A smiling President Ezra Taft Benson greeted thousands of Scouts Saturday, March 3, as grand marshal of the parade commencing the world's largest Scout-O-Rama.

President Benson was accompanied by his second counselor, President Thomas S. Monson. They were seated in an electric cart that headed a procession of dignitaries, Scouts, Scouters and the Salt Lake Scots bagpipe band through the Salt Palace Exhibition Hall in Salt Lake City.

Titled "Making Scouting Memories," the Scout-O-Rama was sponsored by the Great Salt Lake Council of Boy Scouts of America. More than 15,000 Scouts and their leaders participated, and attendance was estimated at 60,000.

In addition to the parade, the event included an opening ceremony laced with celebrities, Church and Scout leaders, a cook-off, video contest, Order of the Arrow Indian Village, Cub Power Chorus and 750 exhibits.

President Monson offered the invocation at the opening ceremony, where President Benson was introduced and presented a copy of the show's theme artwork, "Making Scouting Memories," by artist Scott Snow.

"President Benson thoroughly enjoyed his visit to the Scout-O-Rama, as he observed the host of young people and their leaders, as well as parents, waving warmly to him," President Monson noted. "It was a privilege to accompany President Benson, a life-long Scouter who exemplifies adherence to the Scout Oath, Scout Law and who has ever practiced the slogan, `Do a good turn daily.'

"We also were fortunate to have in attendance some of the pioneer leaders of Scouting, including William Hillcourt and former chief Scout executive James L. Tarr."

Hillcourt, supervising editor of several Scout handbooks and other BSA literature, is known to Scouts worldwide as "Grennbar Bill." For many years he wrote a feature each month in Boy's Life magazine and is the former director of the national Scout Craft program.

Event chairman James R. Jones said the Scout council appreciated the presence of the two members of the First Presidency, along with other church leaders in attendance. They included Elder Monte J. Brough of the Second Quorum of the Seventy and second counselor in the Young Men general presidency and Sister Ruth B. Wright, second counselor in the Primary general presidency.

"Both President Benson and President Monson are great supporters of Scouting, and it was wonderful for them to be there," said Jones. "Overall, things went very well. It was a great day."

"The Church is one of the chief sponsors of Scouting in America and continues its enthusiastic support of the Scouting program as a beneficial activity program for Primary-age and Aaroni Priesthood-age boys," reiterated President Monson.

During the opening ceremony, Church member Robert M. Sears was presented the Distinguished Eagle Scout award by Dr. Rodney H. Brady, a member of the national executive board of Boy Scouts of America.

Sears was recognized for his distinguished career accomplishments as an oil company senior vice president in New York for many years, and for distinguished community and Church service.

Scouts, their families and other visitors then swarmed the huge exhibition hall for a day of hands-on games, crafts and exhibits.

Brendon Davies, 11, a Tenderfoot Scout in the Murray 18th Ward, Murray Utah North Stake, spent the day "browsing, and doing almost everything. I think the Scout-O-Rama is good because it gives boys a chance to do things they normally wouldn't be able to do in their homes," he said, probably to the relief of his mother.

"Participating in the games that the Cubs and Boy Scouts put on has been enjoyable," added Robert Joseph Ryan, an Eagle Scout in the Meadow View 2nd Ward, Keanrs Utah Central Stake. "The thing I enjoyed most was the blow darts. That was a lot of fun. I definitely will come back next year."

Along with 15,000 of his peers.