For the past 100 years, Boy Scout Troop 111 in Gloucester has had a positive influence on the lives of generations of young men and the community they serve.

Officially founded on Oct. 14, 1919, the troop celebrated its centennial earlier this month. Over the years, Gloucester boys learned much more than the right way to put up a tent, tie a knot or cook a meal over an open fire. They learned the skills of leadership, cooperation, self-reliance and the importance of helping one another. They learned what it means to be a friend and to work for a larger goal than themselves.

The Boy Scouts prepared these young men to be hard workers, shop owners, civic group and community leaders, soldiers in times of war and peace, and fathers. It was in that last role that some of them introduced Troop 111 to their sons, keeping the tradition alive.

In Troop 111, nearly 100 young men earned the coveted rank of Eagle Scout. A key part of earning that badge involves the Scout leading a public service...