Many of our Friends and Customers know that OPENRSM is a proud supporter of Scouting and Scouts.  And on this Independence Day we’d like to pause and think not only of our own Freedom’s and Liberty.  But also how it is also celebrated by the “Good Turn” done daily by Scouts.  A case in point….  The many replica Statue of Liberty installations across America.

Freedom Corner, Cape Girardeau, MO Photo by Ken Steinhoff (Troop 8 Cape Girardeau Alumnus) http://www.capecentralhigh.com

The Boy Scouts of America celebrated their fortieth anniversary in 1950 with the theme of “Strengthen the Arm of Liberty”.  Between 1949 and 1952, approximately two hundred 100-inch replicas of the statue, made of stamped copper, were purchased by Boy Scout troops and donated in 39 states in the U.S. and several of its possessions and territories. The project was the brainchild of Kansas City businessman J.P. Whitaker, who was then Scout Commissioner of the Kansas City Area Council (now known as the Heart of America Council).

Over the years many cities and towns have benefitted from the gift from their local Scout Troops.  Some of which have been expanded into a mini-pavillion celebrating America’s Freedom, and the sacrifices made to preserve our freedom.  One of note is located in Cape Girardeau, MO.  The local VFW and American Legion have generously added to the monument with a listing of those from the area that have sacrificed all for their country.

With the same local Scouts, Scout Troops, and others pitching in to both maintain and improve a local symbol of the Liberties and Freedom’s we enjoy.  The Scouts continuing to “Do a Good Turn Daily” for all of us.

Happy 4th of July!