Citizenship in the Nation!

Ok, a couple weeks ago the boy scouts worked on the "Citizenship in the  Nation" merit badge. An interesting requirement for this badge is that you have to visit a US Federal Facility. Tough to do in Shanghai? NO! Quite easy in fact. All you have to do is visit your local Consulate or embassy. It also doesn't hurt to have a scoutmaster that is a member of the diplomatic corps.

We weren't allowed to take pictures, but I managed to find a few on the internet with the help of google images.

 This is the main gate. If you look closely you can see that the exterior guards are kindly supplied by the Chinese Government.

The compound itself is 3-4 acres of prime, downtown Shanghai real estate. We quickly learned that despite urban legend that the land is not legally US soil. The US does have permission to police itself on the grounds and maintains its own security inside the walls (Marines!). Everyone must have a valid ID, no cell phones and you do pass through a metal detector on the way in.

When the compound was restablished about 20 years ago the head of the consulate lived in the building pictured here. The activities at the consulate have grown so that the upper levels are now used as office space, but the main level is reserved for special events and meetings.

Another interesting fact is that any Federal agency that needs to have office-space in Shanghai works with the consulate. I found it interesting that the FAA has space in this building! Perhaps I can find an excuse to head there on a business trip???

This is one of the few places in Shanghai where you will find the US flag flying on a regular basis. The Marines take their responsibility very seriously and keep things ship shape at all times. An interesting fact as to why Marines are used to guard all Embassys & Consulates dates back to the 1700's. When the US first sent ambassadors abroad the sailed everywhere and the Marines were responsible for accompanying the Ambassador ashore and protecting him. 

Finally to complete the badge they also had to watch the news for a week, which were able to stream on the internet, and send a letter to a senator/congressman using email!

We also received a small gift. A pin that looks like a yin-yang symbol made of the American and Chinese flags spun together. Very cool!

Zai Jian!