Boy Scout Troop 325

Scoutmaster Minute

August 21, 2001

Three Parts of the Scout Oath

When we raise our hand in the Scout Sign, or give the Scout Salute, we hold up three fingers.

The woggle, our official troop neckerchief slide, has a strand woven back upon itself three times.

The shape of the Scout symbol, the fleur-de-lis, has three points at the top, similar to the shape of the three fingers held in the Scout sign.

The number three in these Scout symbols represents the three parts of the Scout Oath: duty to God, duty to others, duty to self.

On my honor I will do my best

To do my duty to God and my country

and to obey the Scout Law;

To help other people at all times;

To keep myself physically strong,

Mentally awake, and morally straight.

Duty to God, because He is our creator. He establishes what is right and sets the standards that we strive to live up to.

Duty to others, because we are part of a community. Virtually everything we have was provided by other people. We depend on each other, and others depend upon us. That is how civilization continues and advances.

Duty to self, because we need to care of ourselves if we are to do our best in caring for others. Exercise, proper nutrition, and proper rest to stay physically strong; study to increase our knowledge; reflection and seeking God’s guidance on what is right.

Each time you hold up the Scout Sign, each time you repeat the Scout Oath, remember what it stands for and pledge yourself anew to do your duty: to God, to others, to self.

Thank you for listening. And may God be with you.