Ian Arnold raised his hand during public comment at Springfield Township’s December board meeting and stood to pose his question.
‘I was wondering if you’ve ever considered starting your meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance,? the 11-year-old from Boy Scout Troop 192 asked.
The following day, newly-elected Supervisor Mike Trout had a letter in the mail, inviting Ian and his troop to attend the next meeting.
‘While this may seem strange, I don’t know why we don’t (say the Pledge),? Trout wrote. ‘But because of your question, we are going to start doing it.?
Trout invited Ian and fellow scouts to lead the township board in its inaugural Pledge, Jan. 8.
‘I admire your patriotism,? Trout wrote. ‘And I am proud to have you as a member of our Springfield community.?
Clad in uniform, eight scouts arrived at the meeting.
‘Our scout, Ian Arnold, was very tickled to receive the letter from the board,? said Assistant Scout Master Jerry Humphries, who attended Thursday’s meeting with the boys. ‘It was well received and the troop was happy to help kick off the Pledge of Allegiance for you.?
Board members seemed pleased to have the scouts on hand for the start of a new tradition.
‘They did a great job,? said Trustee Roger Lamont. ‘They were very professional.?