2021-03 Dreams Are Important

Many things that we enjoy in life are due to regular people having dreams. Sometimes the solution or the creation of things can happen from our dreams when we are sleeping. Google was born from a dream Larry Page had. The sewing machine was actually a result of a nightmare that Elias Howe had in 1845. One of the most famous individuals in history, Albert Einstein, came up with the theory of relativity from a dream involving cows and a farmer and his view point during his dream.

Dreams are not subject to only happen when we are asleep. The second part of the definition of the noun is a cherished aspiration, ambition, or idea. Sometimes we hear the phrase, “May all your dreams come true…” This could be an idea that you have to fix or make something better. This could be a hope that things can change for the better.

One man has a very famous speech that includes the phrase, “I have a dream”. This man was Martin Luther King Jr. In 1963 he shared his dreams from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial with the world. That day he shared his dream that his “…four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. I have a dream today!”

Sometimes our dreams my seem far fetched, or hopeless. Don’t listen to the dream stealers. With a little hard work, and perseverance, you can make your dreams come true. Continue to dream about how you can make life better for yourself and for others, and act upon those dreams.

2020-21 Memorial Day

There are many activities that we associate with Memorial Day; BBQ’s, pool parties, family gatherings, games, visiting grave sites, and so on… A few years ago, I came across a very well written news article about Memorial Day that enlightened me about the early history of this holiday. 

The original title of the holiday was “Decoration Day” and was initially created by Gen. John Logan in 1868 to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. May 30th was picked as the date of remembrance as it was anticipated that flowers would be in full bloom across the country. The first “Decoration Day” included saying prayers, singing hymns, and spreading flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers. Gen. Logan wrote, “We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners.”

Fast forward a few years. The focus on Civil War soldiers changed to deceased soldiers of all wars after World War I.  The term “Memorial Day” was first used in 1882. But it wasn’t until after World War II that we started to use the name Memorial Day as the official title for this holiday.

The final point of the Scout Law is Reverent. I feel that this is no coincidence. We tend to remember most the first and last thing when Mom or Dad give us a list of chores to do, or items to gather. All the points of the Scout Law are important. But having reverent as the last point is a wonderful bookend to a list of points that will help you become a better version of yourself. Being reverent can simply be accomplished by standing by an unknown soldier’s headstone and paying tribute to him or her for their services to protect our freedoms.

On this day, we as Scouts across the nation have and will participate in flag ceremonies, decorating soldier’s headstones with small American Flags, and (for those select few buglers) participate in playing taps at the cemetery.

We invite you to have a safe and enjoyable time on this three day weekend. And invite you to take some time, and in your own way by being REVERENT, pay tribute to those who have gone before us as you practice the last point of the Scout Law.

2020-19 Mother Believes In You

With today being Mother’s Day. We felt that it would be very fitting to have this weeks Scouter’s Minute involve Mom.

Found from the 1967 printing of The Scouter’s Minute published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Mother Believes In You

Scouts, let me ask you a question but answer it only to yourselves. Did you ever do anything that you did not want your mother to know you did? Your mother is your best friend. Are you willing to let her know all the things you talk about when you meet the gang after school or at night in the vacant lot or on the street corner? Could you hold your head and look her in the eyes if you thought she had seen all you did and heard what you said?

Your mother will stand by you no matter what happens, because she believes you are better than the others. She has faith in you, she prays for you and she trusts you. Don’t disappoint her.