(-1969 days)
Prepare a display of pictures, patches, and memorabilia for a display table in the lobby. The table is decorated with a few red, white, and blue balloons. It's a convenient place to drop cards.
A cloth Eagle banner is put on the table for guests and troop members to write short congratulatory messages and signatures with permanent cloth markers - be cautious and find fine tipped markers and TEST them. Sometimes brands like Rub-a-Dub bleed and become illegible when used on the thin cotton the banner is made of. It's catalog number Z11008 36x36 inches for $22.45.
As families and guest arrive 2 to 4 "best dressed" Scouts should greet them, hand them a printed program, and point them to the seating area. They should direct all uniformed Scouts, Cub, Boy, and Girl Scouts to gather for the opening Grand Parade. The parents of Eagles should have seats prepared in the back of the hall for them to sit in until the start of the program.
All uniformed Scouts should be gathered downstairs. When music starts, clear the center aisle. Either have Two Eagle Scouts, or two other senior Scouts, escort the parents of the new Eagle Scout, and the new Eagle Scout, to their seats just in front of the Eagle's Nest. When parents are standing at their chairs, start the Grand Parade. Flags are carried in, followed by Cub Scouts and their uniformed leaders, Other uniformed Scouts, followed by Troop members. Have a Cub Scout adult leader start seating the cubs in the front row, filling up the rows as they go along. Everyone should remain standing.
Would everyone please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. [After the pledge] Two! Thank you. Please be seated.
The time has come to recognize the recipients of the Eagle Award. By the authority invested in me by the Boy Scouts of America, I now declare this Eagle Court-of-Honor to be officially opened.
[Welcoming speech goes here.]
We want you to understand clearly the full significance of the ideals by which scouts live, and though which we achieve worthy citizenship. Before you, a golden flame burns constantly; this flame symbolizes a scout’s honor, which must never be dimmed. When a boy takes the Scout Oath, he is placing his honor, the brightest thing in his life, before his fellow scouts, his parents, and his friends. A boy without honor is as nothing, so it is a serious thing to give the Scout Oath on one’s honor.
From this golden flame of a scout’s honor is lighted the blue flame of duty to God, and to country. “On my honor I will do my best: to do my duty to God and my country, and to obey the scout law…”
We light the red flame of duty to other people. “On my honor I will do my best: …to help other people at all times...”
We light the white flame of duty to self, “On my honor I will do my best: …to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”
We now bring to light the twelve white flames of the scout law, which make bright and clear the trail, which leads from boyhood to manhood.
A scout is Trustworthy.
A scout is Loyal.
A scout is Helpful.
A scout is Friendly.
A scout is Courteous.
A scout is Kind.
A scout is Obedient.
A scout is Cheerful.
A scout is Thrifty.
A scout is Brave.
A scout is Clean.
A scout is Reverent.
SCOUT BIOGRAPHY FOR ____________________
_____ began his trail to Eagle Scout as a Webelos Scout in ___________'s Pack 39. He moved forward on the trail earning the Webelos Badge and the Arrow of Light award. In ________, he became a member of Troop __. An active participant in Troop __ activities, ______ passed his Board of Review for Tenderfoot on _________________; Second Class on ____________; and First Class Scout on ______________. He continued on to become a Star Scout on ____________; Life Scout on _____________; and reached his goal on ____________, when he passed his Eagle Board of Review. Along the trail to Eagle, ________ has earned twenty-one merit badges. He has been a member of the troop leadership serving as Instructor, Quartermaster, Troop Guide, Patrol Leader, and is currently a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, a brotherhood of honor campers, as an Ordeal member. ________’s Eagle project was ________________________________________________________.
___________ is a member of the senior class of __________ High School where he is a member of the ______________ and ____________ teams. He plays ___________ in the __________ Band. He also is a member of the _________________. Justin plans to be attend the _______________ next year pursuing a degree in ______________.
I am the voice of the Eagle.
We remember well when you first came to the base of the cliff, and how you looked up with ambition and determination. Look back for a moment; look down the cliff you have climbed; look at the experiences you have encountered in your ascent.
These experiences should not be forgotten. You should profit by making sure adverse experiences do not occur again. Experience is a valuable teacher; if you heed its teachings.
We remember when you took your first step upon the trail that leads upward. With that first step you began to build yourself physically, mentally, and morally. You started living the Scout Oath and Law. All the while you were on the trail, we watched you study and we say you learned by doing. First, you were only a Scout. Then your brother Scouts called you a Tenderfoot . . . and they were right, you were indeed a Tenderfoot Scout.
Soon, you reached the second ledge and there you were greeted by a large group of Second Class Scouts. To reach the rank of Second Class, you learned to work with members of your patrol and you began to develop patrol spirit.
Some, like you, were stopping to catch their breath before continuing along the trail. You began to study more, you worked harder, and almost before you knew it, you came to another ledge where First Class Scouts dwell. When a Scout reaches the rank of First Class in Troop __, he is really first class. He is an expert in the outdoor skills of camping, cooking, hiking, and first aid.
Here you were tempted to remain, for now you had reached a high level of confidence and ability. Yes, you could have remained here to live in First Class glory, but your ambition stirred you on. We remember your advancement to Star Scout. As a Star Scout you learned to work with the younger boys in the troop, passing along the knowledge you have gained.
