On Monday night, Picayune area Cub Scouts gathered with their families and leaders to celebrate their achievements from the past year.

The young men attended the Troop 2 Blue and Gold Banquet, where they enjoyed an exhibition from the Pearl River Central NJROTC and a puppet show written and acted out by their very own Webelos.

It was touching to witness the young Scouts get their faces painted as they transitioned to the rank of Scout. The boys were given pins to present to their parents in recognition of their support. Faces of all ages beamed with pride.

As the young Scouts-to-be progressed up the ladder, an older Scout gave notice that this would be his last year in leadership with  Troop 2.

Dennis  Redman, a former Army Special Forces member and New Orleans police officer, began his scouting career in 1949. Monday night, he stepped away from 65 years of troop obligations, though he will continue state duties.

“It is time that I passed the torch on to the younger members in leadership,” Redman said.

Redman was presented with a plaque to honor his 65 years of service and an embroidered hoodie with the Scout logo.

After the event, he reminisced on how he had seen so many groups of young men enter the Scouts and then rise through the ranks. He said it was like having multiple groups of children and he could not be more proud.

“The organization instills values, structure and discipline that will last an entire lifetime,” Redman said. “It has only ever benefitted me to have had Scouting in my life.”

I’m sure the Scouts would say the same about him.