Page 81 - some-stuff-i-wrote-and-some-stuff-i-didn't-(2011)-h-morris-williams

Some Stuff I Wrote and Some Stuff I Didn't (2011) H. Morris Williams

The program began exactly on time. The master of ceremonies looked out
over the 100-plus uniformed scouts and other guests and welcomed them.
He then began calling on first one scout to recite the scout’s oath, then
another to say the scout’s laws, all according to a rehearsed plan.

I was scheduled to be next, to lead the pledge to the flag, and I was ready.
Nervous but ready.

“And now,” he said, “Morris Williams, Troop 87, will lead us....”

I was actually looking forward to my part. I would stand tall and say in my
clearest voice, “ I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America...”

But then the emcee finished his sentence “.in our opening prayer.”

My mind went blank. I couldn’t believe it! I was not supposed to say a
prayer. That was someone else. I was to lead the pledge!

All the scouts removed their caps for the prayer. The group fell silent. They
waited for the prayer to begin. I waited, too, thinking, hoping the scout
designated to pray might begin his prayer even though my name had been
called.

No such luck. I had to do it. Mentally staggering, I almost began, “Dear
Lord, I pledge allegiance to the flag...”

Then I took a deep breath and began: “Dear God, thank you for Benjamin
Duke. Thank you for his work in this forest. Thank you for the sacrifice of
his life for our country. We hope his family will like this memorial to him.
Amen.”

The caps went back on and the program continued to its conclusion. The
other scouts returned to their campsites and their normal routines. But my
mind was still reeling. I worried about my little prayer. It hadn’t even
seemed to me like a real prayer. I yearned for some sign of reassurance.
When you are 14 years old, you find lots to worry about.

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