Day 3

Day 3 had a very memorable event to start the day. Shortly after breakfast I was picked up by an airport limo (not stretched) driver and driven into Washington, D.C. to the Arlington National Cemetery. Earlier in the week I was contacted to help put together a devotional service for about 3,000 scouts from 7 states. I agreed and thought that it was very important for a scout to participate on the program. I was able to arrange for a scout from Circle 10 Council to give the invocation and another scout lead the group in the Scout Oath. I also contacted Charles W. Dahlquist II who is the Great Salt Lake Council President, former General Young Men's President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the National Jamboree Chaplin. That left the benediction that I would give.

The day was very hot. The devotional was scheduled for 10am and when I arrived about 9:30am there were many Jamboree troops already there seeking shade from the sun. The tour company that arranged the program, World Strides, had also arranged for Major General Vaughn A. Ary, Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps and Directory, Judge Advocate Division to give a patriotic message. Brother Dahlquist and Major General Ary both gave great messages. After the program many boys came up to shake hands and get their pictures taken with these great men.

After the completion of the program I was able to witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I also took several pictures at the cemetery. The limo driver picked me up at the Amphitheater steps and delivered me back to Fort A.P. Hill. I also had the pleasure of having John McCollum, a scouter from Circle 10 Council who was the course director for the Wood Badge course that I took, ride with me to the ceremony.

After getting back to camp, I changed clothes and it was on to completing a few tasks in preparation for the scouts to start arriving tomorrow morning. We will build a city of over 40,000 in a matter of a few hours tomorrow.

In yesterday's post I failed to mention one of my Eagle Scouts. Tatia was a smart young lady when she picked her husband. Jake, my terrific son-in-law is also an Eagle Scout. I really have 5 Eagle Scouts only we didn't help one of them earn his Eagle rank, his parents did! Way to go Jake.

Arlington National Cemetery


General Ary and President Dahlquist


Looking at the stage at the Amphitheater


Looking out from the stage before the program

Addendum: I just met a Stake President from the Los Angeles area. President Chavez is president of a Hispanic stake, he is 33 years old and has already been a stake president for 4 years. WOW!