Scout Jamboree Update
The Boy Scout Jamboree continued to experience difficulties in the wake of the accident that killed four Scout Leaders this week. President Bush was scheduled to attend the jamboree on Wednesday evening but had to cancel due to severe weather that cancelled all events for the evening at the jamboree. There is no word whether the President will try to attend the event later. The Boy Scouts have announced that they will proceed with the jamboree for the near 40,000 Scouts though next Wednesday as scheduled.
I pray that the families and friends of those who died will find peace and comfort in the days to come. I also pray for those kids who witnessed the deaths of these men. Watching someone die due to tragic circumstances is very emotional for a child even if it is not a friend or family member.
I know what it feels like to witness a tragic death at a young age. I witnessed the death of some of my school mates’ mother on the roadside when I was about twelve years old. She died in front of her husband and more than a dozen of her children when their pickup truck rolled over. Most of the children were riding in the back of the truck and suffered a variety of injuries when thrown across the yard where the wreck took place. My family and I were in one of the first vehicles on the scene of this wreck. I can remember my Dad and Grandfather helping to load the mother’s sheet covered body into the ambulance that day. It is an experience that I wish I never had, but it does help me appreciate life a little more today.
These Scouts must be feeling some of the similar gut wrenching emotions that I felt years ago. I pray that they will find peace and understanding in this situation.
You can read more on this story here and here.
Mike McConnell has found at least one disturbing response to this tradgedy and writes about it here.