A hush fell upon the throng. War arose, and soberly closed the big book in which were recorded minutes of the organization.
Never had the simple ceremony been more impressive than on this night. On the table beside Jack was the Explorer’s Emblem—wings, anchor and compass—symbolic of air, sea and land activities. In front of it were two glowing candles. To the left stood the American flag, and on the right, the unit banner.
Jack himself turned to extinguish the candles, symbolic of the ideals lighting the way of all Explorers.
“This emblem is to remind us that we are part of a great organization,” he said soberly. “An organization made up of thousands of fellows in troop, crew and post everywhere.”
Normally, the ceremony would have ended there, but Jack went on. With deep feeling, he added the words of the Scout oath:
“‘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.’”
The other Explorers joined in, speaking each word with sincerity. All eyes were glued upon Jack, Ken, Willie and Warwick.