Follow-up: Rights of school children eroding...

I blogged about this earlier and saw that there was a decision made and wanted to comment on that.

Supreme Court Says Child’s Rights Violated by Strip Search

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/us/politics/26scotus.html?hp

Overall I'm glad that it was determined to be a violation of the students rights BUT not holding the officials responsible is not enough.

Why do I believe the assistant principal should be held liable? Quoted from the article is this tidbit of information.

But Justices John Paul Stevens and Ruth Bader Ginsburg did not agree, and would not have protected the officials from liability. Justice Ginsburg singled out the assistant principal, noting that he had made Savana sit on a chair outside his office for more than two hours.

“At no point did he attempt to call her parent,” Justice Ginsburg wrote. “Abuse of authority of that order should not be shielded by official immunity.”

At no point did they attempt to contact the parents? At NO POINT? That's just plain wrong, how do you hold a child for 2 hours outside of their normal routine without contacting the parents? Now all you moonbats out there that say the school's know best and that wouldn't happen. Guess what? It does happen, I know first hand that it can happen and has to my child. Yes people, Principal's can and will do whatever they darn well please.

Another point in the article: Justice Clarence Thomas was the only member of the court to conclude that the strip search of Savana Redding did not violate the Fourth Amendment. He asserted that the majority’s finding second-guesses the measures that educators take to maintain discipline “and ensure the health and safety of the students in their charge.”

Strip searching a 13 year old for OTC medications is not ensuring the health and safety of a student, it's abuse plain and simple.

Final point from the article: The portion of the ruling exempting the officials from liability is likely to be greeted with relief by thousands of principals, teachers and other school officials who work to impart knowledge and maintain discipline in a fast-changing world, where children are growing up (or trying to) earlier than ever.

Ok, so let's blame the students for this? Wow, how is it the child's fault that an assistant Principal held her for over 2 hours and then subjected her to a strip search? Someone explain this to me please as this defies rational thought. You have a child that refuses to cooperate? Simple solution contact the child's parents.

The officials involved should not have been shielded by the same law that does shield properly other officials that act properly and with rational reason. This ruling is an insult to all the other officials that do not abuse their power and work within the laws.

-Stephen

PowderHorn Weekend #2

PowderHorn Weekend #2 - June 12-14, 2009
Camp Resolute
Bolton, MA

Friday, June 12th:
Due to some family coordination problems I had to arrive late to this weekends events. I told the staff ahead of time so they knew and said it was ok. I drove up through some wet weather (and humid) but the ride wasn't too bad. I knew the general location of the camp but followed my GPS instead. Which took me around the world to get there, but hey it did get me there. :)

I arrived just after lunch and missed some of the sailing program which I heard was excellent. I did make it for the GPS and land navigation program which was very interesting and included a lot of information. To me personally Land Navigation is the most important skill second only to First Aid, but then again that's me. We had discussions on GPS and map reading as well as orienteering.

The afternoon brought some free time though participants could go out on the water if they chose. I took the time to setup my tent before the rain really started to come down and got back into sync with my crew. The tenting area was heavily wooded and the bugs were coming out. Fortunately I found a decent spot and was able to put down at least one coat of seam sealer on my 4-man Eureka 2-door tent where it leaked a few trips ago. This time around no additional leaks but will put at least another coat on when I get a chance.

Later we had more discussions on Venturing topics which I believe included talks about how to improve relations between crew's and troop's. This has been a reoccurring topic as a lot of troop's feel threatened by the crew's in taking older scouts away. It's a hard balance since troop's will want the boys to continue with the troop yet gain the benefits of a crew. As most of us already know keeping the older scouts attending one troop meeting a week is difficult, making them choose between the two groups may prove near impossible. It's a tough situation that the troop and crew must deal with openly and frankly which isn't always the atmosphere of adults in scouts when it comes to recruiting and attendance. Yes adults do tend to get in the way and create unnecessary road blocks due to arrogance and ego. Enough of that for now.

We also discussed Celestial navigation which to me really didn't offer much more than where the north star was and how to get sky charts (which I already knew). It was a nice refresher but offered nothing really helpful for scouting. I don't plan on using the stars to navigate out of the woods. Make a shelter and sleep is a better option in my opinion.

We ended the day with a cracker barrel and fire along with some great jokes. Overall the day was interesting but contained little in the way of revelation.

