When America Unites; A Scout Executive Message

by Timothy J. Manard

Like each of you, the memories of September 11, 2001 will forever be etched in my mind.  I will remember first learning of the attack on the World Trade Center while driving to work; I will remember the council staff huddled around a TV watching in horror as the events of the day unfolded; I will remember the eerie quiet way customers came in during the day more interested in watching the TV than shopping for Scouting supplies; and I will always, always remember that painful moment when the staff collectively knew it was time to lower our American flag to half-staff.  

I will also remember what happened next, when America united.  Within hours of the attack, America turned to God.  That night, and during countless vigils in the days to follow, churches, auditoriums, and even football stadiums across the country were filled with citizens turning to God for strength, faith and hope.  A society that has, during recent times, seemed to question the mere existence of God, suddenly turned to God for help.

Then, as America united, the flag of the United States became a proud sign of freedom and power and resolve.  American flags literally disappeared from the shelves of stores and flag suppliers all across the country.  More were ordered, but never enough, as flags flew from the top of cranes, fire trucks, car antennas, home flag poles, front porches and on the side of the Pentagon building, where more Americans had been attacked and died.  There were American flags flying everywhere letting the world know that America was not beaten, but rather, united in our resolve to recover and become an even stronger nation.  Patriotism and pride in our country had returned through an incomprehensible attack on America.

Next, America united in our service to our fellow citizens.  On TV we saw volunteers in war torn New York and Washington DC step forward to help search for the lost, give aid to the injured and comfort to those who had suddenly lost a loved one.  Even in our own communities, far from the site of the attack, citizens offered their service by donating blood, contributing money and lining up at military recruitment offices.  In the midst of attack, our focus became our fellow man.

I will also remember something very personal.  Later in that week, as I mentally tried to absorb all that had happened to America, I had an intense swelling of pride that I was part of the Boy Scouts of America.  I thought about how America had reacted to the attack; by turning to God, by proudly displaying the American flag, by helping other people in need.  My pride came from the realization that, when in crisis, America turns to the very core of what Scouting teaches young people each and every day…..duty to God….duty to country….service to others.

In recent times the Boy Scouts of America has been criticized as being out of step with contemporary society. Yet when America comes under attack, our society instantly turns to the very values that the Boy Scouts of America have taught, and defended, for nearly 100 years.  When America truly unites, the Boy Scouts of America truly represent what is good and decent and great about the United States of America; duty, faith, patriotism and selfless service to others.

As volunteers in the Boy Scouts of America, you need to be so very proud of the impact you make on the lives of young people.  For on September 11, 2001, Boy Scouts didn’t need to find God because God was already a part of their life; they didn’t need to seek out an American flag to display because it was already on their Scout shirt; they didn’t need to volunteer to offer service to others because service was already their way of life.  They were already living the code of conduct that America turned to on that fateful, awful day:

“On my honor I will do my best,

to do my duty to God and my country,

to help other people at all times,

to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake

and morally straight”

God Bless you for all you do for young people, God Bless the Boy Scouts of America and God Bless this great country of ours.