OXFORD – Since 1919 the American Legion has encouraged its members to support and become involved in Scouting as a primary part of their service to God and country, their community, state and nation.

The Boy Scouts of America teach the core values of duty to God and country, personal honor, respect for the beliefs of others, volunteerism and interdependence with the environment – principles that are conducive to good character, citizenship and good health.

Anderson Staples Post 112 of Oxford has been a chartering organization with the Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America, for more than 50 years, beginning in 1953.

“How proud we are to have both a Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop. We get to see little boys go from Tiger Cubs to grown men of Eagle Scouts,” said Post Scouting Representative Joe Bernard.

Bernard said Scouting at Post 112 is a two-way trail. Scouts are a part of the monthly meetings. The older boys act as waiters at sit-down dinners before meetings. There always seem to be leftover deserts for them in the kitchen.

Every year Scouts help decorate more than 350 veterans’ graves and are part of post services on Memorial and Veteran’s Day. Troop 196 maintains a collection box for unserviceable American flags and holds a proper flag disposal ceremony annually at the post home.

At Christmastime the Cub Scouts visit the South Paris Veterans Home and give the residents homemade gifts and sing Christmas carols. Service projects have also included blood drives for the American Red Cross and roadside clean-up for the town.

Legion Americanism Programs include baseball, Boys State, Girls State, oratorical contest and flag etiquette in schools.