The Scout Law says that a Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. For 80 years, Mineola Boy Scout Troop 45 has been all those things. However, in the case of Troop 45, the Scout Law should have included words such as honor, integrity and tradition.

One of the Village of Mineola's greatest assets, Boy Scout Troop 45, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year as one of the oldest troops in the Boy Scouts of America's rich legacy.

On Saturday, Feb. 24, a dinner was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Mineola to celebrate the occasion. The dinner provided all those associated with the troop over the years to take a look back and reflect on what Troop 45 has meant to their lives. In addition, the dinner gave the troop the opportunity to honor those who are currently a part of the troop and who are excelling to keep up the troop's tradition.

Just to put in perspective just how long Troop 45 has been around, consider that when the troop received its charter on June 9, 1921, there was no television, space exploration was years away and Rock and Roll had yet to burst on the scene. Imagine that people couldn't even turn on their computers and surf the net.

In the early days, Troop 45 was sponsored by the Civic League of Mineola. The troop came to fruition under its first Scoutmaster Joseph Nohowec. That registration listed 18 boys as Scouts.

In October, 1935, a significant step was made in the troop's history. During that month, John W. Svoboda became the Troop 45's scoutmaster. Except for three years off because of World War II, Svoboda served as scoutmaster until 1973. During that year, Frank Pewarski took over the position until he handed it over in 1996. Also, Claude W. Conklin served as scoutmaster for 10 years, during which many of the troop's traditions were formed. Troop 45 expressed their thanks to these gentleman as well as the others who served the troop during its long history. Today, Troop 45 is in good hands under the leadership of Scoutmaster Steve Grosskopf.

Another significant year in Troop 45's history was 1946. It was during that year that Troop 45 joined the First Presbyterian Church family, a relationship that stands to this day.

Over their 80 years, Troop 45 has produced an overwhelming 93 Eagle Scouts, the highest honor a Scout can achieve. Those Eagles on hand to celebrate the anniversary were Leslie Kempf (1961), Donald Franz (1962), John Sandgren (1969), Andrew Eichhorn (1971), Curtis Hess (1971), John Tinghitella (1973), Roger Hess (1974), Harold Franke (1980), Scott Strauss (1981), Kenneth Schmidt (1983), Christopher Franz (1984), John DiMeola (1988), David Carlson (1989), Christopher Airey (1990), Mark Buthorn III (1990), Joseph J. Rumore (1991), John J. Gayson (1992), James Luning (1992), Kristopher Stillwell (1992), Jeffrey Hettinger (1993), Christopher Larke (1993), Dennis O'Brien (1994), Kevin Larke (1998), Richard Verriest Jr. (2000) and Bill Lee (2001).

Troop 45 may indeed have a rich heritage, but it's those that continue to volunteer their time and those Scouts who continue to achieve that make this troop's history worth celebrating.

The evening was kicked off by Master of Ceremonies and Assistant Scoutmaster Frank D'Elia, who explained that thousands of boys are now men better off because of the lesson they learned in Troop 45.

Senior Patrol Leader Ed Kaiser welcomed all the alumni, families, volunteers and Scouts to the event. The troop was then called by Bugler Joe Werther. The Troop Opening Parade of Scouts followed as did the invocation from Pastor Chet Easton of First Presbyterian Church. Theodore Roosevelt, who helped create the Boy Scouts of America, also made his presence known and he brought his pet snake with him.

During dinner, a slide show from years gone by was presented. Following dinner, it was time to recognize Troop 45 as not only a staple of the Mineola community, but as an organization that has benefited its community's youth in ways that former Scouts, now with families of their own, have fully realized.

Village of Mineola Mayor John P. Colbert presented to Scoutmaster Grosskopf and Senior Patrol Leader Kaiser a citation on behalf of Nassau County Executive Thomas Gulotta and presented a proclamation along with village trustee Maryanne Warnecke, naming Feb. 24, 2001 as Troop 45 day throughout the village of Mineola.

Mayor Colbert pointed out that much of the success of Troop 45 over the years can be attributed to the interest the adults have taken and all the time the scoutmasters, assistant scoutmasters and parents of Scouts have put in. The adults' dedication has been passed on to the Scouts, the mayor said.

Also, a proclamation was presented to Troop 45 by former Mineola Mayor and current North Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Ann Galante on behalf on the Town of North Hempstead. New York State Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell on behalf of the State Assembly and earlier in the evening, Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello recognized the troop.

The troop also recognized some its own including Patrice Grosskopf, Sue D'Elia and the entire Panther Patrol, under the director of patrol Assistant Patrol Leader William Schweiger Jr., was recognized Honor Patrol of the Year. Also, Assistant Scoutmaster William Schweiger Sr. was honored with the Silver Stallion Award for exemplary service to the troop.

The evening proved that throughout the years, many volunteers and Scouts have gone through Troop 45. The troop has also undergone several different projects, yet there has been one constant theme for eight decades - Troop 45 has impacted and touched the lives of the many adults and boys who became involved.

"Troop 45 has had an unbelievable impact on my life. You make friends you will have for the rest of your life. Distance makes no difference," said Jeffrey Mock, a senior patrol leader from 1974 to 1976.

Bob Small joined Troop 45 in 1946 and admits he didn't stay in it too long. However, he came back to be involved in the troop as an adult. "Some of the things I learned mostly as an adult leader have done me very well. I learned how to work with people and how to overcome difficulties. Do your best for Troop 45 and Troop 45 will do very well for you," he said.

Curtis Hess, who became an Eagle Scout in 1971, said the time he spent with Troop 45 was the best time of his youth. "The memories in my heart will never deteriorate. It can change your life. It has made me who I am today," he said.

During dessert, a slide show, compiled by troop historian Kenny D'Elia, showing highlights of Troop 45's latest year of Scouting was shown.

From the looks of Troop 45's recent accomplishments, the leadership of the adult volunteers and the enthusiasm of the current Scouts, Troop 45's pride will live on as its tradition continues to grow. Another 80 years of history is hard to imagine, but Troop 45 has still a lot left to accomplish and many more Scouts to benefit from its existence.