Bush Salutes Boy Scout Values, Support of U.S. Military

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2005 – President Bush praised Boy Scout values of patriotism, integrity and citizenship July 31 at the organization's 16th National Jamboree held at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. The 30,000-plus scouts attending the jamboree from around the world "are carrying on a tradition that dates back almost seven decades," Bush observed, noting that President Franklin Roosevelt came to the first jamboree in 1937.

Over the years, millions of Americans have recited the Scout oath, which begins, "On my honor, I'll do my best," said Bush, who was a Cub Scout during his youth Midland, Texas. Bush said he works with many other former scouts today, including Vice President Richard Cheney, White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card, and Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld.

Each day, Boy Scouts demonstrate "that the greatest strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens," Bush said. Boy Scouts have provided more than 1.4 million hours of volunteer service this year, he noted, as part of the organization's "Good Turn for America" program.

Bush said the Boy Scouts also provided 11,000 pocket-sized flags to be sent to U.S. troops deployed overseas in support of the global war on terrorism, and have raised and donated money for victims of the Asian tsunami.

And, the Boy Scout's "commitment to service, to integrity, and to good citizenship," Bush pointed out, demonstrates scouts' "gratitude for the blessings of freedom."

Boy Scouts recognize "that freedom must be defended," Bush said, noting he appreciates the organization's long-standing support of the U.S. military.

Scouts "are growing up in an historic time," Bush observed, "when freedom is on the march, and America is proud to lead the armies of liberation" against terrorists, extremists and other enemies of democracy.

And American and allied prosecution of the war on terrorism will ultimately establish "the foundations of peace for decades to come," Bush said.

and the Arizona Daily Star is reporting it this way ---

Bush gives Boy Scouts condolences

BOWLING GREEN, Va. - Succeeding on his third try to visit them, President Bush comforted thousands of Boy Scouts on Sunday at their national Jamboree, which was 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, 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, who had been a Cub Scout in Texas, was ferried by van to a stage where he was met by a sea of cheering Scouts wearing 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 Andrew Card, is a former Scout from Massachusetts; Vice President Dick Cheney was a Boy Scout in Wyoming; and Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld was an Eagle Scout in Illinois.

Bush's speech was about patriotism, 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 pack. "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.

The heat-related illnesses came as the Jamboree participants were still trying to overcome the deaths on Monday of four adult Scout leaders who were electrocuted in front of several Scouts when a metal pole at the center of a large dining tent touched power lines. The tent caught fire, and the men burned. An investigation into the accident is under way.

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.