President Hinckley at the Jamboral — 1996
In late September of 1996, our Boy Scouts of America Utah National Parks Council sponsored a Jamboral in Fillmore, Utah. We had 15 boys who participated and it was quite an experience. The dust was thick and the weather was overcast and cold, but we had a memorable time participating with 29,000 other scouts in the various activities and events. The overriding highlight of the event was the visit of President Gordon B. Hinckley. Despite the bitter cold weather and choking dust, President Hinckley wanted to be driven around the huge encampment in order to mingle with the Scouts, to see them and to be seen by them. The Scouts thronged President Hinckley’s vehicle, waving as he waved to them. Noticing that one Scout some distance away did not return his wave, President Hinckley requested that the vehicle stop. It became immediately apparent that this young Scout had no arms, and thus was unable to wave to President Hinckley. President Hinckley left the vehicle, walked to the boy, embraced him and told him that he loved him. Such is the character of the man that we revere. (This story was related by Elder Glen Overton, Area Authority, at our Stake Conference on November 17, 1996).
President Hinckley addressed this vast throng at about 9 pm in the evening. He shared with us a remarkable story. During his mission to England in the 1930’s, he and his companion decided to visit Lord Baden Powell, the founder of Scouting. They paid a visit to his office, only to find that he was out of town. His secretary, however, was willing to let them browse around his office. President Hinckley was quick to notice that there was only one picture hanging in the entire office. Much to his surprise, he discovered that the picture was of the Seagull Monument on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. President Hinckley regretted that he was never able to ascertain why this monument was special to Baden Powell. (Logic would dictate that either the seagull-cricket miracle itself or the Church’s close association with Scouting would be the reason.) President Hinckley’s message was timely and motivational. After the talk, he was presented with a beautiful hand-carved stave. He quipped, “I might need to use this when I get old!” (He was 86 years old at the time he made this statement!) I admire and revere President Hinckley so very much. He is, in every instance, dignified and inspirational, yet always humble and approachable.
Click here to return to the Personal Life Journal index