The trail from First Class to Star was not as difficult as it had seemed. This spurred you on, and again you climbed further. The trail was steeper, and was less worn. Fewer Scouts seemed to be headed in your direction. You looked down and saw the crowds below you. You looked up and saw a few above you and, with the same determination with which you started your climb, you continued up the trail. You demonstrated leadership in the troop, and took part in community service projects.
Soon, the Life Scout badge - the heart badge - was placed on your uniform. You will never forget the thoughts in your heart - a feeling that has been experience by most Scouts on reaching the ledge of Life. Now I am close to the Eagle; I will carry on. The trail became tougher, but more interesting. The original principles, the Scout Oath and Law, now had a fuller meaning. Your understanding of them was greater. The rank of Eagle is Scouting's highest award. To become an Eagle Scout you had to earn at least 21 merit badges. You had to plan, develop, and carry out an extensive service project, giving leadership to others and you had to serve as a troop officer for at least 6 months.
Yes, we have watched your character unfold and become mature; we have seen your understanding of citizenship expand; we have watched your mind develop and your wisdom increase; and we observed your leadership ability growing into a valuable asset. We have seen all these things in you, and now that you are at the threshold of your goal, we welcome you, for you have done your climbing is a true scout like manner.
[Ask new Eagle Scout to come forward]
You will rededicate yourself by repeating the Scout Oath. Repeat it slowly as you stand beside the three lighted candles. Each one represents a part of the Oath. Resolve to uphold forever its principles with the same ambition and perseverance that had brought you this far.
On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong; mentally awake, and morally straight.
The Law of the Eagle is the Scout Law. Your fellow scouts have told you the Law which you know so well. Take heed of this advice and wisdom. Your conduct along the trail has been excellent. You have rededicated yourself to the principles of Scouting. You have heard again the call of the Eagle. But, one more thing is important - your future. As an Eagle, you become a guide to other scouts. You become an example in your community. Remember, your actions are a little more conspicuous, and people will expect more of you. To falter in your duties would not only reflect upon you, but on your fellow Eagles. The torch you carry is not only yours, but ours.
Let this not be the end of your Scouting, but go on, go on to greater heights, and give other boys the benefit of your experiences.
[Ask all Eagle Scouts in the audience, past and present, to come forward to stand behind the ceremony table and rededicate themselves to the Eagle pledge]
Please give the Scout sign and repeat the Pledge of the Eagle after me:
"I, Scout’s name, REALIZE MY OBLIGATION TO MY FELLOWS, MY HOME, MY COUNTRY, AND MY GOD. I WILL AT ALL TIMES DO MY BEST TO ASSIST OTHER SCOUTS WHO ARE CLIMBING THE TRAIL OF EAGLE AND GIVE BACK MORE TO SCOUTING MORE THAN IT HAS GIVEN ME AND TO ASSIST MY TROOP AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND TO BE A LIVING EXAMPLE OF THE SCOUT OATH AND LAW TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY."
Two Troop Eagle Scouts, or Two Senior Scouts remove the troop neckerchief and slide. Place the Eagle neckerchief on the new Eagle Scout. Shake hands with the Eagle Scout, and each parent. Be seated.
Eagle Candidate (scout’s full name) :
I have the honor to give you the Eagle Scout Charge on the occasion of your elevation to the highest rank in Scouting.
The Boy Scouts of all nations constitute one of the most wholesome and significant influences in the world’s history. You have been counted worthy of this high rank in the Boy Scouts of America. All who know you rejoice in your achievement.
Your position, as you well know, is one of honor and responsibility. You are a marked man. As an Eagle Scout, you have assumed a solemn obligation to do your duty to God, to country, to your fellow Scouts, and to mankind in general. This is a great undertaking. As you live up to your obligations, you bring honor to yourself and to your brother Scouts.
Your responsibility goes beyond your fellow Scouts; it extends to your country and your God. America has many good things to give you and to give your children after you but these good things depend for the most part on the quality of her citizens. Our country has had a great past. You can make the future still greater.
I charge you to undertake your citizenship with solemn dedication. Be a leader, but lead only toward the best. Lift up every task you do and every office you hold to the high level of service to God and your fellow man.
So live and serve so those who know you will be inspired to the finest living. We have too many who use their strength and their brains to exploit others and to gain selfish ends. I charge you to be among those who dedicate their hearts and hands to the common good.
Build America on the solid foundation of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship and reverence for God. Then, whatever others may do, you will leave behind you a record of which you may be justly proud.
Remind everyone to honor the Eagle Scouts by signing the new Eagle banner located on a display table downstairs in the reception area. Ask the Eagle Scouts and their parents to return to the ceremony table at the end of closing for pictures. Benediction – Priest, Revenant, or Rabbi, as appropriate for Duty to God.
Would all Boy Scouts and Former Boy Scouts please stand and join me in the Scout Oath. [Repeat the Oath. Color guard please retire the colors. [The color guard should collect the flags. New Eagle Scouts and their parents should follow, then the Cub Scouts, then Boys Scouts. Lead them downstairs.]