by Ernest Thompson Seton
Woodcraft Honor Band
When one is received into membership, he should have placed on his shoulders the Woodcraft Honor Band which may be secured from the Great Central Lodge.
The Woodcraft has never emphasized a uniform in the ordinary sense, chiefly because of the expense entailed. Its two visible and personal symbols have always been the Honor Band and the Sagamore Robe. On them, we display our honors. On them, we lavish effort to achieve a brilliant effect.
The Honor Band was not completely worked out, so that a temporary band was in use for some time. We have now developed a satisfactory band.
It is of flame colored felt, 3 inches wide, with a 6 inch shield on the breast fringes at the ends. Those who wish may make these fringes of buckskin but those supplied by headquarters are of felt of the same color as the band. It is secured by a button which each one will refer to make for himself. Some use bear's tooth, some a piece of deer's antler carved, some a bone or wooden button, or perhaps a piece of shell, shaped to his own fancy.
The new Honor Band accommodates the honors of a Sagamore, and yet looks well when first hung on the shoulder of the Wayseeker. At once, it turns any costume into a uniform. No matter how differently those in a group are dressed, the Honor Band on each makes all seem to be in uniform light or dark, a uniform with a flaming shoulder rap and shield. It is visible afar off. It is unlike the regalia of any other organization.
When the rank of Sachem is reached and passed, a second Honor Band is needed and allowed. This is worn from the opposite shoulder, crossing the first band under the shield. (See dotted line, above.)
