Transcript for February 8th
Welcome to February 8th on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate the ripple effect inspired by nature and young boys. More after the break from our founder, Marlo Anderson.
If your heartbeat quickens to the song “Let’s go fly a kite..” you are likely enthralled by the natural wonder of wind that motivated early kite makers back in 470 BCE. Whether it was leaves waving in the breeze, the full belly of ship sails or even their hats taking flight, the Chinese were inspired to lash bamboo covered in silk for ceremonies and tools that sent messages and spied on enemies. Today kites can dip, twist and dive for pure entertainment and the simple joy of watching them propels us to get outside and celebrate National Kite Flying Day.
On a foggy day in London an American newspaperman, William Dickson Boyce, became lost and was assisted by a Boy Scout, who brought him safely to his destination. When Boyce offered the scout payment, the boy refused, explaining that it was a good deed. Impressed by this act of service, Boyce organized similar youth groups into one organization and on February 8, 1910, the Boy Scouts of America was born. Since then the Scouting Program has produced many United States Presidents, 181 astronauts and merit badges signifying good deeds in the millions. On National Boy Scouts Day we honor those accomplishments and the ripple effect they continue to inspire.