Monday I enjoyed a conversation with Mr. Lance Frye, owner of Woodcrafters Furniture and Cabinetry. Mr. Frye's son Robert was in Troop 1396 for many years, and Mr. Frye likes to employ Eagle Scouts at his shop because of the values and dependability that these Scouts bring.
In our discussion, we talked about a quote from Teddy Roosevelt, our 26th US President. Mr. Roosevelt said, "Courtesy is as much of a mark of a gentleman as courage." Now it is important for us to reflect on the individual who said this. Teddy Roosevelt, a man who overcame numerous childhood maladies to become the epitome of the manly image. Teddy Roosevelt who hunted buffalo and other dangerous wild game. Teddy Roosevelt who led the charge of the 1st Volunteer US Cavalry up San Juan Hill, action that earned him the Medal of Honor. Teddy Roosevelt the Deputy Sherrif of Billings, Montana and the Police Commissioner of New York City. Teddy Roosevelt, the President who said, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." Finally, Teddy Roosevelt, the man who was shot in the chest by a would-be assassin but went ahead and delivered a 90-minute political speech with blood seeping through his shirt. This is a man that knew courage, yet he understood the equally important attribute of courteousness regarding qualities that make a proper gentleman. For all his rough-and-tumble reputation, we should remember that Teddy Roosevelt was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He believed in diplomacy. He valued conservation and understood the need to preserve the environment for future generations -- he both established the US Forest Service and signed the law that established the National Parks. We should also remember that Teddy Roosevelt was an ardent supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, serving post-presidency as a member of a Troop Committee in Oyster Bay, New York, the first Commissioner of the BSA Nassau Area Council, and being the only BSA volunteer to be bestowed the title of Chief Scout Citizen. On his support for BSA, Teddy Roosevelt said, "manliness in its most vigorous form [which] can be and ought to be accompanied by unselfish consideration for the rights and interests of others."
Courage is an important attribute. As we say in our Scout Law, a Scout is Brave. Yet, the opportunity to be Brave comes much less frequent as the opportunity to be Courteous and is no more important. Practice courteousness and incorporate it into your daily habits and the ways you interact with others.
A Scout is Courteous.