Figure 1.--The Statuue of Liberty was a gift to the United States from the people of France and is one of the most cherished symbols of America. It has a special symbolic importance in 1945 as American service men had just succeeded in liberating France from the NAZIs. Here on Scout Week (February 1945)American Star Scout Edward Saul (Troop 765) and French Scout François Benech (Troop 320) hold their national flags for a wreath-laying ceremony to commenorate the 35th anniversary of American Scouting. The theme of Scout Week in 1945 was "Scouts of the world ... brothers together".

Scout Week was an important annual celebration througout the 1940s. Scout week is the annual celebration of Scouting's birthday in America. The celebration inncluded activities, people, and public relations. Cub Scout Packs hold their annual Blue and Gold Dinners, Boy Scout Troops hold Courts of Honor, Districts plan special activities. Each year, the BSA put forward a thene for Scouts to use. The purpose of Scout Week is to both celebrate Scouting and to provide a degree of visibility to increase interest in the movement among both boys and the wider community. The BSA encouraged each Scout unit to plan events for the week. These included: open houses, Blue and Gold Banquets, Courts of Honor, campout/day activity in a city park, a program or presentation at a local service club, recognize youth and volunteer accomplishments, unit good turn day, window displays at a local business, literacy events, major unit good turn projects, and Scout Sunday/Sabbath services, Pack/Troop reunion, media promotions. The Sunday at the beginning and the Saturday at the end of Scout Week are designated as Scout Sunday and Scout Sabbath respectively. Units plan Scout participation in religious services at churches or synagogues. Scout Week and religious services had special meaning during the War years.