Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert told the 88 adults who were given the Boy Scout's Silver Beaver Awards on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006, that scout leaders made a positive impact in his life.

"I have a lot of fond memories of when I was a Boy Scout," Herbert said as he held up his 5th edition Boy Scout handbook. "I appreciate those who were leaders, and helped me."

Herbert addressed the three aspects of the Boy Scout Oath in his speech. He spoke of the importance of god, community and service.

"Those principles monitoring what we do in scouting are what's important," he said.

Herbert pointed to the example of the founding fathers. He said they were god-fearing people. God came first for them and today's Scouts should follow their example.

Next, Herbert addressed community.

"One thing I'm proud of, and it came from scouts... is to not be a litter bug," he said.

He said even through small things such as by paying attention to what they throw on the ground, citizens can give back to the community.

Herbert then said the world would be a better place if people served. He spoke of the simple act of service that one British Boy Scout offered that brought the Boy Scout program to America.

"It is something to be good, but it is...better to do good," Herbert said.

He also spoke about the scout motto "be prepared" and how Utah's government is trying the program "Be Ready Utah." This program follows the Boy Scout's ideal in that the government and people work together to prepare Utah for any disaster "not from the standpoint of a government mandate, but for the long-run approach."

Eighty-eight men and women received the Silver Beaver Award for volunteering to serve youth through all aspects of the Scouting program in Utah.

"[The award is] not one that you work for, it's one that you're selected for," said Silver Beaver recipient Frank Breiteustein.

"I think it's the best. I think it's a wonderful program, and it's truly inspired," recipient Christena Hoyal said.

Herbert summed up the program's aims best when he said, "We can't always be the best, but we can always do our best."

Copyright Brigham Young University 18 Sep 2006