Boy Scout Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Boy Scout Memorial |
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| Boy Scouts of America | |
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| Year | 1964 |
| Type | Bronze & Granite |
| Dimensions | 430 cm × 300 cm × 260 cm (168 in × 120 in × 104 in) |
| Location | Washington, D.C., United States |
| 38°53′37.93″N 77°2′3.38″W / 38.8938694°N 77.0342722°W | |
| Owner | National Park Service |
The Boy Scout Memorial is a special statue in Washington, D.C., United States. It was created by an American artist named Donald De Lue. This memorial is a tribute to the Boy Scouts of America. It honors all the Scouts and the people who have helped the Scouting movement grow.
Contents
What Does the Boy Scout Memorial Look Like?
This sculpture has three figures made of bronze. In the middle, there is a Boy Scout wearing his uniform. He is stepping forward and holding a walking stick.
On either side of the Boy Scout are two larger figures. These figures represent "American Manhood and Womanhood." They show the good values that adults pass on to young people.
- To the Boy Scout's right is a male figure. He carries some leaves and cloth in his left arm.
- To the Boy Scout's left is a female figure. She holds a torch with a gold-colored flame in her left hand.
All three figures stand on a base that has six sides. In front of the sculpture, there is a round pool of water.
What Is Written on the Memorial?
A special message is carved into a panel on the base of the sculpture. It is the Scout Oath:
On my honor I
Will do my best
To do my duty
To God & my
Country and to obey the
Scout law to
Help other people
At all times
To keep myself
Physically strong
Mentally awake
And morally
Straight
The edge of the water pool also has an important message. It says that the memorial was approved by the United States Congress. It was made to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. The message thanks everyone who helped bring Scouting to young people. It also honors all Boy Scouts who have done their duty to God and their country.
What Do the Figures Represent?
The three figures in the sculpture have special meanings. The National Park Service explains what each figure stands for:
- The Boy Scout in the middle represents all Scouts, past, present, and future, from all over the world.
- The male figure shows qualities like being physically and mentally strong, having good morals, loving your country, being a good citizen, and showing loyalty, honor, and courage. He carries a helmet, which is a symbol of strength.
- The female figure stands for understanding, loving God and other people, fairness, freedom, and democracy. She holds a torch, which represents God's Holy Spirit.
The sculpture was made by a company called Modern Art Foundry in New York.
How Was the Memorial Built?
The idea for this memorial came about in 1959. This was the 50th anniversary of Scouting. Lyndon B. Johnson, who was a leader in the Senate at the time, suggested building the memorial.
Once the idea was approved, Boy Scouts across the country helped raise money for the sculpture. They collected dimes! This means no government money was used to build it. The names of all the Scouts who collected money are written on scrolls. These scrolls are placed inside the base of the memorial.
The memorial stands in a very special place. It is where the first-ever National Scout Jamboree was held in 1937. The Boy Scout Memorial was officially dedicated on November 7, 1964. A Supreme Court Justice named Tom C. Clark accepted the memorial. That day was also his 50th anniversary of becoming an Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)!
