State Representative David Friess (IL) | Representative David Friess (R) 115th District
State Representative David Friess (IL) | Representative David Friess (R) 115th District
The Boy Scouts of America is an organization that has been instrumental in the character development and leadership training of countless young individuals. Founded by William Dickson Boyce, the Boy Scouts of America have focused on instilling ethical and moral values in young people through outdoor activities and a code of conduct for everyday living.
Boyce, a successful publisher and businessman, was born in Pennsylvania in 1858. After moving to Chicago and establishing himself in the newspaper industry, Boyce became wealthy and influential through his publishing ventures. He founded the Mutual Newspaper Publishing Company, which provided advertisements and articles to over 200 newspapers, including the widely circulated Saturday Blade.
In 1903, Boyce and his family moved to Ottawa, Canada, where he continued to indulge in his personal pursuits and hunting expeditions. It was during a trip to London in 1909 that Boyce had a chance encounter that would change the course of his life and the Boy Scouts of America. Lost in the thick fog, Boyce was assisted by a young boy in uniform who referred to himself as a scout. Intrigued by this act of selflessness, Boyce sought to learn more about the scouting movement and eventually met with Robert Baden-Powell, the British founder of the Boy Scouts.
Inspired by his experiences in London, Boyce returned to the United States and founded the Boy Scouts of America. He enlisted the help of Edgar Robinson, Ernest Thompson Seton, and Dan Carter Beard to establish and organize the organization. Their efforts focused on not only providing leadership and character development opportunities to boys in urban areas but also reaching out to those in rural communities. Boyce founded the Lone Scouts of America program in 1912, which was later merged with the Boy Scouts in 1924.
In recognition of his contributions, Boyce and the unknown scout who had helped him in London were honored with the prestigious Silver Buffalo Award in 1926. This award is the highest honor bestowed by the Boy Scouts of America. Unfortunately, Boyce passed away in 1929 at the age of 70, but his legacy lives on.
Today, Boyce is remembered and celebrated in Ottawa. The Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum, which opened in 1997, showcases a re-creation of a room from Boyce's home and displays various artifacts and pictures related to his life. Additionally, a life-size statue of Boyce, titled "The Boy Scout," stands at his grave, serving as a testament to his dedication and impact.
In 1960, a special commemoration was held in Ottawa to mark the 50th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. The event included a re-enactment of Boyce's meeting with the unknown scout in the London fog, symbolizing the spirit of scouting and its ability to bring people together. Thousands of scouts and leaders participated in a parade from Washington Square Park to Boyce's gravesite, honoring his vision and the enduring legacy of the Boy Scouts.
The Boy Scouts of America continue to uphold the values and teachings that Boyce instilled in the organization. Through their commitment to character development and leadership training, they are preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices throughout their lives. The legacy of William Dickson Boyce lives on in the countless individuals whose lives have been positively influenced by the Boy Scouts of America.
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