Editorial

Tribute goes beyond rhetoric, political differences

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

While the past year has undoubtedly been one of controversy for U.S. Senator Ben Nelson, Saturday's ceremony dedicating the bronze statue in front of his boyhood home had to be heartwarming for the Senator. Supporters, as well as some who did not always agree with Nelson's votes during the past year, saw beyond the politics and rhetoric and gathered to pay tribute to an Eagle Scout and the community and family who helped him accomplish his goal.

Artist Martha Pettigrew's attention to detail - right down to the placement of Mrs. Nelson's handbag on the ground as she pins the award on her teenage son's lapel -captures the imagination. More than one member of the current Cub Scout Troop No. 147 could be seen slipping his own body between the bronze teenage Nelson and his mother, visualizing himself receiving the award from his own mother. Others were observed studying the merit badge sash with full comprehension of the dedication it takes to earn the 21 merit badges required to attain the title of Eagle Scout.

Nelson has been insistent in his desire to keep the focus of the art work on something other than himself. He credits his mother, Birdella, with pushing him to complete the requirements to earn the award at a time when he would have much preferred to be doing other, less noble, activities. He acknowledges his father's quiet support and leadership throughout his Scouting career. His father's love of hunting and fishing was passed down to young Ben, a pastime he still enjoys today.

He also has a deep appreciation for members of the community who took the time to mentor him and help him accomplish not only the Eagle Scout goal, but many other goals he set for himself early in life. Harry Douglass, Carrie Buresh, and Gracie Booth were early McCook Scout leaders who began Nelson's Scouting journey.

"Community leaders like John T. Harris, Ray Klingner; YMCA leaders Chili Armstrong and George Lundgren made certain that McCook provided not only a first class education, but that there were youth programs as well," said Nelson. "The programs were at the Y(MCA), little league baseball, swimming and lifesaving programs all aimed at youth development. They knew that these were investments in our future, and they invested."

At the time, those community leaders did not know that they were helping a future Nebraska governor and United States Senator. Nelson was just another kid, with all his adolescent flaws. That didn't matter. They were dedicated to helping the youth of the community realize their dreams for the future.

In attending the dedication ceremony on Saturday, one could observe that McCook continues to have outstanding adult leadership. Leadership that will continue to invest in our future by helping youth develop a love of country. Leadership that fully understands how important nurturing and support truly are to life-long achievement.

The Boy Scout oath makes these promises:

On my honor I will do my best

To do my duty to God and my country

and to obey the Scout Law;

To help other people at all times;

To keep myself physically strong,

mentally awake, and morally straight.

What more could we ask for?

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  • The editorial is correct. This was beyond politics.

    -- Posted by dennis on Wed, Jul 7, 2010, at 3:57 PM
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