Saturday, June 13th:
I don't know if it rained over night, I believe it held off or at least wasn't a lot of rain to notice. The morning did start off nice and bright with a great breeze. We did note that the "little blue people" (cubs) showed up last night and during the day so we had to move our venue again to accommodate their events. I didn't mind it so much but there were some people that were annoyed that our training had to adjust for other groups. I say deal with it! :)

So the morning's topics were Emergency Prep, Expedition Planning and Physical Fitness all of which were well done by their presenters. The one that made the most of an impression was the Expedition Planning. The gentleman that provided the materials and discussion was well experienced in this area. Putting together plenty of different treks both to Philmont and other scouting locations over the years. His experience, ideas and finally his check list was born from years of planning and I hope many people will use it. The other two classes were great and the gentleman who ran Physical Fitness really got us thinking and talking. He explained BMI (Body Mass Index) which is a hot topic right now especially with the new scout medical forms and talked about difference with scouts and adults. Overall I wish he had even more time as he ran short. All three presenters had a passion which was well evident.

After lunch we were able to spend time on the climbing course and also get our "Climb on Safely" training. The training doesn't certify us to run a climbing course but it gives us information on what should be happening and what we should be aware of when we are at a climbing course. I didn't attempt to climb the wall opting instead to observe and learn the do's and don't's of the area. It was well done and we had a lot of fun. Afterwards we spent more time on wilderness survival which added a few things but not really a lot to what was already discussed.

Later we had a historical re-en actor come with costume's and regalia which while very interesting didn't have much to do with the course. I'm not quite sure how that related to the course. But he had lots of interesting information. Following that we had a short course on communication and while interesting didn't quite measure up to what I thought it would be about. Again good information but nothing that I don't think everyone didn't already know.

It was evident throughout the course that at times they lacked a focus or syllabus on what exactly they were driving at. Wood Badge had lots of pieces which all pointed in a particular direction and near the end they pulled all the pieces together to the focus. Powderhorn consistently showed lack of clarity and focus on an objective. Sure many of the topics were good but a good portion were completely irrelevant.

We ended the day with a show on venturing awards and a discussion of how troop advancement and venturing can be done together. This repeated some of the earlier information but at least this time they had posters and samples of the awards and a better power points on how they fit together.

The evening ended with a campfire but I was beat so I hit the sack as early as I could. We expected (and got) a good amount of rain over night and I wanted to get as much sleep as I could.

You might ask was the course boring? No it was not boring and knowing several of the other leaders helped. But there were times during this weekend that I didn't feel as though the course really captured my attention.

Sunday, June 14th:
Ah, the final day and time for our "Bling"!

Yes, I think the only real driving force today was knowing we were getting our award and heading home. As is the case with a lot of camping trips by the last day you're ready to head home. This was the case for me. I woke up early listening to the rain and then packed up my gear as best I could. Getting everything to the car and staying dry was a challenge as it was muggy. I was able to get things packed and then got my Class A uniform on as was requested for the day. I was definitely ready to head out.

After a quick but really nice inter-faith service lead by one of my crew mates with us helping we got moving. It started with a discussion by one of the participants on his experiences with high adventure (Northern Tier). And he did a great job on this presentation and materials. If his slide show is on the course CD when I get it I'll post it as it shows some real back woods canoeing and camping. Amazing stories and also great information on how to get your older scouts to the high adventure. This was what some of the crew's needed to hear so that they could get their older scouts involved in this type of activity.

We had some more discussions but really everyone's eyes were focused on the clock. So after a short break we had the Powderhorn awards ceremony which was nice and to the point. We had a quick lunch and then were were off to head home.

It was great to get back home, for me I camped four of out seven weekends in May/June so I was definitely ready to be home with the family.

Some parting thoughts:

* While it's not really fair to compare, Wood Badge and Powderhorn are supposed to be both premiere adult leader training courses. Powderhorn is inferior to Wood Badge by far, venturing leaders need a far more challenging course.

* Was it worth the cost? No, it was not worth the full amount however I will not be seeking a refund or compensation. Each course provides different things and each participant has different expectations. I got what I expected to get from this course. Plus the added benefit that this was part of my Wood Badge ticket.

