On Oct. 24 members of Cub Scout Auburn Pack 1 and their families joined thousands descending on the State Capitol to kick off the nationwide celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America on Feb. 8, 2010.

Over 6,500 Scouts, plus families and friends, were welcomed at Raley Field by Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, both former Boy Scouts.

Mr. Garamendi led the crowd in the recitation of the “Scout Law.”

Then, led by a marching band and a large contingent of Eagle Scouts of all ages, the group marched across the Tower Bridge and up Capitol Mall to the Capitol.

The United States Air Force Band played in front of the Capitol for the arriving Scouts.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had been scheduled to address the marchers, but at the last minute was unable to attend. Assemblyman Jim Nielsen accepted a report on Scouting in California on behalf of the Governor in ceremonies on the steps of the statehouse.

The huge group marched back to Raley Field where they enjoyed lunch and entertainment.

Similar events are planned in all 50 state capitals in the coming months. Centennial celebrations will climax as 30,000 Scouts congregate for a week next July at the Centennial Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia.

Auburn Pack 1 is one of the oldest Cub Scout packs in the area. E-mail gregschultz@earthlink.

net to learn more.