Title: INTERNET SCOUTING
Author: Michael F. Bowman
Company: Attorney at Law

SCOUTS-L
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CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 1996

From mfbowman@CapAccess.org Tue Dec 24 01:45:47 1996
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 01:45:46 -0500 (EST)
From: "Michael F. Bowman" <mfbowman@CapAccess.org>
To: SCOUTS-L - Youth Groups Discussion List <scouts-l@tcu.edu>
Subject: Peace Be With You All and Hope for a Wonderful New Year
Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.91-FP.961224004420.28601H-100000@cap1.capaccess.org>
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Eighty-one years ago today Europe was being convulsed by a terrible war 
with shocking casualties on both sides.  By Christmas Eve in 1915 both 
sides had become well practiced in trench warfare. In many ways it was a 
grim time and for many it seemed that hope was lost.  

Yet on that night, a young German soldier somewhere along the line in 
France sang out the words of a Christmas carol in his native tongue. 
Others joined in and the canons and guns fell silent as all strained to hear
in a brief respite from the war.  In answer an English soldier from Kent and 
his comrades sang God Rest You Merry Gentlemen.  The Germans began 
singing Stilla Nacht (Silent Night) and the lads from Kent joined in 
singing in English.  

As the carols continued to fill the night in two tongues, another young 
German soldier advanced unarmed across no-mans land with a flag of 
truce.  And one by one the men on both sides advanced unarmed into 
no-mans land where they traded cigarettes, chocolates, and stories.  Some 
played soccer under the light of star shells and others brought musical 
instruments to share in song.

In that brief night the frozen fields of France were warmed by the songs 
of peace and hope.  The First World War continued on for three more 
years, and though not repeated again, this night was well remembered by all.

Some would later describe it as miraculous that there was such a 
spontaneous laying down of arms among the soldiers.  Others saw it as 
evidence that even in the worst of times, we could still find a way to 
be able to live in peace.

In my own religion's celebration of Christmas it is customary to exchange 
happy greetings and the glad tidings of Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All 
Men.  And as I consider the meaning of these tidings, it seems to me that 
it is also a time to remember that another soldier whose fame was from an 
earlier time was also hopeful that we might find a way to have peace on 
earth and to have goodwill among all.  Baden-Powell with death 
approaching left a series of four letters to be opened after his passing. 
In his letter addressed to brother Scouters and Guiders when the world 
was again convulsed in a World War, he described the aim of the movement he 
had started:

"Its aim is to produce healthy, happy, helpful citizens, of both sexes, 
to eradicate the prevailing narrow self-interest, personal, political, 
sectarian and national, and to substitute for it a broader spirit of 
self-sacrifice and service in the cause of humanity; and thus to develop 
mutual goodwill and co-operation not only within our own country but 
abroad, between all countries.

"Experience shows that this consummation is no idle or fantastic dream, 
but is a practicable possibility -- if we work for it; and it means, when 
attained, peace, prosperity and happiness for all. . . ."

And so I would ask all of you to take inspiration from the Christmas Eve 
experience in 1915 and BP's dying words to recognize that among us all 
there is hope for peace and goodwill among all made more real by the love 
we share for Scouting and Guiding around the globe.

Perhaps the greatest gifts exchanged during the year are the ones each of 
you give to the young people you serve daily and weekly in Scout or Guide 
meetings and activities.  My thanks to all of you who have shared around 
this virtual campfire over the last year and for all the wonderful things 
you have done to deliver the promise of Scouting to young people. Peace 
be with you all and may you enjoy a wonderful new year full of challenge 
and joy.

Speaking only for myself in the Scouting Spirit, Michael F. Bowman
Dep.Dist.Commissioner-Training, G.W.Dist., NCAC, BSA (Virginia)
U. S. Scouting Service Project FTP Site Administrator (PC Area)
ftp1 or ftp2.scouter.com/usscouts E-mail: mfbowman@capaccess.org