* Camp Squanto has better food than Camp Resolute

* The staff while knowledgeable always seemed to be confused or unsure of what to cover in some of the classes. This hesitation was evident throughout both weekends.

That's all I have for now, if there's anything worth adding I'll post a follow up.

-Stephen

Thoughts on Iran...

...to be honest I was away this past weekend and have been very busy to the point where I was not really following the news (any of it). My friend joined twitter to just see the information coming out on Iran and that made me go and view some of the blogs, photo's and twitting available. I'm sure so far I've barely scratched the surface of what is available, hey I have to work!

But as should happen I had some thoughts on this...

The protests have certainly changed my opinion of the people of Iran. I have a more favorable opinion of them and their country (not the government). As they are not taking this corrupt election at face value. And in the face of violence are still protesting against it. This is something that Americans "like" to think they can sympathize with but we truly do not know the cost of protests in other countries. Maybe if you were in a 60's era civil rights march down south you'd "know" what they're going through over there. But wanna-bee baby boomers who protested a war peacefully know nothing of their pain. Down south there was violence and death, flower power anti-war protesters (only exception would be Kent State that I know of) do not "know" or have a right to say anything about understanding it. This is a common thread in many comments you see (mainly lefty blogs) about how "we truly understand". Bollocks! Get a clue, we don't "know" their pain, we can only see it through a thick fog (while usually sitting on a plush sofa eating to our fill). There's a Roger Water's song that comes to mind, "The Bravery of Being Out of Range", so true in today's America.

Another annoying reference in many comments is to the 2004 (even 2000) election in which case there is no comparison. It's an insult to compare their situation to ours. Again we live in a free society with the ability to vote without fear. To Protest without fear and we have freedom of speech. Our two elections were very close and unfortunately some people just can't live with the fact that they were determined to be correct. Yes, Bush won both and we have a legal system and process while NOT perfect by any stretch is LIGHTYEARS ahead of what they have. You can argue the points all day but to compare 2000/2004 to Iran today, it is just beyond the pale of moonbattyness.

So there are some really good unanswered question out there, sure there are plenty of comments but what I want to know is the real answer.

Q1? Why is BHO so uncommitted or non-confrontational about this situation?
My Answer: His lack of international experience and leadership is showing. He can't make a decision without fear of being wrong or pissing off Ahmanutjob. Remember he wants to open a dialog with him, tough to do after you support those that want him out of his current job. So the only option is to say things like "taking a look at the situation" and "need to gather all the facts"...stall, stall, stall...
Your Answer?

Q2? I'll concede this point, what could BHO do even IF (big IF) he took a side on this situation?
My Answer: Except to make it clear that the USA supports freedom and to at the very least back those protester's up. Other than symbolic support which would have been a huge boost internationally there's not much else I think he can actually DO. It would have been really interesting to see the Islamic Leadership reaction after his apology tour earlier this month.
Your Answer?

Q3? What if any difference does it make if it's Ahmanutjob or Mousavi?
My Answer: Other than possibly being the true will of the people. So far as I know either one is really just a figurehead as the real power is with the Mullahs. Now again I'm no expert on how the Iranian government works. Seems to me the only real difference is that the regular denunciations of "The Great Satan" (read as USA) will decrease and we'll actually get someone to talk to about nukes before someone finally pop's one off. "Is there someone else up there we can talk to? No now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!" -- Monty Python
Your Answer?

Q4? To those in Iran that think the UN will come to their aid?
My Answer: I am so sorry that you have been deceived to think that this organization actually helps people with a real cause. Just look around the globe and you'll soon realize the UN helps no one at least not with any expediency.
Your Answer?

That's the best I can do at lunch time, would love to hear people's thoughts on the questions.

Pray for Iran,
-Stephen

Why Obama scares me, too

[Warning: If you are easily offended by someone disagreeing with the messiah (note lower case m) aka BHO do not read any further. I wish to exercise my freedom of speech in my own blog so turn away all BHO worshipers and liberal moonbats.]

I don't know all of Norris's or Pritchett's political leanings but there's not much in this article that I can argue with. I think it's right on target and reflects how I feel as well about our new PoTUS.

