A MESSAGE TO THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA It is a matter of great satisfaction to me that it has been made possible for Scouts attending our National Jamboree in Washington, D. C., commencing June 30, 1937, to participate in a pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. This pilgrimage will result, I am confident, in a greatly stimulated interest on the part of all in Scouting and indeed all others, in these two great documents in our country's history. I have again and again urged a more profound understanding of the fundamental principles on which our country is organized, based upon a study of the Constitution. It is one of the first essentials of good citizenship. A democracy is dependent upon a voluntary process of thinking, feeling, and acting, individually, for the good of the community, the State, and the Nation. Such a democracy can only be sustained by an understanding of its fundamental principles, and a habit of thinking about others and caring about others, such as we in Scouting try to develop through our program, our Scout ideals, and our daily Good Turn. To all those Scouts and friends of Scouts who participate in the pilgrimage to the Shrine of our Constitution, I extend my greetings; on your behalf I express appreciation to those who made possible this enrichment of your experience. |