Knocking out the Memorials - the Boy Scout Memorial
Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 2:38PM 
phot uploaded to flickr by dbking
Sure, everybody comes for the big Memorials, but one of DC’s unexpected pleasures is strolling about and coming upon the little guys, those little memorials tucked into nooks and crannies, not banished to the splendid isolation of the National Mall.
One of these is bound to get a lot of attention this weekend: the Boy Scout Memorial. For those of you unaware, next week kicks off the 2010 Boy Scout Jamboree, moved back a year to coincide with the hundredth anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Held just down I-95 in Ft. A.P. Hill, Virginia; the Washington, DC is hosting some of the events the weekend prior, including a scavenger hunt that will take them by their Memorial.
Unless you’re here for the Jamboree, chances are you’d only come across the Memorial trooping down 15th St on your way to the White House. Personally, I happen upon it quite frequently, as this is one of a handful of legal bus boarding spots in DC. So it’s not uncommon for me to bring a whole bus load of eighth graders by it. Which can be awkward.
Because let’s face it. There’s no way you can look at it and go “Huh, a Scouting Memorial. What a wonderful way to bring up the contributions of one of America’s preeminent youth organizations, celebrating their 100 year anniversary this year.” No, you’re going to go “Very appropriate, nude man, hand on boy's shoulder, clothed woman doing magic trick”
There’s no way around it. I’d love to tell you the man represents love of country, citizenship, patriotism, loyalty, honor, integrity, courage, clean living, and physical development. I’d also like to tell you the lady symbolizes the spiritual qualities of good citizenship, enlightenment with the light of faith, love of God, high ideals, liberty, freedom, democracy, love of humanity and is lighting the way. I’d also try to point out the Boy Scout, who is mercifully clothed, is striding forward, leading the way for his elders.
It’s no use, you’re just going to be looking at the naked dude and his partially clothed female companion walking with a young boy, you perv.
But however artistically challenged I find the Memorial to be, the back story is pretty interesting. It references the site of the Boy Scouts of America’s first National Jamboree, held here in Washington, DC in 1937 (the 1935 one was cancelled due to a polio outbreak). And it was kind of a big deal. Something like 25,000 Scouts descended upon the nation’s capitol, and was widely reported in the national press. Arriving by train, they mobbed Union Station and headed to their campsites along the Potomac River. Just a few feet away from the present day Memorial, on the corner of 17th and Constitution Ave, lay the campsite of the international scouts. 400 boys from other nations representing their organizations, including those from Canada, the Philippines, Poland, Chile, and two Venezuelans who had literally hiked their way to DC. Highlights of the event included a visit by President Roosevelt, excursions to Mt. Vernon, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and catching the Senators take on the Red Sox at Griffith Stadium (Senators won two, with the first game ending in a tie in the twelfth!).
It would be a few decades later that Boy Scouts would celebrate it’s fiftieth anniversary by donating the Memorial, funded by donations from Scouts from around the country. So as we celebrate 100 years of Scouting and 50 years of the Boy Scout Memorial, let’s all welcome the Boy Scouts of America back to Washington, DC. Swing by on the 25th for the first parade of Boy Scouts since the 1937 Jamboree and come on down to the Mall where they will have an Adventure Base set up. And maybe they can rustle up some clothes for that guy while they’re in town.
Boy Scout Memorial, National Mall 
Reader Comments (5)
Tim, speaking of weird memorials, I was sitting in traffic today when I noticed today that the Samuel Gompers statue on 11th and Mass NW features some loincloth clad gentlemen and a toga clad young lady. I'd be curious to know why those are the folks he's featured with. Did they make cigars while so scantily clad? Is it the Union of Men in Skirts and the Women Who Love Them? More importantly, who the hell approves these things?
Yeah, there are some creepy ones out there. We can keep throwing around "neoclassical" and "socialist realism" all we want, but there were some sick dudes carving stone once upon a time.
Tim, The Boy Scout memorial probably tops the list of "wouldn't be built today" memorials but there are many somewhat erotic statues around town tucked away in side streets or visibly only at oblique angles. That could be a whole tour on its own. - Patrick
That would be great! A "Dirty Washington" Tour!
I was talking to a good friend of mine one day - an avid Scouting leader for many years and a Silver Beaver awardee - and mentioned this statue. A pained expression crossed his face. Somebody in Irving, TX needs to rustle up some money and commission a bolt-on bearskin or something for that guy. By the way... if you circle around the back, yes, his butt is exposed for all to see. VERY awkward.