Celebrate America Through Service

Hello again!  I hope many of you are lining up special plans for celebrating our nation’s independence this week.

I love this country. It has always been an honor for me to have the chance to thank our terrific women and men of the military for their service to our country, and remember those who have given their lives to ensure the legacy of our founding fathers.

Scouts at the Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetary

Our Fourth of July holiday also offers the chance to think about Scouting’s commitment to service, leadership, and all the important Scouting values our American service people live every day when protecting our freedom and the lives of others. We’ve seen millions of Scouts move on to serve our country in military service with bravery and distinction in our first century. Many have also risen to great leadership roles, like President Gerald Ford; Neil Armstrong, naval aviator, NASA Astronaut and the first man to walk on the moon; and General William Westmoreland, former Army Chief of Staff – all Eagle Scouts.

Our commitment to serving our communities where we live, work, and play has always been the lifeblood of Scouting. Whether it’s a firefighter, police officer, EMT, city council member or other public servant, we know that many of them are serving their communities with the same values we teach behind the Scout Oath and Law. In addition, Scouts and adult leaders across the country provide millions of hours in volunteer service to help keep our communities strong, helping with cleaning litter, collecting food for the needy, conservation projects, and supporting the military, among others. In that way, Scouting is the very fabric of our country.

When you see a Scouting unit marching in a Fourth of July parade, or service men and women on duty or traveling through an airport or bus station, I hope you will take a moment to think about the service they provide to keep our country strong. What are you doing this Fourth of July to honor those who serve our country? What service projects are you engaged in to honor America’s freedom? I hope you will share your stories here.

Have a safe holiday!

Wayne