As the guests enter the Sanctuary, Boy Scouts of Troop _____________ hand out programs and usher guests to their seats. All speakers, participants, and their spouses are seated in a special area prior to the opening.

Opening Ceremony:

______________ SPL: (Proceeds to the center front of Communion Rail and turns to face the audience) "Would everyone please stand for the presentation of our Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance."

(Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack march in and take their places)

_____________SM: (calls the Color Guard - Cobra & Trailblazer Webelos Scouts - to present the colors. Once the Color Guard reaches the front of the Sanctuary and is in place, he calls "Hand Salute" and leads the Pledge of Allegiance. The colors are posted; he asks the audience to "Please be seated". He then dismisses the Color Guard "Color Guard, dismissed", and follows them to the back of the Sanctuary where they then quietly proceed to their seats.

_____________SA: "Scouts, Scouters, and friends of Scouting, I would like to welcome you to this Eagle Court of Honor. This is an occasion for pride and joy, as well as a time for serious reflection. The Eagle is the highest recognition that Scouting offers to Scouts. It is earned through the advancement program, and only a small percentage of boys who begin in Scouting receive this honor. The wearer of the Eagle award is the epitome of Scouting's best efforts and beliefs. Tonight, we have the pleasure of seeing _____________ climax his Scouting efforts when he joins the company of Eagle Scouts. Before we begin, the Reverend ____________, will deliver the Invocation."

Invocation

_____________: delivers the Invocation.

Significance of the Eagle Badge

_____________: "The presentation of the Eagle Scout Award is an important and serious matter. For the Eagle candidate, this is the climax in his Scouting efforts. The attainment of this award is made possible through the assistance of those with the candidate tonight -- his Scoutmasters, Troop leaders, fellow Scouts, parents, family, friends, and members of the community. This is an occasion for pride and joy, as well as a time for serious reflection."

The Eagle is the highest recognition offered in Scouting. It is earned through the advancement program. The wearer of the Eagle award is the embodiment of Scouting's best efforts and beliefs. _____________ has distinguished himself through his continued performance of active service in Scouting. He is trained and practiced in his leadership abilities. And, he is marked by the character gained through an understanding of his citizenship and religious beliefs. It is important that each of us understands the meaning of the Eagle Badge."

(Lights are dimmed by ___________)

The Eagle Honor Guard speaks from the rear of the sanctuary:

_____________: "The appeal of the majestic eagle has been felt by every great people from prehistoric times to the present day. To the Egyptians, the eagle was the messenger of the gods and the sun, a symbol of eternal life. To the Romans, he was the carrier of Jupiter's thunderbolts and a sign of power. To American Indians he stood as the incentive to valor and the pledge of victory. For us today, the eagle is the living symbol of all courageous and freedom-aspiring Americans. When the Eagle Scout badge was designed in 1912, it was decided that a small silver eagle would be suspended from a tricolor ribbon of red, white,

and blue. So it remains today."

(The Eagle is lit.)

_____________: "The foremost responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor. To an Eagle Scout, honor is the foundation of all character. He knows that 'a Scout is trustworthy' is the very first point of the Scout Law for a good reason. An Eagle Scout lives honorably, not only because honor is important to him, but because of the vital significance of the example he sets for other scouts. Living honorably reflects credit on his home, his church, his troop, and his community. May the white of the Eagle Badge remind you to always live with honor."

(The white ribbon is lit.)

_____________: "The second obligation of an Eagle Scout is loyalty. A Scout is true to his family, scout leaders, friends, school, and nation. His loyalty to his troop and brother scouts makes him pitch in and carry his share of the load. All of these help to build the loyalty which means devotion to community, to country, to one's own ideals, and to God. Let the blue of the Eagle Badge always inspire your loyalty."

(The blue ribbon is lit.)

_____________: "The third obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be courageous. Courage has always been a quality by which men measure themselves and others. To a scout, bravery means not only the courage to face physical danger, but the determination to stand up for the right. Trusting in God, with faith in his fellow man, he looks forward to each day, seeking his share of the world's work to do. Let the red of the Eagle Badge remind you always of courage."

(The red ribbon is lit.)

_____________: The fourth obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be cheerful. To remind the Eagle Scout to always wear a smile, the red, white, and blue ribbon is attached to the scroll of the Second Class Scout award, which has its ends turned up in a smile."

(The Scroll is lit.)

_____________: "The final responsibility of an Eagle Scout is service. The Eagle Scout is service. The Eagle Scout extends a helping hand to those who still toil up Scouting's trail, just as others helped him in his climb to the Eagle. The performance of the daily good turn takes on a new meaning when he enters a more adult life of continuing service to others. The Eagle stands as protector of the weak and helpless. He aids and comforts the unfortunate and the oppressed. He upholds the rights of others while defending his own. He will always 'be prepared' to put forth his best."

