Welcome to the Order of the Arrow and in particular Eswau Huppeday Lodge. Words can not express how happy it makes me to know that you guys are giving of yourselves and taking the time to be a part of our lodge. There are a lot of things that I wish to say, however, I realize I have limited space to say it, so I will impart what wisdom I can in the next couple of lines and hopefully you guys will get something out of it.

First of all I would like to give a special welcome to our newest brothers. Welcome to one of the best programs that not only boy scouts, but life has to offer. You were chosen by your peers because you were a little different. You were chosen by your peers because they recognized in you things that were admirable and respectable. In short, you were so cool, that you were rewarded for your coolness by your peers when they gave you the opportunity to take your skills to the next level. You accepted that challenge when you decided to accept the ordeal, and now you are an arrowman, with a cool white sash and everything.

You may be asking yourself, "well I’m an arrowman now, now what?" When I think of this question I am reminded of one of the famous lines from the movie TOP GUN. The scene is when Maverick and Goose as well as the other pilots are sitting in room being addressed by the commanding officer of the Top Gun school. As many of you who have watched the movie know, the school was a program where the best of the best go for training to improve themselves. With this in mind, contemplate the words of the commander when he said that the pilots were "the best of the best" and he went onto say "we'll make you better." The same sentiments can be expressed when you think about the Order of the Arrow. You guys were chosen by your peers because you were thought to be "the best of the best," now my friends, I can say this without a shadow of a doubt, "we WILL make you better."

The Order of the Arrow is scouting's national honor society. Since 1915, arrowman such as yourselves have benefited greatly from the program, and you too can benefit. I will say though, that this program is like every other thing in life, in that, you have to put something into it to get something out of it. Our lodge is full of activities that will help you to become a better scout as well as fire you up about being in the Boy Scouts of America. In it you are given the opportunity to join committees that all serve a specific function in making our lodge work. We also have teams such as ceremonies, dance and drum, which compete on both the sectional and national level. All of these are looking for people to join and contribute. Please take the time to examine them and see which one would be best for you, then do our lodge a favor and get involved. Without your participation, our lodge simply can not be successful. I challenge you to become an active member of the lodge. To fully embrace the program. To join committees, and to seal your membership in the Order, by receiving the brotherhood. You are the future leaders of our lodge, help make us better.

To the older brothers: I must say that I feel privileged to be in your midst. Together we have won national titles, countless Dixie titles, beautified camp, and so on, while forging lasting friendships along the way. Together we have made history, and together we have realized that being a part of this lodge is almost like having a full time job. All of you guys have helped me to become a better leader, and I thank you for that. You guys have made the lodge work for years and have carried on the traditions of the brothers that came before us. For this, I thank you. I would just like to challenge you guys to keep up the great work and to be an example to all of our new brothers. We all remember how intimidating it was for us when we first walked through the dining hall doors, prepared to participate in our ordeal. We had no idea what to expect. But now that I think about it, which task is harder? Actually getting through the ordeal, or meeting people afterwards? We should embrace all our brothers in full fellowship, because we are truly training our replacements.

I would just like to take this opportunity to remind you guys that everything you need is on this website. On this website you will find a bulletin board where you are encouraged to share your ideas. You will find the opportunity to join a listserv, and by doing so you will receive emails that involve all things that are going on with our lodge. You will find information about our current officers, as well as links to other scouting websites that will help you along the way. You will find information about upcoming events including date, location, and cost. I encourage you to check this website out thoroughly and to ask questions if need be.

I'm excited about the upcoming year and I am excited about our lodge!!! Together, we will see our goals succeed. Together, we will make Eswau even GREATER!!!

Yours in W.W.W.

Peter McAnulty