Why Obama scares me, too

Another recent interesting article I wanted to post but didn't at the time is related to his habitual apologies to the world.

http://blog.heritage.org/2009/06/03/morning-bell-president-obamas-top-ten-apologies/

And finally BHO's backhanded slap of WWII veterans and his endorsement of the Nazi party. I suspect much like he would unconditionally negotiate with terrorist state's like Iran and North Korea he would have probably negotiated with Hitler. And I loved how his story of how his relative told him all about the liberation of the concentration camp. The story went from his uncle telling him all about it changed quickly to his grandfather sharing it. It changed because the uncle said he didn't know what BHO was talking about and that he never shared it with him. I know some family stories get embellished but to forget who TOLD YOU THE STORY is a bit suspect.


http://blog.heritage.org/2009/06/08/obama-at-normandy-mistakes-were-made/

Guess if I wasn't already listed as a domestic terrorist this should make it easy to get on that list...

-Stephen

PowderHorn Weekend #1

PowderHorn Weekend #1 - May 29-31, 2009
Camp Squanto
Plymouth, MA

Friday, May29th:
Joe D. picked me up at my house (with a cup of coffee! :)) around 6:45am, right on time. We needed to get to camp by 8:00 am or so to check in. The ride was nice full of good discussions and the anticipation of a very busy weekend. The rain pitter pattered all the way down to Plymouth, rarely getting to be heavy just enough to keep the wipers moving every so often. The grey skies didn't sullen the mood though and we arrived just before 8am.

I took with me my large blue external backpack (thanks Uncle Mike!) and a good sampling of gear. An estimated weigh-in showed it was near 50lbs but included a lot of gear that I would not have packed for a real backpacking trip. What would not be brought was the extra lumbar pack (Mountain smith Day lumbar pack), extra toiletries, 2 large towels, bathing suit, water shoes (not as light as crocs), extra meds instead of just the large medical kit I have, ditty bag to hold all toiletries & meds and some other odds and ends that would not have made the cut. Also I didn't search for my polypro clothing and took mostly cotton (Yikes!) as we were at a camp and not in danager of freezing in the woods. I estimate that all together there was at least 5-8 lbs of excess weight.

Some of the good things I did take, included John O.'s MSR Hubba Hubba tent. I will do a short review on this later but this tent is quickly becoming my favorite though I did surrender it to him afterwards. With the tent, I had a drop cloth not cut down to the tent size though, Raincoat, Rainpants, collapsable chair, cook kit (MSR Windpro with 1 lg & 1 sm canister), sleeping bag, Ridge Rest Deluxe pad, 2-800ml KleenKanteen's, small food bag with snacks (coffee, breakfast & 1 freezedried meal - I always have food with me!), extra insulated cup for coffee, ziplock bags and other misc. stuff. I'm sure I'm forgetting something but it was a heavy pack. I do like external packs but will try the internal pack soon. And be a little more conscious on what I am packing and might even have a gear list with weights prior. We'll see if I have time as each occassion I'm able to pack the backpack is practice and helps for better planning. Overall I was happy with the gear though the RidgeRest just doesn't cut it very well on hard wooden surfaces. I need to find a way to bring my heavier but much more comfortable Therm-a-rest pad, mainly a way to keep it dry so I can put it on my pack. Using the rain pants over shorts when it gets colder does work well for me and my rainjacket does a great job over microfleece. Ok enough gear talk!

So we arrive and check in with our medical forms, speak briefly with the nurse and get our new shirt, weekend agenda and Crew assignments. Powderhorn is based on the Venture Scouts format just like Woodbadge is based on the Troop format. So I got Crew C, later to be known and the "Clueless Crew". I met a spazzy yet entertaining and wonderfully knowledgable Crew Advisor Stephanie. Let me tell you if I had to choose one person to save my sorry butt out in the woods, she'd be on the list maybe 1st. She later gave several of the lectures including a winter trip on Katahdin slide show, WOW! She directed us to our campsite and told us drop gear and get back soon. Joe and I hit the tent platforms and he decided to pitch his tent outside while I put the HubbaHubba INSIDE the canvas BSA camp tent. It fit in the same spot where a very uncomfortable bed/pad would have resided. While the canvas is waterproof there is no bug netting, so putting the HubbaHubba inside without the rain fly makes for a bug free haven. This is a setup I'd use instead of the hanging mosquito nets commonly used at summer camp. So while we got settled we met some of the other participants including some familiar faces. For me it's good to have people there that I know otherwise it takes me a lot of time to get comfortable. After a brief opening ceremony we were off to our lectures. The schedule was flexible but didn't leave a lot of time between lectures. Lunch was good as far as camp food goes and there was plenty of it. They provided a salad bar with lunch & diner and it was nicely done. There was a lot of classroom time as expected especially with the weather being so wet. Generally it wasn't too bad but there were a few periods of rain and wind. The lectures covered a whole range of topics, including what is required when camping with co-ed crew (yes Girls can be part of venture crews age 14+) as well as backpacking and others. I lost my agenda sheet so I'm not sure of the exact order but the topics were good. The one primary draw back was that each topic was only an introduction, of course with such a limited time schedule it's hard to dive deep into any one topic.

