A new national monument was unveiled on October 14, 2006 in Washington, D.C., with Boy Scouts of America founder William D. Boyce among the Americans whose life work it immortalizes in bronze and granite. The monument and its Extra Mile Points of Light Volunteer Pathway tell the stories of great Americans who, through their caring and personal sacrifice, built their dreams into great movements that have created enduring change in America.
Boyce is one of only 20 honorees whose commemorative medallions was unveiled in a ceremony led by former President George H. W. Bush, political commentator Cokie Roberts, and District of Columbia Mayor Anthony Williams. Boyce is recognized for the role he played in founding the Boy Scouts of America and making it possible for millions of young Americans to benefit from its values-based educational programs for more than 95 years.
"We are humbled that the Boy Scouts of America is being honored through inclusion in such a profound national monument," said Willie Iles, director of strategic initiatives for the Boy Scouts. "From its very inception, Scouting has taught our nation's youth about the power of volunteerism. As the nation's leading youth service organization, we honor our founder's vision of Scouting through our daily Good Turns toward society."
Over the past 95 years, the nearly 110 million members of Scouting have provided countless hours of service. The more than 1.7 million Eagle Scouts alone have provided an estimated 36 million hours of service through their Eagle projects. The BSA's Good Turn for America initiative looks ahead to meet the changing needs of youth for the next century by focusing on the power of volunteerism through the three vital community issues of food, shelter, and health. Good Turn for America aims to make a substantial positive impact on the nation by providing millions of volunteer hours to benefit those in need.
"We are thrilled to see this monument become a reality and to recognize the contributions of such heroic Americans as William D. Boyce," said Robert Goodwin, president and chief executive officer of the Points of Light Foundation. "His legacy epitomizes the spirit of service in America and provides an inspiring example of how we all have the ability to go the extra mile for our fellow citizens."
The monument is a series of bronze markers laid into the sidewalks in an area adjacent to the White House. Each marker will bear the likeness of an honoree, a description of his or her achievement, and a quote. Together, the markers form a one-mile walking path through an area bounded by Pennsylvania Avenue, 15th Street, G Street, and 11th Street, NW.
Serving over 4.8 million young people between 7 and 20 years of age with more than 300 councils throughout the United States and its territories, the Boy Scouts of America is the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training.