Many winters ago, before the birth of the star nations, the light of a single thought of the Great Spirit shined bright upon the four corners of the universe. Brotherhood was the thought, and peace was the flame. But soon, this flame was but a flicker.

Many winters ago, after the white man had conquered the plains and peoples of this land, a human being across the great waters fanned this flame into light again. A brotherhood of Scouting was the thought, and peace was the flame. And like the original light, the spirit of Scouting soon shined bright upon the four corners of our Mother the Earth.

The flame that I hold now is that of the spirit of Scouting. Its warmth draws others nearer to us, its light shows the ways of Scouting and the Great Spirit. Yet, it is only a symbol, a symbol of our hearts, a symbol of our minds, a symbol of our souls. And, like all symbols, it is meaningless unless we live these things and understand them.

My friends, I thank you for the time you have given this past week to guide these young men up the trail of Scouting. The leadership, lessons, and love you have given this week and throughout the year will remain with these young men all their lives. You may never see the fruits of your time and labor, but rest assured my friends that the flame of Scouting you have passed to these Scouts will continue to burn and light the way of future generations.

My friends, as I light your candles, I ask that you return to your troops and symbolically pass the flame of Scouting to all those Scouts around you, both in and out of your troop.

My brothers, look deep into that flame you hold in front of you, burning upon the candle of life. For this indeed is the spirit of Scouting. Look deep, my brothers, and remember that time long ago when you stood at the beginning of the trail of Scouting, waiting for someone to light your flame, waiting for someone to show you the trail.