Your Honor

There has been a great deal of changes withing the scouting program from 1948 to now. One thing that has not changed is the Scout Oath. Specifically the first line, “On My Honor.”

Here is what the 1955, 5th edition of the Handbook for Boys, has to say about your honor.

Your Honor

You promise “on your honor.” It was almost two hundred years ago a group of men made a solemn promise on their honor. “And for the support of this Declaration… we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor.” Do you recognize this quotation? It is the closing paragraph in the Declaration of Independence. The brave men who signed it knew that they stood to lose everything they possessed, even their lives. But they gave their “sacred honor,” and knew they would stand by their promise. Your Scout’s honor should be as sacred to you.

Heroes have died rather than betray their honor. In the last war (WWII), the Germans were constantly hindered in France by the Underground, the loyal Frenchmen who resisted them and destroyed their equipment. The Germans knew that one house in a certain little town was the center of resistance in that district, but they did not even know the names of the loyal Frenchmen who were using the equipment. So they arrested a young Boy Scout who was the son of the owner of the house, “He must have the information we want, and being only a boy, he will break easily,” they said. First they tried coaxing, and offering bribes. The Scout would not speak. Then they tried starvation and beating. The Scout was dumb. Finally, in rage, they dragged him before a firing squad, and threatened him with instant death if he did not speak. But the Scout faced the rifles calmly, and died rather than betray his trust. He had promised “on his honor".”

On your honor you promise to try to keep the Scout Oath and Law.

1955 printing - 5th edition of the Handbook for Boys - 1948 - Boy Scouts of America