My Dearest Bobwhites,
My apologies for my tardiness in sending out my monthly greetings to you. I trust you are all well and progressing toward fulfilling your own vision and mission as it relates to your Wood Badge Ticket.
If you don't know his story I'll briefly summarize here to give you context. Viktor Frankl was a practicing psychiatrist in Austria before WWII broke out. He was also a Jew. He was captured by the Nazis and lived for several years in Auschwitz where he survived the most deplorable of human existences. During his time as a concentration camp prisoner he utilized his professional training to help himself and others cope and survive what many could not. In contemplating his plight he gained a profound insight. If one can attach a meaning to one's suffering, a person can endure anything. It's a matter of finding purpose in your pain. His was to help others survive mentally and to eventually write it all down from a professional's perspective once he was out in a hope that what he learned could help others with their own struggles whatever they might be. He outlines his experience and his theories on life in his very popular book, "Man's Search for Meaning". Some argue it is one of the top ten most influential books ever written
One of the most profound statements he makes in the book has to do with our responsibility as human beings to protect our liberties. He says, "Freedom, however, is not the last word. Freedom is only part of the story and half of the truth. Freedom is but the negative aspect of the whole phenomenon whose positive aspect is responsibleness. In fact, freedom is in danger of degenerating into mere arbitrariness unless it is lived in terms of responsibleness." He states further, "Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond be being responsible."
As you contemplate those profound words reflect upon what the BSA core values, vision, and mission of the program do to instill resonsibleness in young men. Duty to God and country and obeying the scout law and all that implies. To help other people at all times and maintain duty to self physically, mentally, and morally. I can't think of a better program to help our young men live a life of responsibility than the Boy Scout Program. And that in return will protect our liberties and freedoms. Lord Bayden Powell was visionary in deed, especially in light of what our youth face today with our liberties and freedoms being attacked within and without our own country.
The statue is a depiction of a monument that the Responsibility Foundation; a non profit organization, is working to erect on the West coast to supplement the Statue of Liberty on the East coast. It shows a hand reaching up and a hand reaching down to help.The story of how this idea came to be the symbol for the movement is impressive and I recommend a visit to the site to learn more. The concept is a powerful one. In order for Liberty to thrive, we must live it through responsible lives.
I hope as you continue your service to those you are called to serve that you will continue to instill in them and others you serve with the values inherent in the BSA that will enable our country to maintain the freedoms and liberties our forefathers gave their lives for.
God bless you all in your journey.
YIS - Tom Brand
The Regal Eagle
One of the most profound statements he makes in the book has to do with our responsibility as human beings to protect our liberties. He says, "Freedom, however, is not the last word. Freedom is only part of the story and half of the truth. Freedom is but the negative aspect of the whole phenomenon whose positive aspect is responsibleness. In fact, freedom is in danger of degenerating into mere arbitrariness unless it is lived in terms of responsibleness." He states further, "Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond be being responsible."
As you contemplate those profound words reflect upon what the BSA core values, vision, and mission of the program do to instill resonsibleness in young men. Duty to God and country and obeying the scout law and all that implies. To help other people at all times and maintain duty to self physically, mentally, and morally. I can't think of a better program to help our young men live a life of responsibility than the Boy Scout Program. And that in return will protect our liberties and freedoms. Lord Bayden Powell was visionary in deed, especially in light of what our youth face today with our liberties and freedoms being attacked within and without our own country.
The statue is a depiction of a monument that the Responsibility Foundation; a non profit organization, is working to erect on the West coast to supplement the Statue of Liberty on the East coast. It shows a hand reaching up and a hand reaching down to help.The story of how this idea came to be the symbol for the movement is impressive and I recommend a visit to the site to learn more. The concept is a powerful one. In order for Liberty to thrive, we must live it through responsible lives.
I hope as you continue your service to those you are called to serve that you will continue to instill in them and others you serve with the values inherent in the BSA that will enable our country to maintain the freedoms and liberties our forefathers gave their lives for.
God bless you all in your journey.
YIS - Tom Brand
The Regal Eagle
