The Meaning of the Friendship Fire

Many moons ago, when different tribes of our Native American ancestors would get together, they built a special fire to represent the friendship between their different tribes, and the importance of all people to the Great Tribe, no matter who they were or where they came from. There is a lot of meaning in the Friendship Fire; it symbolizes many things that our Indian ancestors knew to be important.

First, see how the logs point in different directions, but work together to make the fire possible. That is just how people from different backgrounds and cultures should come together and work together to accomplish a common goal.

Now see how the older, larger logs on the bottom support the smaller logs above. Many times in your life, you will be asked to use your Scouting skills to help support those who are weaker or have fewer abilities. Understand, too, that those smaller logs are also important; just because they are weaker doesn't mean they don't have a part to play. Their abilities, though different, are important, too.

Notice how the smaller logs at the top flame so bright while the bottom ones wait their turn to burn. The bottom logs will eventually burn long into the night, keeping us warm, and many burn into tomorrow. Many times in life you will see those who shine very brightly, but are gone in an instant. Be patient and wait your chance. You, too, will have your turn to shine, and if you show patience, you will be appreciated when those before you are forgotten.

Finally, the logs you see before you are dead. They have lived their life well; enduring storm, drought and wind. They still serve a purpose today, giving us warmth and light. Even tomorrow, when their embers have faded, their ashes will help give life to the next generation of trees. They live on -- even after death. So too, we will live on. Let them remind you that it is important to consider how you live your life, because your legacy -- good or bad -- will live on. People will remember you by the deeds you did while you were alive.

As you go to the happy hunting grounds, may your deeds help a new generation grow strong and proud.