Qualities of leadership stamped into Boy Scouts
by Kristin Maiorano, Medill News Service on 11/12/09
WASHINGTON –Sam Pulcrano still remembers the lessons he learned from his days as a Boy Scout–many of which came directly from his father, the troop’s assistant scout master. Now Pulcrano is an assistant scout master for his son, proud to pass on the traditions of the Boy Scouts of America.
Pulcrano, Vice President of Sustainability for the United States Postal Service, brought his passion to work Thursday, when the USPS unveiled a new stamp commemorating the Boy Scouts’ 100th anniversary.
Dozens of Scouts, young and old, packed the Discovery Center at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum for the event, reflecting on the characteristics of a good Scout–and the leaders the program has cultivated.
“For almost a century, we have been involved in teaching boys how to be young men of promise and character with strong leadership skills, and we have stood for the things that are very important for young people since 1910, the year of our founding,” said James Terry, Chief Financial Officer of the Boy Scouts of America.
This isn’t the first time the Postal Service has dedicated a stamp to the Boy Scouts, Terry added. The USPS issued a stamp for the organization’s 40th anniversary, in 1950.
Phoebe J. Parks
Nov 13th, 2009
A Scouting “Well Done” to the USPS for recognizing he Boy Scouts of America for the program they offer to youth in our country. As a scouting volunteer for nearly 20 years, my paycheck comes when I see Cub Scouts become men of honor who know the right things to do.
Lori A Powell
Nov 13th, 2009
How exciting! Thank you USPS for recognizing the Boy Scouts of America! I am the very proud single mom of two Eagle Scouts and can attest to this wonderful program and the values it has instilled in my sons.
John Sutter
Nov 13th, 2009
In no way does this stamp actually celebrate BSA. Does it mention BSA? Does it mention the 100 year anniversary? Does it even show a Boy Scout? It’s a compromise with an administration that has a political axe to grind with the Scouts.
Ron W.
Nov 14th, 2009
I agree with John S. This stamp does not recognize the Boy Scouts of America in any way. “Scouting” is a generic term and could be meant for The American Heritage Girls, Camp Fire USA, Royal Rangers, or even the Spiral Scouts. Basically, this stamp recognizes nothing and it means nothing.
As a long time Scouter in the BSA and a collector of Boy Scout memorabilia, including stamps from around the world, I have no interest what so ever in this particular stamp. To whatever committee that decided on this stamp to use because of it’s non-offensive qualities, good job! The only group you could have possibly offended with this stamp is probably the one it was meant to honor. Thanks, thanks for nothing!
Alan Margulies
Nov 14th, 2009
As a stamp to honor the Boy Scouts of America on their 100th Anniversary I think that this stamp is a failure. It is totally lacking in any of the elements that would relate it to the Boy Scout movement i.e. the logo emblems, slogan, motto, uniform elements or even the words Boy Scouts. Scouting it too generic a term and there is no relationship between anything on this stamp and the Boy Scouts of America. What a disappointment! I would not buy one. No wonder the CFO showed up rather than Bob Mazzuca the Chief Scout. A wonderful opportunity to advertise the Boy Scouts of America lost. What a shame. USPS you can keep the stamp.
Qualities of leadership stamped into Boy Scouts | Medill | Washington « JohnScout 2.0
Nov 15th, 2009
[...] Qualities of leadership stamped into Boy Scouts | Medill | Washington November 15, 2009 Qualities of leadership stamped into Boy Scouts | Medill | Washington [...]
Walter Rotsch
Nov 16th, 2009
This stamp is a abomination. Having participated in both the 50th and 75th Anniversary of Boy Scouting this stamp disgraces the meanin 100 years of the ideals of Scouting.
Never has the Boy Scout Shirt been red. Never has the uniform called for wearing the neckerchief backwards, and no where does this symbolize Boy Scouts of America, or 100 years of this outstanding organization.
The BSA needs to stand up and denounce this stamp as unfitting of their ideals and goals. If anyone within BSA had anything to do with the approval of this stamp, they need to be publicly exposed and called to task as to why they approved this lack of good and decent standards that they BSA stands for.
David Rawls
Nov 18th, 2009
The stamp is artistically attractive. It would be better if “BSA 100th Anniversary” was included, probably a victim of political correctness. For those commenting negatively: work toward making this organization even better than it is. Most of us keep in mind that this group is for the enrichment of young lives, so that their lives as adults are that much better. And many of us are bothered by six-figure-plus salaries for BSA executives whose main priority is retaining those salaries. In a way, the stamp is symbolic of this: those of us who know what Boy Scouts really are, know that the stamp is a celebration of our 100 years of serving youth, but this is not apparent to those who do not already know it.