By Tracey Flamenco
A sea of Boy Scouts stood amid the crowd and recited the Scout oath in perfect unison, even though most of them had learned it at least 30 years ago.
The oath finished with the Scouts promising to help others at all times, to keep themselves physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
President Cheryl Lant, Primary general president of the LDS Church, recited the oath with them and congratulated the recipients at the Silver Beaver Awards Recognition Evening at BYU on Saturday evening.
'You can be a pair of hands,' President Lant said. 'You are helping build an army of righteous young men.'
The Silver Beaver Award is presented to outstanding men and women in the Boy Scouts of America Council, said Paul Sabey, field director for the Boy Scouts.
Certain criteria must be met to be nominated for the award. These criteria include at least 31 years of service for men and at least 15 years for women, Sabey said. This year there were 91 recipients.
After a catered dinner for nearly 700 people, President Lant was introduced as the guest speaker and offered words of praise, as well as encouragement for the future.
President Lant said the forces of evil are at work more than they have ever been, and that adults must give boys experiences to help them internalize principles of character.
'The youth of today are truly the rising generation,' she said. 'And as the rising generation, they will make a difference in the world.'
In a world where there is a war between good and evil, scouting is a place where young men are taught the principles of truth, President Lant said. It helps them understand their own value and worth.
'We can make a difference as we work in the scouting program,' she said.
Something must be done to save the boys of today, President Lant said.
'In order to reach his potential ... every boy needs us' she said.