America's Three Values

In the scout oath we repeat that a scout will do his duty to God and his country.

Since we are a month away from the 4^th of July I wanted to say a word or two about our country and what has made it unique- We could go on for a long time, but let's boil it down to just 3 ideas.  If you have a coin, take a look at it and you will see on each one three values that make America unique-

E Pluribus Unum, In God we trust, and Liberty

E Pluribus Unum- which translates as (from many, one) meaning that you may come from different nationalities, religions, and experiences, but come and work together to make America great and we are one.  This is actually quite different from the talk about diversity that we hear so much about today- today we hear too much about celebrating our differences and encouraging diversity, but with E Pluribus Unum it was understood that those differences only make us stronger if we are one and working together.

Next- In God We Trust- Meaning that our rights come from our creator and not from man, not from leaders or great thinkers.  As the declaration of independence states- we have certain unalienable rights.  If our rights are granted by man, they can, at any time, also be changed or taken away by man.  That is why on of the unique American values is “In God We Trust.”

Finally- Liberty- We are born equal meaning that no matter who we are and what family we are born into we are treated the same under the law, but where we end up in life is largely up to ourselves.  This often causes some confusion as people confuse American Liberty with the European ideas of liberty and equality.  The European value is that we end up equal; however, this idea of equality is frequently at odds with liberty, because it can only be accomplished by limiting how much some can earn and by taking away from some to give to others which infringes on the liberty of those people

So as we approach Independence Day, please reflect on our duty to our country and those three values that make America unique- E Pluribus Unum, In God we trust, and Liberty.

Do a good turn daily

The scout slogan is "do a good turn daily"

In 1909 William D Boyce was on business in London- he became disoriented and lost in a heavy fog as he was trying to find a certain place of business. As he stood trying to get his bearings a boy came out of the fog and asked if he needed any help. He said "yes I'm trying to find this business can you help me?" After the boy lead him to the business William tried to give him a tip, but the boy said "No. Thank you. I am a scout I won't take anything for helping."

Intrigued William asked "A scout? What is that?" The boy told him about Lord Baden Powell and the scouting movement that he had started. William asked for the address so that he could go and find out more about this organization. He was so impressed with the organization that he brought it home with him and in 1910 started the Boy Scouts in America.

The good turn by an unknown scout in London 1909 resulted in the formation of the scouting organization in the US and an untold number of good turns by the millions of scouts that have been in the organization.

A 13 year old boy in Gilbert Arizona named Spencer was made the deacon's quorum president and typically that also makes him the senior patrol leader in his scout group. He had a boy named Dayton in his group with cerebral palsy- you may have seen the video "Dayon's Legs." Spencer asked Dayton if he would like to do a triathlon with him. Spencer swam pulling Dayton in a little raft, ran pushing him in a jogging stroller, and biked pulling him in a trailer. He came in 82nd overall and 1st in the relay category.

Our good turns can be something simple like helping someone with directions or bigger things like including someone in our activities that could not do themselves. Regardless of whether it seems small or little the daily good turns that we do as scouts can have a huge impact on the lives of others.

Live the scout spirit by always doing a good turn daily!