NOAC tradition continued Sunday evening with the opening show. As Arrowmen entered the arena, music was blasting, lodges were chanting, and people were dancing in the aisles. The Thompson Boling Arena was ecstatic with brotherhood.
Every once in a while, pre- show clips appeared on the screen, such as Be Prepared, Who Wants to Sit in the National Committee Seats, and a video highlights show of the last two days.
The show began with the introductions of the national officers and the chief's bonnets. Then the show was on, with the gigantic lodge flaps coming in from each direction of the stadium, and music playing in the background. A fabulous start of what the Shows Committee had in store for the rest of the show.
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Then Arrowmen heard a few words from our Vice Chief Jordan Hitchens. Jordan started by explaining why it is such a great time to be involved in the Order and what new programs will be initiated and developed in the near future. He also stated how Arrowmen should have vision and try to tackle their goals. Jordan concluded with how Arrowmen should leave a positive impression on other Arrowmen and Scouts in our local council by just being friendly. |
The next guest was the Central Region Chief Luke Wolfe. When Luke was introduced, a large roar from the crowd was heard. Luke talked with Arrowmen about the status of the Service to America project that was started in 1998; it wraps up at the end of this year. Luke stated that the current total is 156 million hours of community service. He also made a note to let Arrowmen know that they still had 44 million hours to go, which will complete the goal that the President Clinton and General Colin Powell set at 200 million hours.
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The National Chief, Carey Mignerey, then came out on stage to do a few introductions and news updates. The first item he mentioned was that the Region Chiefs are now full voting members of the national committee. The second item he addressed was that a change of leadership took place on the national committee. Carey introduced the new chairman of the national Order of the Arrow committee, Brad Haddock. |
As Carey and Brad were passing on the stage, Carey stopped and exchanged a few personal comments with Brad. Nobody really knows what was conveyed. Mr. Haddock started his speech by saying how much he respects the National Chief, as he was once one 25 years ago. For him, being a chief was a real learning experience. Brad also publicly thanked prior National Order of the Arrow Chairman, Ed Pease and also asked for the national Order of the Arrow committee to stand and be recognized. Mr. Haddock also spoke of the new programs being introduced into the Order and how they are such an asset to the service that the Order of the Arrow provides.
Last but not least, our National Chief, Carey Mignerey, gave his speech. As everybody looked towards the stage, Carey's name appeared on the screen. But where was Carey? As the spotlight was searching the crowd, his voice was coming over the speakers saying, "Guys, I'm over here, right here, no a little down to the left." Finally the spotlight found him and Carey began his address by asking a few friends in the crowd what the spirit of the Order meant to them. Carey encouraged Arrowmen to take everything that we learn here at the conference and take it back to their home councils. As he closed his speech, Carey challenged Arrowmen to set goals and to keep their eyes on the prize.
The show ended with an American Indian making an appearance. The national officers came forward one at a time, stating what brotherhood means to them. Luke Wolf of the Central Region stated brotherhood is when you first shake hands with the Chief, for he has shaken hands with all of your brothers before you.
Revised 7/31/00.
