Scoutcraft

Our Scout salute and handclasp are ancient signs of bravery and respect. When Washington was General of the Continental Army, men carried weapons for their own protection. When they met one another there was an uneasy moment as each watched the other's right hand. If it went to his sword or gun, there was a battle, but if it went to his hat it was a salute of friendship or respect.

The left-hand shake comes to us from the Ashanti warriors whom Baden-Powell knew over fifty years ago in South Africa. He saluted them with his right hand, but the Ashanti chieftains offered their left hands and said: "In our land only the bravest of the brave shake hands with the left hand, because to do so we must drop our shields and our protection."

The Ashanti knew of the General Baden-Powell's bravery, for they had fought against him and with him, and were proud to offer him the left-hand shake of bravery.

On the twenty-second of February, we will honor the birthday of two brave men: General Washington, founder of our nation, and General Baden-Powell, founder of our Scouting movement. As you use the Scout salute and handclasp remember these two great men.

Found in the 1958 printing of the Scoutmaster's Minute