The evening ended with the discussions regarding working with teens and "The Sweet 16 of BSA Safety" review. The format provided us with time to have an open discussion with other leaders and gain some personal insights/stories on some of the challenges. I think out of the 1st day it was the most useful of the sessions. Since it was after diner and it was long day I brought along some twisslers and also some Beef Jerky as a joke though both were well received by the group. Afterwards I decided to avoid the morning rush and hit the showers before bed. While getting back to the site we saw that several Cub Scout groups had arrived for the Saturday chuck wagon derby and as usual the scouts were extremely active. Unfortunately for most of the others the noise of the scouts kept many awake well past 10pm quiet time (camp general rule). I think I heard one person say it was near midnight before the running around and screaming ended. This unfortunately is something more and more common with Cubs and being a Cub Scout leader I'm all to familiar with the difficulty in controlling a large group of Cub Scouts. More on that later. I had a good night sleep and was glad for the shower before bed.

Saturday, May 30th:
While I had a good night sleep I was woken up by some cubs running by on the road next to our campsite. This was an omen for the day as I knew the Cranberry Harbors chuckwagon derby always brought a TON of Cubs to Camp Squanto. They do an awesome job setting up the theme and events. They run ALL day! We were told at one point that we would be changing our venue for the day since the "little blue people" would be swarming all over the dining hall area all day. While they weren't using the dining hall they were using the outside patio and area all around so it was best to just work with them and move. This was the area we were using for our lectures so we moved to the welcome center.

We began the day with moutaineering discussions and the awesome slideshow from Katahdin by Stephanie. Again while we weren't able to get into deep detail about it the ability to get some familiarity with the topic as well as understand the planning required was great. It's amazing the amount of gear and planning including training and practice required by it. I've read a lot about it so it wasn't news to me but it was great to see that some groups actually are able to get out and enjoy this type of challenge. While we were in the lecture the day began to really brighten up and we could tell it was some really nice weather for us to enjoy.

Before lunch we split into two large groups one went to Scuba and the other to COPE. COPE, stands for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience and is essentially a really cool outdoor obstacle course. Though it has some elements that aren't solved by brute force, you have to use your mind. We played a few group games designed to get you thinking and build the teams. Some of which were so easy we'll bring them back to the Troop right away. We ended the session wth a tour of the low course and discussions on each areas goal. This turned out great and finished up before lunch. After lunch the two groups switched and we got a great introduction to Scuba and what is available to scouts. I thought we were actually going to be in the water and was worried about the temp as it turns out the swimming part was not run since it was very cold. Afterwards we were given the option of going to the COPE high course (think high tower with lots of ropes) or some free time. Since our schedule was so busy I opted to take a nap and went back to the campsite. A few others did the same and we burned some sleep time with some talk. It was hard to "nap" as the cubs were still prowling the entire camp grounds but it was ok.

After taking a well needed nap we went back and assembled for a discussion on Bike's. We had two speakers with a lot of varied experience. It was a good discussion and added some valuable insight into bikes and trekking. It was nice to see the two styles of biking, one was speed oriented and the other touring. I loved bike riding as a kid and actually did a bike trip with my Boy Scout Troop in Carver from Carver center to Camp Squanto for an overnight campout. I don't remember the mileage but we had a good time.

Finally as the night approached we had diner and a cracker barrel. Along with that one of the leaders took orders for merchandise (clothing) with course embroidery. It took a while but I did eventually order a fleece jacket with zip off sleeves to replace my current one which has some holes from a camp fire. It was a lot of money but it was a purchase I had been contemplating for a while.

