WHEREAS, Boy Scouts of America Troop 840 was founded by the parishioners of St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Bon Air on July 26, 1964; and

WHEREAS, the year 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of Troop 840's proud service to the community of Bon Air and its boys and young men; and

WHEREAS, Troop 840 began with only seven Scouts and has since delivered Scouting to over 530 boys, producing 98 Eagle Scouts, who have achieved the highest rank in Scouting; and

WHEREAS, the Boy Scouts of America is chartered by the Congress of the United States to "promote, through organization, and cooperation with other agencies, the ability of boys to do things for themselves and others, to train them in scoutcraft, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues"; and

WHEREAS, Troop 840 has served Bon Air and surrounding communities through service and conservation projects benefiting local institutions, churches, and schools; by adopting Quaker Lane through the Virginia Adopt-a-Highway Program; with the annual collection of food donations through Scouting for Food; and by annual provision of a color guard for the Bon Air Historical Society's Victorian Day parade; and

WHEREAS, Troop 840 continues to attract young men to Scouting and to instruct them in scoutcraft through its vigorous outdoor programs, including monthly camping trips, and annual adventure programs, ranging from hikes along the Appalachian Trail and Grand Canyon to whitewater rafting on the New River; and

WHEREAS, the support of St. Michael's Episcopal Church and the selfless service of 13 men in the role of Scoutmaster, two men in the role of Chartered Organization Representative, and countless boy leaders, Assistant Scoutmasters, committee members, and parents have been crucial to the success of Troop 840 in its 50-year history; and

WHEREAS, Troop 840's tradition of providing outdoor experiences, service to others, and leadership opportunities continues to prepare boys to meet the Boy Scouts of America's aim to produce "responsible, participating citizens and leaders who are guided by the Scout Oath and Law"; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Boy Scouts of America Troop 840 for its active tradition of service on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Boy Scouts of America Troop 840 as an expression of the General Assembly's congratulations for 50 years of service to local youths and the Bon Air community.