_____________: "You are deserving of much credit in having achieved Scouting's highest award. However, you wear your award with humility, ever mindful that the Eagle Scout is looked up to as an example. May the Scout Oath and the Scout Law be your guide for tomorrow and onward."

(Lights are turned up by ________________)

Keynote Address

_____________: "_____________ will now convene the National Court of Honor."

Convening of the National Court of Honor

_____________: "By the authority vested in me as a representative of the _____________ Council and the National Council, Boy Scouts of America, I declare this Court of Honor to be convened."

"The Scouting movement constitutes one of the most wholesome and significant influences in the world today. Many successful, well-known persons are Eagle Scouts -- a former President of the United States, a film director whose films have won world-wide acclaim, most of the original astronauts, and several outstanding sports personalities. The Eagle candidate whose efforts culminate this evening in the presentation of the Eagle badge, has labored long to enter this brotherhood. He will assume even greater responsibilities to the ideals of honor and service. When he pledges himself on his sacred honor, he will be sealing his loyalty to the code of the Eagle Scout with the words which closed the Declaration of Independence."

"Honor Guard, please escort before this Court of Honor Life Scout _____________, where he will be prepared to receive the Eagle Scout Award."

(After the Honor Guard returns to their seats, _____________continues)

Reaffirmation of Candidate to the Scout Oath Principles

_____________: "All along the trail of achievement, your scoutmasters have given you advice and encouragement. I call upon your Scoutmaster, Mr. _____________, to vouch for you tonight. ____________ steps forward, _____________ addresses him.) "Sir, before presenting your Scout the Eagle Award, we would like to have your assurance that _____________ has been faithful in serving his troop, in

giving leadership to its scouts, in practicing the principles of the Scout Oath and Law, and in practicing the good turn in his daily life. Based upon these qualifications, Mr. _____________SM, is your Scout entitled to the honor the Eagle badge represents?"

_____________SM: "Yes, sir, he is."

_____________: "Eagle candidate _____________, what promise did you take when you became a Tenderfoot Scout?"

_____________: "The Scout Oath, sir."

_____________: "Is there any reason why you should not renew that promise now?"

_____________: "There is not, sir."

_____________: "Then I ask you to now give the Scout Oath as you rededicate yourself to its principles."

_____________: (Gives the Scout Sign and repeats the Scout Oath)

_____________: "You have just recommitted yourself to the principles of the Scout Oath. You now have a new, more intense obligation to your church, your community, and your troop. The knowledge you have gained in all areas of scouting will better enable you to be prepared for the future and its challenges. The Scout Motto of 'be prepared' now takes on special meaning."

"Before the Eagle Award is bestowed upon you, I am going to ask the Honor Guard to escort your father to your side."

(After his father is in position on the candidate's right and the Honor Guard has returned to their seats, continue with...)

"Eagle Candidate _____________, your father has undoubtedly been a primary source of help in your Scout work. He will help you carry the standards of your award to the highest peak of attainment, since the very best is expected of an Eagle Scout in exemplary conduct, character, achievement, and leadership ability. I am going to ask your father, who has stood by you so loyally to pledge his willingness to continue to help you. Mr. _____________, do you agree to continue to help_____________ so that he may grow in character and those leadership qualities that an Eagle Scout should have?"

_____________: "I will."

_____________: "Your mother has undoubtedly been your greatest source of inspiration in your quest for the Eagle Award. I am going to ask that she please rise and allow the Honor Guard to escort her to your side."

(The Honor Guard escorts the mother to the candidate's left. _____________ moves to microphone as mom is escorted to _____________'s side.)

_____________: (Give a brief history of _____________'s Scouting career - see attached. When completed, he continues ...)

"Eagle Candidate _____________, it is now my pleasure to introduce Eagle Scout _____________ to deliver to you the Eagle Charge."

Eagle Charge:

_____________: "Scouts of all nations make up one of the most wholesome and significant movements in the world's history. You have been judged by the Boy Scouts of America as being worthy of this honor. All who know you rejoice in your achievement. This award, as you will 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."

"America has many good things to give you and 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 help make the future even greater."

"I charge you to undertake your citizenship with a solemn dedication. Be a leader, but lead only toward the best. Lift up every task you do and every office you hold to the highest level of service to God and to your fellow man."

"So live and serve, that those who know you will be inspired to finer living. I charge you to be among those who dedicate their hearts, hands, skills, and abilities to the common good. Help to build America's future by continuing to set an example of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship and reverence

for God, whatever others may do. You will leave behind you a record of which you may be justly proud."

"Eagle Candidate _____________, I charge you to enter this Eagle Scout brotherhood holding without reservation and ever before you the ideals of honor and service. By the repetition of the Eagle Scout promise before your fellow members, you will become an Eagle Scout. When you pledge yourself on your sacred honor, you will be sealing your eternal loyalty to the code of the Eagle Scout with the same words which closed the Declaration of Independence."

"Will all Eagle Scouts here tonight please stand and renew your Eagle Scout promise as_____________ joins our brotherhood? (Pause) