What’s More American Than Fourth of July and Scouting?

Our nation is 240 years young this Fourth of July, a great opportunity to gather family and friends to remember why our independence is worth celebrating and honor those who have contributed to our freedom.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.” I think about how those words apply not only to what we have achieved and how we have grown as a nation, but also how Scouting helps young people grow into the leaders that help keep our country strong.

How our young people view and appreciate their freedom and how they grow into strong contributors to their communities helps shape America, and Scouting is proud to have played a strong role in that process for more than a century.

Today Scouts lead flag ceremonies and participate in Fourth of July parades in communities, such as Lakeville, Mass., Chanhassen, Minn. and Danville, Calif. A 74-year Scouting veteran was named Grand Marshal of the Fourth of July parade this year in Chatham, N.J. Scouts in Ventura, Calif. help their local Rotary Club with staffing its Independence Day event every year, and Scouts in Granville, Ohio help raise and take down flags in front of homes and businesses in their community for the Fourth of July. What tremendous spirit!

I hope each of you finds your own way to celebrate America’s freedom and does so safely. Let’s also take time to honor our friends and family who are serving our country to protect that freedom, whether they are at home or overseas. Freedom often comes at a high price, and we have much to be thankful for as a nation.

Have a wonderful holiday.

Mike