Being a native Kansan and having family in western Kansas, I read The Ulysses News article: "Ulysses Masonic Lodge Supports local groups with recent donations" (November 26 issue). One of those donations was a $500 Check to the local Scouts.
What a lot of people don't realize is that a prominent Freemason, Brother Daniel Carter Beard, was a founding father of our original American Scouting. It is notable that he used many Masonic Lodge mottoes and philosophies in incorporating his Scouting program, such as: "...to teach {boys} patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred-values." I was in Scouts when I was young, but due to time-constraints, I never sought the rank of Eagle. However, I applaud those who do. I am a 5th-generation Freemason, and have been nearly 44 years. I like the Boy Scout Oath in that I (and others made such solemn promises and vows), obliging myself "to help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight." Those are great words to live-by.
Although societal norms and mores have somewhat changed over the years, the fundamental precepts of honesty, chastity, and respect toward elders is timeless. I am thrilled today's young people openly and proudly make promises to fulfill: "Duty to God and Country; Duty to other people; and Duty to self."
Too many people are caught-up in bad peer-pressure toward drugs, illicit-sex, compulsive-gambling, etc.
Scouting and Fraternal lodges are sources of positive role-models to emulate to live a clean life. I am also a 4th-Generation member of a similar fraternal lodge, the I.O.O.F. Odd Fellows Lodge. Both fraternal orders focus on character-building of fine gentlemen, with an added eye toward helping communities thrive.
Well done. Congrats to those honored.
Sincerely,
James A. Marples
Longview, Texas
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here