A story was told to me once of a grandfather whom visited the troop of his grandson. He was a Scout himself during the Depression in the 1930s, about 70 years ago. It was a hard time for him and many others but he had good memories of Scouting. He watched the meeting and visited with the Scouts and joined in the closing circle for the Scoutmaster's Minute. They then sang Scout Vespers as the always do.
His wife of 30 some odd years was with him and she noticed that the grandfather, who had not been involved in Scouting in years, still remembered the words and tune to the Scout Vespers and was able to sing with the Troop with no hesitation. He remarked to his wife afterwards that that simple song brought back all the memories. Memories of all the things he had done in Scouts, all the the fun he had had, all the valuable lessons he had learned in Scouts that later helped him. It also showed him that the traditions of Scouting were still steadfast after so many years.
Memories and traditions powerful things. Memories and tradiition are an important part to Scouting. It is important to recall for both Scouts and Scouters that what we build here in the Troop are memories - traditions. We build them between ourselves while following the Scout Oath and Law. They are the start of memories that will last us a lifetime.
So as you walk the Scouting trail remember the memories are what you build. Pledge yourself to build good memories, good memories of the fun you have had, good memories of the lessons you have learned.
Now as I go through scouting with my two sons I often find myself looking back at my youth and my scout experiances and memories. Even though I didnt know it at the time, many of those have helped me through life and trying times. Many of the friendships I have made have lasted throughout the years and will continue to do so.
So as you look back on scouting you to can reflect on the memories and tradtions of Scouting that you yourself can carry forward to the betterment of all