On the recordNovember 4, 2011
Today I rise to honor one of the members of the Greatest Generation, Mr. Paul Eason. Mr. Paul came home after World War II and became a success in his community by any measure of the word: a manufacturing leader, three terms on our city council, chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission, Citizen of the Year. But his most significant contribution was giving his time and energy as scoutmaster for three generations of boys in Tupelo, Mississippi. He was the scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 12 for over 59 years. When he began, his scouts thought it would be interesting to see if they could go for a year without missing a monthly campout. And Troop 12 recently completed its 729th consecutive monthly campout, not missing a month since Harry Truman was president. They thought they were learning how to tie knots and pitch tents; Mr. Paul was teaching them the meaning of the scout oath: ``On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country.'' America needs more young men that understand the meaning of duty, excellence, and honor. As a father of two of Troop 12's eagle scouts, Mr. Paul, I want to say thank you for the contribution you've made to your community, your State, and to your Nation. And on this, your 90th birthday, may God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America. ____________________





