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Lodge Ledger: National Awards Recognize Arrowmen Throughout History

  Michael Casey             Lodge Ledger

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From July 16th, 2014 to December 31st, 2015, youth and adult Arrowmen will be able to commemorate our organization’s centennial by working to complete the Arrowman Service Award, also known as the “sash patch.” Indeed, the Order of the Arrow has a long history of awards for exemplary service to the OA program, Scouting and communities. These awards started with the Distinguished Service Award (DSA) back in 1940.

Senior OA leaders created the DSA for members who gave exemplary service above the lodge level. Some of the first recipients included the founders and early officers of the organization. The award is a silver arrow suspended from a white ribbon with red arrows pointing upward.

In 1965, the 50th Anniversary Award was given to Arrowmen under 21 who fulfilled certain requirements. They were to be active within their troops and lodges, attend resident camp or a week long troop campout, participate in an OA service project, advance in BSA rank and recruit a new Scout. The award was a patch that was sewn onto the top portion of the OA sash.

In 1967, the national OA committee created a non-member recognition award called the Red Arrow Award. This award recognizes those who are not Arrowmen, but contribute exceptional service to the national organization. The Red Arrow Award is presented during the National Order of the Arrow Conferences.

In 1975 and 1976, the 60th Anniversary Award was given to Arrowmen under 21 who fulfilled  requirements including personal development, involvement in BSA programs relating to the United States of America bicentennial celebration, and unit, lodge and council service. This award was also a patch that could be sewn onto the top portion of the OA sash.  

In 1981, following the death of Dr. E. Urner Goodman, the national OA committee created the Founder’s Award. This award recognizes those who give exceptional service to their local lodge. The award is a bronze medallion with the faces of Goodman and Carroll A. Edson superimposed. The reverse side offers a well-known quote from the Legend, "He who serves his fellows is, of all his fellows, greatest.”

In 1990, the 75th Anniversary Award was given to all qualifying Arrowmen. This was a major change because adult members were eligible as well as those under 21. The requirements had specific tasks to be accomplished by youth and adults. They included development for one’s chapter and lodge, unit and community, and self. The award was a pocket device that had a red and white ribbon with a suspended turtle representing the totem of the first lodge, Unami.

In 1998, following the death of Josh Sain, 1997 National Vice Chief, the national OA committee and the national council of chiefs created a scholarship given to youth OA officers of the section, region and national levels who contribute a significant amount of their time and service to the national program. Recipients must demonstrate a commitment to both the Order and their academic studies.

These awards have been given to many deserving recipients in recognition of their exemplary service to others. Dr. Goodman commented on our duty to others which should "remind us of our lifelong commitment to cheerful service to the brotherhood of man.”