As I did the night before I hit the showers, of course heading over to the adult showers we saw many of the cubs playing in the youth showers. I had to find a cub leader and explain that they really shouldn't be playing in the showers. We also had an incident with youth in the adult shower area. The cubs either weren't told that adult showers were off limits to kids (even with their parent) or ignored this advice. There's significant differences between a Cub camp (Massasoit) and a Scout camp (Squanto). Fortunately Joe D. gave the adult some strong words and nothing became of the incident, apparently the ladies were also having the same problem and were happy Joe was barking out some instructions to the cubs. Plus when we arrived in the adult showers the toilets were clogged with tissue and we had to clean up the place a bit.

The night was clear and cool and made for some great sleeping weather. Joe and I agreed that we'd pack up early and get our gear in the truck before breakfast so we could make a hasty exit.

Sunday, May 31st:
I must admit that it was hard getting up early. I was tired from two days of activities and lectures and the thought of going through another day was a bit daunting. Fortunatly we had a light schedule for today. It included a lecture on winter sports mainly skiing and then a discussion on Equestrian. Now the Equestrian lecture was given by some local horse owners who brought four horses with them. Unfortunately while it was interesting it was completely irrelevant as they had no information on how venture crews might be able to rent/use horses for a day etc. So we got bored pretty quick. One thing that was pretty darn funny was when the last two horses showed up. The first one out was a mare and apparently was "in season", well the stallion that was brought out afterwards was quite aware of the first's situation. They had a time keeping the stallion calm for obvious reasons. There were lots of comments flying around and we all had a good laugh.

Right afterwards we were treated to a lively discussion about firearms. Guns are a good thing. :) We talked about what is allowed for Scouts and Venture crews as well as safety issues and range requirements. The guys handling the lecture were great and knowledgeable. After lunch we were allowed to shoot some of them as well. I skipped the shotguns and went for the handguns but they only had a .22 pistol. :( I had hoped they were going to allow us to shoot the black powder rifle but they ran out of time.

At the end of the schedule while waiting for final comments/annoucements a storm rolled in. So we were able to scramble out just as the real rain arrived. :)

I'm sure I left some details out but I hope I got the lectures and events in the right order. Hard to do after a few days removed from the weekend. Overall the course was about what I had expected though I had hoped for more detailed information as compared to just an overview of topics.

Next weekend the topics appear to be real good and I hope that the staff is able to continue putting on a good program.

Unforunately I can't get away from comparing this course to Wood Badge. It's to be expected since both are billed as "advanced training" courses for Scout leaders. While they both are, Wood Badge is far more focused on personal and group leadership while Powderhorn is focused on group programs. Both have their place but to someone who's trying to chose between the two I'd have to say Wood Badge is the more relevant of the two for Pack & Troop leaders. I'd recommend it over Powderhorn just for the reasons I've noted.

Overall the 1st weekend was good, lots of information, lots of fun and good time I believe was had by all.

-Stephen

Memorial Day in Scituate

Memorial Day to me is one of those holiday's that can't be reduced to one day a year. Even with Veteran's Day, 2 days seems so little but that's what we have to work with here in the USA.

Because of that the USA is in a sorry state when it comes to remembrance and also in general US history. I can remember in elementary school always reading the last few chapters of the history book (essentially just after the Great Depression to present) as we never covered it in history class. We always seemed to run out of time for current events or current history. Maybe in a good year we got into WWII but that was rare and hard to focus on in the heat of June with single digits days left of the year.

I asked recently at our Cub Pack's crossover/campfire who knew of what happened 65 years ago on June 6th. The date came up since it was also the date of an event we are attending. Not one child could answer it. Not one?! Of the adults I only saw a small amount of hands. My son was among those boys as well that didn't know.

For me I shudder at the thought of what occurred that morning June 6th 1944 when Americas finest slogged through the channel waters onto French soil as part of their job of attacking Hitler's Atlantic wall. To their left and right the British, Canadians and others landed in the face of machine gun fire. The only difference was the terrain. Imagine hearing the throttle of the boat slow and drone down while the pinging of bullets increases all knowing that the steel between you and those bullets was about to be lowered?! IF and that was a big IF you made it out the ramp all that awaited you was bullets, bloody cold sea water, beach obstacles and the dead bodies of those that arrived earlier than you. IF you made it past that the sheer cliffs and grenades dropping down greeted you and congratulated you on making it to solid ground. I could go on but there are far better authors out there with more well researched volumes of facts for you to read. They'll tell you in far greater detail just what occurs when the meat meets the steel on a cold Atlantic beach.

