13 Sept. 2021 – 9/11 and Scout principals

[Write 911 on the board]

What does this mean to you. 911 who you call for help? 9/11, the worst attack on American Soil in the history of the US, or your birthday.

This weekend was Sept. 11 and the 20th Anniversary of 9-11. Your parents will remember the events of twenty years ago today. You probably have learned of them in history books and television. There are few days in the history of the nation when, as they say, “the world stopped turning” and everything changed direction. Pearl Harbor. Gettysburg. 9/11.

The events of the day speak for themselves. I would like to speak to how this day speaks to the Scout Oath.

On by honor I will do my best

Your honor is something that cannot be taken, but only given—it is what you do when nobody else is looking. The same with ‘doing your best’. Only you know what your best is, and you may not even know that until you are called to duty.

To do my duty to God and my country

Many people are paralyzed in an emergency. When the time for service comes, a Scout stands up—for her God and her country, for friends and family.

and to obey the Scout Law

A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent, in good times and in bad.

To help other people at all times;

Times of crisis are a true test of character.

To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

It is much easier to do what must be done with stamina, smarts, and good common sense.

However, the best lesson of the day may actually lie in the Scout Motto: Be Prepared.

Be prepared, Scouts. Be prepared.

Life only gives pop quizzes and there is no review session.

• Adapted from John Scout’s SM minute for the 10th anniversary.https://johnscout.wordpress.com/2011/09/11/when-the-world-stopped-turning/