Boy Scout Troop of Saratoga

Our Scoutmaster Carries the Torch!

NOTES FROM THE SCOUTMASTER

Last night (May 2nd) I was one of the Torchbearers here in San Jose, California. The city had a big party, welcoming the Olympic flame as it came by train from San Luis Obispo. By early evening it was wending its way through our streets, and my half-kilometer was about 2/3-rds the way through the evening.

I boarded the torch relay shuttle with 10 other torchbearers, and we told our stories to each other; what a great bunch of people! The driver brought us over to the route, and as the caravan came down Santa Clara Street toward us, the first runner got out -- we all gave him a cheer to send him on his way. After driving about 5 blocks it was time for me to get out, to prepare to receive the flame. As I exited the bus, I was greeted by about 30 Scouts from my Troop -- in uniform and waving American flags! What a bunch of noise-makers! There was time for them to come into the street for a few photos with me, and then the escorting officer asked them to move back, and he started the gas flowing in my torch.

Within 30 seconds I saw Lawrence jogging down the route toward me. He paused as he reached me, extended his torch with the flame burning, and I lighted mine with a whooosh. A cheer went up, and I was off!

My escort runner, Mike Cherry, has just finished the work for his Eagle Scout rank; he's a senior in high school, and he ran alongside in case I needed assistance (but I didn't). As I looked into the crowd I spotted more of my Scouts, many of their smiling parents (with cameras flashing!), and also many co-workers of mine from Tandem Computers. What a thrill!!

The time goes fast; I waved to lots of people I knew, switching the torch from one side to another once in a while. Ahead of me was a camera truck with 3 or 4 network VCRs running and bright lights flooding me. I kept a fairly slow pace, and found that many of the Scouts were running down the sidewalk, keeping up with me! As I came to my last corner, I saw David waiting with his torch. With a flourish, I reached forward and the flame passed to his torch; I was aware of him then moving away from me and the motorcade passing my spot.

I was then surrounded once again by my Scouts and their families, as well as my wife and her mother. Another officer turned off the gas flow, and the flame went out -- but the aluminum in the torch held the heat for another 15 minutes, a reminder of the spirit that passed through San Jose last night on the way to Atlanta.

Some of us gathered in the River Park, where festivities continued; Gloria, our last runner, had lit a large stationary torch on the platform, and people gathered around to view it and take pictures. I passed my torch to many youngsters, posing with them as their parents took photos. Something that each of them will remember for years. And it's something I'll remember all my life!

I invite you to visit our Troop's home page (www.flammer.com/troop566/) and see some of the photos of the Torch Relay events (below) and also shots of some of our Scout outings. I'd be pleased to hear from you (at p.wesling@ieee.org), especially fellow Scouts and Scouters!