Trail of Patriotism (United States Heritage Award -New Boy Scout Award)

Sometimes the smallest deed or thought can lead to larger outcomes than ever imagined.

Kim Steadman of Marlborough, who has been very involved in the Boy Scouts of America, decided that there ought to be a way to encourage young people's sense of patriotic feelings for our American heritage. Yes, we all get taught American history in school, recite the Pledge of Allegiance or sing the Star Spangled Banner, but she wanted to do something more. She got the idea to create an award based upon the completion of requirements that would nurture pride in our country.

She collected around her a set of like-minded folks to help her create the program, starting with her husband, Charlie. She invited Lynette Harvey, Kelly Harris, Russ and Laurie Wynne, all from Marlborough, and Derek and Catalina Fajardo of Framingham to help her begin the program a year an a half ago. It is called the United States Heritage Award, and it is open to all youth and even adults.

This is only part of the article, for more information read the read of the article...and find out "the rest of the story".

It's great to see such award. Both my sons are Eagle Scouts. They'll have to earn this award as leaders some day.

As I am on the local BSA District Committee and have a daughter in GSA working towards her Gold Award this is great news.

Copied off the information and have sent it to all the scout leaders that I know of.

Thank you so much for making this known.

May God Bless.

The requirements all center on deepening an understanding and love of American symbols and history. You have to know the flag's symbolic colors, a bit of American history, names of presidents, the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, plus select an American hero and write a story about him or her. Finally you have to complete a community service project.

Interesting. Not a thing about the Constitution or any document behind these symbols. Oh, but you get to do a community service project!! I guess that prepares the youngsters for mandatory service when they're 18. Sorry, but this is not good. More teaching of the symbols than what the symbols stand for. And yes, I'm an Eagle Scout. I spent 8 years in Scouting and we were taught the Constitution and history, not feelgood mantras. As a citizen of a respective state in these United States it was something that was expected of you. Of course that was before 'my kid is passing at xxxx school' bumperstickers too. Wow, how standards have dropped. You get rewarded now for being 'patriotic'

Flame away, but I'm sticking by what I said

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