Posted on 07/31/2005 5:01:40 PM PDT by SmithL
Bowling Green, Va. -- Succeeding on his third try to visit them, President Bush comforted thousands of Boy Scouts on Sunday at a national jamboree marred by the electrocutions of four leaders and stifling heat that sickened 300.
"The men you lost were models of good citizenship," Bush told the estimated 50,000 Scouts, leaders and visitors attending the event near Bowling Green, Va., where boys yelled "Boy Scouts Rock!"
"As scout leaders, they devoted themselves to helping young men develop the character and skills they need to realize their dreams. These men will always be remembered for their leadership and kindness,and you scouts honor them by living up to the ideals of the Scouting they served."
Marine One landed in a grassy field and Bush, a former Cub Scout in Texas, was ferried by van to a stage where he was met by a sea of cheering Scouts wearing fatigue green uniforms covered with colorful patches and badges.
As the sun set, Bush told the crowd that the first man he often sees every morning, chief of staff Andy Card, is a former Scout from Massachusetts; Vice President Dick Cheney was a Boy Scout in Wyoming; and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was an Eagle Scout in Illinois.
Bush's speech was about patriotism and community and military service to the nation, but he also recalled how his mother, former first lady Barbara Bush, was the den mother of his Scouting troop. "It's about the time her hair turned white," he joked.
Before Bush arrived on stage, an Army band performed and a man wearing an Army T-shirt led groups of Scouts in chants of "OO-rah" and "U.S.A." Tall pines provided a backdrop for blue, red and black hot air balloons emblazoned with military and Scouting emblems.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
Now back to read what our good President had to say.
Scouting builds character. I'm not surprised to see that so many of our leaders were scouts.
I do echo your post to President Bush!
President Bush makes remarks at the National Scout Jamboree, Sunday, July 31, 2005, in Fort A.P. Hill, Va. Bush helped commemorate the four Scout leaders killed Monday at the Jamboree when the tent they were helping erect touched powerlines overhead.(AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
Great photos.
A group of Boy Scouts representing the state of Texas hold up the Texas state flag as President George W. Bush speaks during the Boy Scout Jamboree, Sunday, July 31, 2005 at Fort AP Hill in Bowling Green, Va
U.S. President George W. Bush, with the backdrop of a hot air balloon, delivers a speech to over 40,000 Boy Scouts at the 2005 National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, July 31, 2005. Bush delivered a pep talk on Sunday to thousands of Boy Scouts, urging them not to waver after four tragic deaths and a rash of heat-related illnesses cast a pall over their camping 'jamboree.' Reuters/Mannie Garcia
President George W. Bush addresses the Boy Scouts during the Boy Scout Jamboree, Sunday, July 31, 2005 at Fort AP Hill in Bowling Green, Va. (AP Photo/ Haraz N. Ghanbari)
Yeah right only if Elton John addressed the convention.
This photo shows the mass of young Americans getting to see and hear their President in person. It warms the heart.
But the Leader of the free world bringing comfort to thousands of grieving Boy Scouts isn't even a blip on the leftist media radar......
After making remarks President Bush shakes the hands of scouts on the stage at the National Scout Jamboree, Sunday, July 31, 2005, in Fort A.P. Hill, Va. Bush helped commemorate the four Scout leaders killed Monday at the Jamboree when the tent they were helping erect touched powerlines overhead.
Of any one hundred boys who become Scouts, it must be confessed that thirty will drop out in their first year. Perhaps this may be regarded as a failure, but later in life, all of these will remember that they had been in Scouting and will speak well of the program.
Of the one hundred, only rarely will one ever appear before a juvenile court judge. Twelve of the one hundred will be from families that belong to no church. Through Scouting, these twelve and many of their families will be brought into contact with a church and will continue to be active all their lives. Six of the one hundred will become pastors.
Each of the one hundred will learn something from Scouting, and all will develop hobbies that will add interest throughout the rest of their lives. Approximately one-half will serve in the military, and in varying degrees, profit from their Scout training. At least one will use it to save another person's life, and many may credit it for saving their own.
Four of the one hundred will reach Eagle rank, and at least one will later say that he valued his Eagle above his college degree. Many will find their future vocation through merit badge work and Scouting contacts. Seventeen of the one hundred boys will become adult leaders and will give leadership to thousands of additional boys.
One in four boys in America will become Scouts, but it is interesting to know that of the leaders of this nation in business, religion and politics, three out of four were Scouts.
This story will never end. Like the 'Golden Pebble' of service dropped into the human sea, it will continue to radiate in ever-widening circles, influencing the characters of men through unending time."
It was a rough week for the scouters. I talked to a friend of mine who went up for the last day. He's the Scout Executive over the districts in our area. He said that, in addition to the electrocutions, there were some 300 scouts that required treatment for heat-related problems in the 100-plus degree heat during the week. I thought it was nice for the Prez to show up and show his support.
Thanks SmithL, for posting the great article and pics. Hope you didn't mind my adding the additional ones. They were too good to miss.
Some more pictures: 
Bush delivered a pep talk on Sunday to thousands of Boy Scouts, urging them not to waver after four tragic deaths and a rash of heat-related illnesses cast a pall over their camping 'jamboree.'
U.S. President George W. Bush walks to board Marine One in the South Lawn of the White House in Washington July 31, 2005. Bush will address the 2005 National Scout Jamboree held at Fort AP Hill in Bowling Green, Virginia.
Bush at Boy Scout Jamboree pics. Look for Lone Star flag!
This is wonderful and must have given them all something to be excited about in a time of sadness. Surely warms my heart.
Thanks for the ping, great to hear that they greeted him so well. That is a massive crowd of scouts. My Father was a big supporter of Scouting and received the highest award for it.
ON MY HONOR I WILL DO MY BEST:
to do my duty to God and my country, and to obey The Scout Law;
to help other people at all times;
to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
And to think that some in our country would oppose the above!
TRUSTWORTHY A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.
LOYAL A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.
HELPFUL A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
FRIENDLY A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.
COURTEOUS A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.
KIND A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.
OBEDIENT A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.
CHEERFUL A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
THRIFTY A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
BRAVE A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.
CLEAN A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.
REVERENT A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
Kennedy & Kerry should have gone through the Scouting program. But then again if they had they probably would have turned out to be Republicans....Ha
I'm hoping that he can quietly attend some sort of tribute to the men and women who have lost their lives in Iraq as well.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.