A Legacy of Service – to the Olympics

With the world focusing on the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, I read with interest an article sent to me about how Scouting’s commitment to service played a leading role in the 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY.

Paul Jones, Jr. and his wife Sue were walking through the Lake Placid Olympic museum when Sue pointed to a photo and told her husband – “Hey, that’s you!”

The picture was actually Paul’s dad as a 17-year-old Boy Scout, carrying the United States sign ahead of the American flag during the opening ceremonies at the 1932 Olympics.

Paul Jones, Sr., right, then a 17-year-old Boy Scout, carries the United States placard in front of the American team during the opening ceremonies of the 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. // Photo courtesy of Syracuse Post-Standard via Paul Jones Jr.

The elder Jones has since passed away, but he shared the story with his son of his role in the 1932 opening ceremony when he was a member of a Lake Placid Boy Scout troop.  His troop was asked at the last minute – the morning of the opening ceremonies – to help lead the flag procession by carrying placards with the name of each country participating in the Olympic competition.

I’ll let this article in the Syracuse Post-Standard tell the rest of the story.  Below is the 1932 photo of Paul Senior, pictured at right, holding the United States placard as he led the American Olympic athletes.

When we talk about how Scouting offers life-changing experiences, this story helps demonstrate how a Scouting adventure can last for decades as children pass stories like Paul Sr.’s Olympic moment from generation to generation.

I think this also points to how the sustainability of any organization can leave a permanent footprint in the landscape of our history, whether it’s a global moment at the Olympics or an everyday event that is meaningful through service to others.

Our path forward is often defined about how well we have performed in the past. Stories like Paul Sr.’s should serve as a sign to all of us to refresh and rethink our plans as we commit to the sustainability of our organizations.

How often do you review your past performance as a method for planning your future or the future of those you are responsible for?  Share your ideas here!  In the meantime, remember to continue rooting for Team USA all the way to the finish line as the Olympics come to a close this weekend.

Thanks!

Wayne