|
|
|
There are certain names, words that when you hear them or say them you feel a sense of pride, strength, respect, and honor. Words such as the Statue of Liberty, the Pledge of Allegiance, the US Army, Marine Corp, Navy or Air Force, Coast Guard, the American Flag, and the Boy Scouts of America. I tell you this to emphasize the respect that comes with your involvement; your commitment to the oath and purpose of this outstanding organization with the power of tremendous differences you can make in the lives of others in America. From the time the young man in England helped the American William D. Boyce find his way in the fog of England, and then refused money by saying “No sir I am helping you because I am a scout, and I won’t take anything for helping”. Today’s commitment to community service, the Boy Scouts of America have earned and hold the highest place of respect and honor from the people of America and the world. America needs our leadership, our help. I am reaching out to you to help give your peers, your friends, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, a chance to with stand the negative pressures of society such as hanging around the wrong people or crowd who may use drugs, alcohol, start smoking or bully people smaller, weaker or even because someone is simply different. Did you know that everyday in America 160,000 young people miss or are absent from school because they have been or are being bullied at school? They need your friendship and courage to stand up for one another. Did you also know that every seven minutes a child is bullied on a school playground? That child needs your help and caring hand. By age 24, 60% childhood bullies have been convicted of a crime. I believe they needed the principal, teachers and the leadership of the Boy Scouts of America. They needed someone just like you to have invited them on a troop meeting, a campout or one of the hundreds of opportunities to do good for someone else. You can make a difference!! Research shows the way to help a young person avoid negative behavior; care for them and one another, being a real friend, to show them from your own and you gentlemen, by living the Boy Scout Oath, “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight”, are the finest examples of the good and decent young Americans our country has to look up to and rely upon for a strong and proud future. The principals of scouting have led many men to great things and they can lead you their just as well. As you get older and have moved through the various ranks, some all the way to the great honor of becoming an Eagle Scout, you will find application for employment and scholarships will be held in high regards and much deserved respect. You will find people like myself, very envious of your tremendous accomplishments and that great oath always there helping to better guide you in the journey of your lives even when scouting is no longer a direct part of your life. Contributing to society with goodness, is a priceless reward, Just as Gerald Ford, the first president of the United States of America as an Eagle Scout and our own Governor, Gary Locke as well. Always remember to hold your head up high and be proud of the uniform, the oath, yourself for the badge you have worked so hard to earn by helping people in need, but most of all for the wisdom and courage to make a difference by becoming a Boy Scout. You can be absolutely assured that the parents and grandparents, the packs leaders, the people you run into everyday and we the community leaders are very proud of all of you because you have earned it!! Thank you for inviting me to come and speak with you all today. Most importantly thank you for being a scout. Have a great time you earned it!!
|
|