Sadly I think this is nothing new. Regularly when certain dates come up and if you ask someone about it. Oh let's say December 7th, the answers are the same. No idea at all of what that date may historically hold for the USA. No idea that to our Grandfather's and Father's generation, December 7th was THEIR September 11th. You ask them where they were that morning they first heard of the attack and they'll tell you with emotion as if it happened yesterday. Yet today, our morally bankrupt generation has already FORGOTTEN what those two dates truly mean to the USA. Already forgotten? Yes I say to you and submit today that many in America do not recall September 11th and what happened that day. Don't bother asking them about December 7th.

So Monday morning my youngest son and I walked around the Scituate common's prior to the arrival of Americas well fed, well rested and well protected men, women and children (yes including myself). We spoke briefly with a man who served in the Navy as part of WWII and I believe his wife who had four brothers all serve (and return). I thanked him for his service. We then walked around the green sun filled commons. We paused and reflected upon each of the monuments and took a photo. I tried to ensure that the names were visible on each as well as the whole monument. Why? I prayed as we walked that my son would not be like the rest of America that maybe in some way he would understand what so few of us do today. That what we have was won through battle hard fought and hard won. By Men, of whom many in America today are not fit to even salute. I do hope that the boys of today understand and appreciate the boys of yesterday. The same boys that floated in the waters off France or in the calm waters of Pearl Harbor. Or the boys that ran by carrying their rifle to bring the battle home to the enemy.

After our walk we enjoyed the ceremony that took place. I was delighted with the veterans that attended, those that after all those years stood some with flags a few with rifles. Bet most in the audience couldn't tell you what model the rifle was, M1 Garand for those that care. Some sat in chairs after briefly rising for our national anthem sung well by a young woman. Most stood on the sun filled field proud to have served. Those that couldn't rise, owed nothing to the audience for not being able to. They earned their seat and should sit proudly. There were those from the police and fire departments as well that stood along with many other civic groups. A Boy Scout troop stood silently and paid proper respect throughout the ceremony. What made me sad was that there was the constant drone of people around the edges of that sun filled field. A constant chatter among the crowd that made it hard to hear the speeches and thanks that were given from the stage. It was a long ceremony and I whispered to my son several times if he wanted to go to the shade but he didn't. I was glad that we stood there for the time and I hope he took away from it a sense of reverence and respect. I knew that they had a flag raising ceremony coming up and we moved over to watch and see them fire the rifles. We were not disappointed. Two young women played taps, one echoing the other sure it wasn't perfect but it was well played none the less. Then the sharp report of the rifles barked out three times. Some people jumped, I heard a baby cry but for once silence did fill the air it held as the flag was brought back to the top. The men filed away back to their assembly with the other veterans. The children as they should were anxious to gather the shell casings, I went with my son and found one for him. He marveled at it. I told him it might have come from his "Uncle Mike's" rifle as he knew one of the men in the rifle salute. Soon it was over, back home we went thanks to those veterans and their sacrifice.

I have posted the photo's and hope that you take a look at them. Each town has similar things and I encourage you to go seek those out in your own community. I hope that scout leaders will also take the time to bring their scouts to these monuments as many are spread out and are overlooked. I know that many scouts marched in the parades throughout America but do they truly understand why they march? I hope that they do understand and appreciate why they spend the morning of their day off from school participating in a community event.

Did you thank a vet personally yesterday? Did you shake that hand and look them in the eye and truly mean it? If you didn't I encourage you to do so as many of those "boys" are passing away in record numbers and the day will come when all we will have are the names on a monument.

Link to Photos! or cut/paste: http://share.ovi.com/album/cphobes.2009MayMemorial



-Stephen

From the email bin...

...this was sent to me a two weeks ago and I finally read through it. No surprises here at all, as a matter of fact in today's climate it's almost expected. If you have an interest in scouting you should read this. Many of the comments contain some value as well.

Remember when they're done with us, you're next...

http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=7fb5c91a-aa99-41dc-ba48-d95fd8cc838f



-Stephen