spirit in this group.  I inherited my tears from my mother and there have been many moments where I have to fight to keep singing.  What an amazing group and experience.

The practice on Saturday the 26^th was an all-day affair.  We gathered with all of the groups involved to run through the entire performance 4 times.  What a spectacle!  This will be an
awesome show!  After our first rehearsal of the morning, a member of the LDS Church Quorum of the Seventy took the microphone to give us a pep talk.  He started off by saying that a year ago he wasn’t sure we would reach this anniversary.  He said that there are elements and factions of people in the world who would love to destroy Scouting and all it stands for.  He said there are battles being fought in this war all of the time.

Then he said that we are the valiant ones who really understand the values of Scouting and we have been charged with fighting in the battle that will take place on Tuesday.  We sending a message that the Scouting movement and its values won’t go away.  What an amazing and powerful witness about this great work.  It is our “Duty to God” to ensure that the values of Scouting don’t fade away and become overwhelmed by the forces of opposition that are eroding our society.  We need to step up and do what is right.  I know that Scouting is a very valuable and necessary weapon in the war between good and evil.  It teaches skills and values that create better leaders, better husbands, and better fathers.  I’m glad I took the opportunity to participate in this event.  It was something I will remember for many years.

We also have a special distinction as a district.  Every single member of the Cub Scout choir that sang the National Anthem was from our district.  What a wonderful opportunity for them!

Here's a picture of the choir - you won't see this part as we're behind the curtain, but this is during the flag ceremony.

and here's my view from the choir seats (and the cub scout choir)