83R8789 STE-D
By: Capriglione H.R. No. 923
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Boy Scouts of America Troop No. 7 in Grapevine is
celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding on May 11, 2013;
and
WHEREAS, The scouting movement has been preparing young men
to become leaders since Sir Robert Baden-Powell founded the
movement in Great Britain in 1908; American businessman William
D. Boyce organized the Boy Scouts of America in 1910 after a scout
in London refused an offer of payment for helping him, remarking to
Mr. Boyce that he was required to do a good deed each day; and
WHEREAS, In 1913, the mayor of Grapevine, Benjamin Richard
Wall, brought the No. 7 Boy Scout Unit Charter back from New York,
establishing it as one of the oldest scout groups in Texas and the
region west of the Mississippi; not even World War I could diminish
the enthusiasm of this group of young men, who continued to meet and
camp every Friday night even though most of their fathers were
fighting overseas; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Wall remained involved with the troop until
1954, and through the years it has been supported by a number of
local organizations, including the Grapevine Business Men's
League, the Grapevine City Council, the Grapevine Lions Club, and
St. Laurence Episcopal Church; today, this scouting crew is
sponsored by St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of scoutmaster and Eagle Scout
Don Blan, the troop currently counts over 50 scouts among its
members; moreover, Troop No. 7 has produced 98 Eagle Scouts and has
participated in myriad service projects such as flag ceremonies on
Memorial Day and numerous activities performed in behalf of
schools, municipalities, and other organizations; and
WHEREAS, Still going strong in the 21st century, Boy Scout
Troop No. 7 has for 100 years made a significant difference in the
lives of countless young Texans while contributing to the
betterment of Grapevine, Tarrant County, and beyond, and it is
indeed a pleasure to join in recognizing this momentous milestone
in the group's rich history; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Boy Scouts of America Troop No. 7
of Grapevine on the 100th anniversary of its founding and commend
its members and leaders, past and present, and all those who have
worked to support this fine organization during its 10 decades of
service to the community; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Boy Scouts of America Troop No. 7 as an expression of
high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.