Wicker Shares Citizenship Lesson with Boy Scouts

REPORT FROM CONGRESS
By Congressman Roger F. Wicker

WICKER SHARES CITIZENSHIP LESSON WITH BOY SCOUTS

I recently took part in a unique gathering of parents, community volunteers, and more than 150 Boy Scouts to boost the character development activities that form the foundation of Scouting. Billed as "Merit Badge College," the all-day event made it possible for young men to earn merit badges in a wide range of subjects. It also reinforced the notion that support for Scouting programs and the spirit of volunteerism remain strong in our state.

The adults who joined with Scouts from several north Mississippi communities shared their knowledge and experience as they worked together toward completion of merit badge requirements. The willingness of these volunteers to give up a Saturday in August for this project is another indication of the feelings so many Mississippians have for programs to help our youth.

CITIZENSHIP BADGE

I teamed with my father, Fred Wicker, to instruct a group of young men seeking to earn their citizenship badges. Other men and women from the community taught courses in aviation, orienteering, archery, canoeing, auto mechanics, cooking, crime prevention, woodworking, leatherworking, first aid, and entrepreneurship. Merit Badge College coordinator Ann Robinson of Tupelo said they plan to make it a semi-annual event to provide greater access to more than 100 fields of skill and information contained in the program.

I was impressed by the enthusiasm and knowledge of the Scouts who participated in our discussion about citizenship. We studied the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, the make-up of the government, and the importance of understanding our roles in helping keep America strong. We also reviewed noteworthy dates and documents in the nation's history. My father, a World War II veteran and retired circuit judge, covered such topics as national defense and the judiciary.

CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IS A KEY

The merit badge pamphlet on citizenship in our nation prepared by the Boy Scouts should be required reading for all Americans. The booklet provides information about our political system and points out that citizenship extends beyond a simple understanding of the system and includes citizen involvement. It also says, "Americans have a proud tradition of the participation and support of its citizens. This tradition must be learned and carried on to each succeeding generation."

I feel strongly about the need to make sure succeeding generations understand our rich history and the responsibilities we all have as citizens. I have teamed with Tennessee Senator and former Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander to sponsor legislation in Congress that will bolster this effort. The initiative comes amid a growing body of evidence that many students across America lack a basic knowledge of our history and the ideals on which our country was founded.

The Boy Scouts of America have long recognized the importance of such knowledge and are doing their part to share it with new generations of young men.