I was a young lad living in Edgerton Kansas in 1964 and there wasn’t much to do. When school started all my new buddies urged me to over to the community service that Tuesday evening to see something neat. I went to the meeting and saw about twenty guys my age in cool uniforms. They were Boy Scouts.

It took me no time to join, and although my mom and dad were pretty poor they sacrificed enough money for my uniform. Mom put the patches on while memorized the Boy Scout Oath. My scouting experience served me well in my future military career. “To God and my Country”. I have great memories of that time. My dog “Blackie”, my single shot Remington 22. But the Scouts taught me much.

I believe the first Boy Scout troop in America was formed this day in 1909 in Pawhuska. It was organized under the rules of England’s Boy Scouts by the Anglican Rev. John F. Mitchell, who had worked in England. The Pawhuska troop was officially Troop No. 1 in the Boy Scouts of America and is commemorated by a bronze statue outside the Osage County Historical Museum.

Before involving my self full force in Hominy, I had the great experience of organizing the outdoor showing of Playground of the Native Son for the community. Our opening ceremony and posting of the colors by Troop 33, Pawhuska. It was a great experience.

The next Legion meeting will be Thursday February 15, 2018 at 6:00 PM at the Hut. It will be special as we will be having our annual Legion-Auxiliary Valentine Dinner. Special because our better half’s will attend and Chef Jerry’s ribs!

The next time we put out flags will be for President’s Day on February 19, 2018. We will put out flags on Friday February 16, 2018 at 9:00 AM on just Main Street and pick them up on Tuesday February 20, 2018 at 9:00 AM. Meet at the Hut both days.
Don’t forget our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM (1st of February). Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in January and February are still scheduled for biscuits and gravy with always a cup of Joe (coffee to the civilians). Keep your eye on the weather in case things must be postponed (like freezing weather). If you are a veteran come on by. If you have a good story it may end up in print. Also keep up with us at website “americanlegion142.org”.