September 11, 2001, was a monumental tragedy for the United States of America. Millions of people watched terrorists destroy the Twin Towers in shock and horror. On that terrible day, people all across the nation gathered together to mourn what was lost, as well as celebrate the heroic actions of first responders as they worked to save lives and restore New York City. The courage displayed by these brave men and women remain an excellent example of true bravery and patriotism.
Trail Life USA (TrailLifeUSA.com) CEO Mark Hancock recently reflected on the devastating 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and reaffirmed Trail Life's dedication to inspire patriotism and build character in boys across America.
Hancock stated, “The attacks on 9/11 were horrific. We must never forget the lives that were lost and the families that were destroyed, nor should we ever forget the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for the sake of their fellow Americans. We must never forget the sense we had of being an American, of being united, and celebrating our union together as One Nation Under God.”
Hancock continued, “On that day, in the midst of the worst evil, we saw the greatest good. In those moments of terror and heart-wrenching loss, the heart of our nation was revealed. We saw many examples of men willing to step up and risk everything to save others. That is what masculine strength is. Masculine strength is bravery harnessed by wisdom, action tethered by self-restraint, self-assertion marked by self-control, and honor clothed in humility. Those are the things we must reflect on and must teach our sons and boys in our community.
“Theodore Roosevelt once said, ‘No one can be a good American unless he is a good citizen, and every boy ought to train himself so that as a man he will be able to do his full duty to the community … [to] act in a way that will give them a country to be proud of.’ This is a philosophy we at Trail Life have lived by since our inception in 2014. It is fundamentally important that we instill character, honor, and a sense of duty to God and others. These are key foundations in the mission of Trail Life USA.”
Hancock concluded, “Here at Trail Life, we challenge boys to grow as courageous men of character as they discover, learn and grow through outdoor adventure and intentional mentoring. We think that the drive and daring of boys is exactly what’s responsible for producing winning, determined, respectful, honoring men, and we are proud to foster that in boys across America.”
Trail Life recently celebrated its 50,000 th member — a monumental feat for an organization only a decade old. The reason parents and their boys are drawn to Trail Life’s unique, Christ-centered programming is clear. In the face of a culture that constantly demeans traditional masculinity and seeks to treat boys and girls in the same manner, boys are in desperate need of a band of brothers that celebrate what it means to be a boy.
