Bill Text: VA HJR300 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Troop 103 of the Boy Scouts of America.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-06 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ300ER) [HJR300 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HJR300-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, for 100 years, Troop 103 of the Boy Scouts of America has facilitated opportunities for outdoor recreation and youth leadership development, while providing generous outreach to the Williamsburg community; and
WHEREAS, Troop 103 was established in March 1924, and has been in continuous operation since that time, training generations of boys to become men of high character who are active leaders in their communities and career fields; and
WHEREAS, in 1926, Troop 103 attended an event in Williamsburg commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Virginia Resolutions of 1776, and as part of the ceremony, President Calvin Coolidge presented the troop with an American flag and a troop flag; and
WHEREAS, Troop 103 carried its original troop flag for more than 40 years; the flag flew over local campouts and National Jamborees and was at the head of the troop's formation honoring Queen Elizabeth of England's visit to the region in 1957; over time, the flag gained six gold stars to honor former members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation during World War II and the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, Troop 103's original troop flag was retired in 1965 and encased in a frame that hangs in the Scout hallway in Williamsburg United Methodist Church, a reminder of the troop's history and heritage; and
WHEREAS, in its early years, Troop 103 held meetings in a Quonset hut on donated land which was sponsored by the Williamsburg Council of Churches and the Williamsburg Junior Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, in 1950, under the leadership of Scoutmaster Jimmy Fuller, Troop 103 moved to Williamsburg Methodist Church and was sponsored by the Williamsburg Jaycees until 1984, when it moved to Williamsburg United Methodist Church, which also became its new sponsor; and
WHEREAS, from 1980 to the present, Troop 103 has benefited from the able leadership of David L. Nunn, James C. Etchberger, David Coppinger, Doug Marty, and the current Scoutmaster Donald W. Reeves, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, since 2022, Troop 103 has been chartered by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4639, but continues to utilize space at Williamsburg United Methodist Church for meetings and activities; and
WHEREAS, over the course of its history, Troop 103 has offered an engaging Scouting program rooted in tradition; the troop conducts various outings, including local camping trips, high adventure trips, summer camps, conservation projects, and a range of community service projects that have enhanced the quality of life for Williamsburg residents; and
WHEREAS, as of January 2024, 296 members of Troop 103 have achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting, each of whom upheld the highest ideals of Scouting and completed an individual Eagle Scout service project of their own; and
WHEREAS, former members of Troop 103 have gone on to achieve great heights as good citizens and leaders in numerous career fields, touching countless lives through their commitment to excellence in all their endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Troop 103 of the Boy Scouts of America; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Troop 103 of the Boy Scouts of America as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the troop's storied history and legacy of service to the Williamsburg community.
