By Brian VanDongen Special Writer
About 200 current and former Scouts, Scoutmasters, committee and family members gathered, coming from as near as Hillsborough and as far as Texas, to attend the celebration.
Township Committee members and longtime members from the troop’s sponsor organization, Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Company No. 2, were among the distinguished guests in attendance. The troop also received proclamations from Gov. Jon Corzine, the New Jersey General Assembly, and the Boy Scouts of America’s Patriot Path Council.
The distinguished guests each congratulated the troop at the celebration, and presented proclamations to the Troop. One of the troop’s first Scouts was present and talked about his memories of the troop, bridging the past to the present.
Included in the program was the troop’s Spring Court of Honor, a ceremony recognizing Scouts’ advancement throughout the ranks 30 Scouts advanced at least one rank, including one Scout, Jimmy Chapuran, earning the rank of Eagle.
Additionally, 23 merit badges were earned by 16 Scouts. Following the Court of Honor, the Troop held a flag retirement ceremony. The anniversary celebration ended with a catered dinner, games and activities.
Scrapbooks and videos were on display for current members to learn about the history of the troop, and for former members to recall fond memories.
Throughout its 50 years of scouting, Troop 89 has had 19 Scoutmasters, 61 Eagle Scouts, logged thousands of hours of service to the community, and has changed the lives of many young men.
As the celebration continues, the troop invites the public to visit their display of photographs and memorabilia at the Hillsborough Public Library during the month of June.
The Boy Scouts of America celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2010. For more information about Hillsborough Boy Scout Troop 89, please contact [email protected].
