Posted on 04/07/2010 7:34:39 PM PDT by jmcenanly
From the Boy Scout Handbook, Copyright 1965, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA: New Brunswick New Jersey No. 3227 page.438.
When you reach the age of voting citizenship you will know the true meaning of democracy and of liberty and will be able to carry out your duties to your country--obeying its laws, taking your place in the community.
Be a thinking citizen--not a thoughtless one.
Keep yourself informed on the happenings of the day--in your own community,your country, and throughout the world.
Learn how your country, your own State, your city, town, or village are governed and find out how you fit into that government. Discover where that government is strong and where it is weak. Do your part as a citizen in the big task of upholding its strength and overcoming its weaknesses.
But be prepared as well to do your part in the smaller tasks--in such everyday things as obeying traffic regulations, living up to game laws when you go hunting or fishing, serving on jury duty when called, and many other things.
Find out about our political parties and what they stand for--all of them, not just one. Study all sides of a question that concerns the welfare of your community, your State, your country. Then take your stand and vote as your conscience bids you. Vote those people into public office you fell best fitted to do what you think is right.
That's the way to make democracy work.
But don't stop there.
Remember that America is not a gift that is freely given us. Each of us must deserve it. We must work for America, live for it, and if the call should come, die for it!
"A chain is as strong as its weakest link."
A nation is as strong as each of its citizens. America is as strong as YOU are!
The earlier ... the better .... less political correctness.
......You are no longer a Boy Scout. :o(.....
Actually, that is not a true statement. I am approaching 68 and am a registered Scout. I am not as active as before but still have Scouting jobs.
I became a cub in 1950 and hold the Arrow of Light and the Eagle Rank. I am a 45 year BSA veteran and will have 50 years by 2012.
Stay registered with a unit. Stay involved at some Scouting job at the unit, district or Council level.
Congratulations to you and your son. He’s in for a great time in Boy Scouting. And you are as well if you get involved.
Our son passed his Life BoR (Board of Review) a couple of weeks ago and is now working on his last few Merit Badges and planning his Eagle Project.
He wants to be a Centennial Eagle Scout.
They are also referred to as “Bridging Ceremonies”. Where a Cub “crosses over” a bridge to Boy Scouts. It’s just the manner in which people call it. They’re the same thing.
http://usscouts.org/cubscouts/bridgcer.asp
There is that, but there is also less emphasis on patriotism, duty to country, duty to God.
It’s still there in MB’s, rank advancement, etc., just not emphasized as much IMO. In my experiences I’ve seen where it can vary quite a bit from Troop to Troop. It depends on the leaders and how important certain things are.
Our Troop has a lot of active duty and retired military, so we’re pretty strict in regards to flag etiquette, saluting, national history, etc.
We do keep our boys informed about the constant attempts by the left to tear down Boy Scouting. We want them to know that this is something that may not be around if the libtards get their way and for the boys to appreciate what they have.
I do. Liberty is the goal we should share, and democracy fights it every step of the way.
Alright, time for my soapbox.
Check out Venturing. Seriously. It’s an outstanding program for older boys (and girls), and it allows them to remain active as a scout until their 21st birthday. That’s why so many Lodge, Section, and National Officers of the Order of the Arrow are 18-20 year-old Venture Scouts.
I tried to serve on a jury. I was questioned closely by the defense and prosecuting lawyers. They decided that I was too well informed in subject matters pertaining to the case (it was a malpractice suit and I’ve worked for a medical device company and a hospital) and would be likely to make up my own mind about things rather than depending purely on what they told me.
Excellent. Tell him to enjoy the adventure.
My youngest crossed over three weeks ago and join his brothwer in the troop. Oldest is Star and about 2 months away from earning Life. He is serving as Asst. Senior Patrol Leader.
My provocative statement was, as you know, intended to point out that until 18 years old is when one is eligible to be a Boy Scout yet unable to vote...not whether one can be involved with the organization.
And I never pass up an opportunity to recruit.
Congratulations! I have a Star Scout working on Life.
Beat me by one year. I have letters signed by Reagan, Gingrich, and Sam Nunn. All men I politically respect.
My son's troop is 100% Christian home schooled boys. Quite a lot of God, patriotism etc.
May I recommend WallBuilders?
After some research, here are the words (lesson 1) to that Ceremony but it needs actors dressed in appropriate attire for that year to present that flag in front of a dark blue curtain, with dark lighting, and a spot light focused on each flag, as the story progresses. You can have several actors march slowly in a line across the stage, in front of the Speaker's podium in dark lighting, with candle light on each guest dining table for the crowed.
You get the picture ... BUT ... Before you start ... Record and play this FACE THE FLAG, SON by John Wayne
I was born on June 14, 1777, in Philadelphia.
There the Continental Congress adopted my stars and stripes as the national flag.
My thirteen stripes alternating red and white, with a union of thirteen white stars in a field of blue, represented a new constellation, a new nation dedicated to the personal and religious liberty of mankind.
Today fifty stars signal from my union, one for each of the fifty sovereign states in the greatest constitutional republic the world has ever known.
My colors symbolize the patriotic ideals and spiritual qualities of the citizens of my country.
My red stripes proclaim the fearless courage and integrity of American men and boys and the self-sacrifice and devotion of American mothers and daughters.
My white stripes stand for liberty and equality for all.
My blue is the blue of heaven, loyalty, and faith.
I represent these eternal principles: liberty, justice, and humanity.
I embody American freedom: freedom of speech, religion, assembly, the press, and the sanctity of the home.
I typify that indomitable spirit of determination brought to my land by Christopher Columbus and by all my forefathers - the Pilgrims, Puritans, settlers at James town and Plymouth.
I am as old as my nation.
I am a living symbol of my nation's law: the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.
I voice Abraham Lincoln's philosophy:
I stand guard over my nation's schools, the seedbed of good citizenship and true patriotism.
I am displayed in every schoolroom throughout my nation; every schoolyard has a flag pole for my display.
Daily thousands upon thousands of boys and girls pledge their allegiance to me and my country.
I have my own lawPublic Law 829, "The Flag Code" - which definitely states my correct use and display for all occasions and situations.
I have my special day, Flag Day. June 14 is set aside to honor my birth.
Americans, I am the sacred emblem of your country. I symbolize your birthright, your heritage of liberty purchased with blood and sorrow.
I am your title deed of freedom, which is yours to enjoy and hold in trust for posterity.
If you fail to keep this sacred trust inviolate, if I am nullified and destroyed, you and your children will become slaves to dictators and despots.
Eternal vigilance is your price of freedom.
As you see me silhouetted against the peaceful skies of my country, remind yourself that I am the flag of your country, that I stand for what you are - no more, no less.
Guard me well, lest your freedom perish from the earth.
Dedicate your lives to those principles for which I stand: "One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
I was created in freedom. I made my first appearance in a battle for human liberty.
God grant that I may spend eternity in my "land of the free and the home of the brave" and that I shall ever be known as "Old Glory," the flag of the United States of America.
And end with John Wayne and the Pledge of Allegiance
Ragged Old Flag by Johnny Cash
Taps History told by John Wayne
It sounds like you may be missing a Paul Coverdell.
I only received a letter from one Senator. Sam is an old school democrat that I respect. Not Sure how they chose which Senator you received a letter from. I still like the collection! Paul was a wonderful senator.
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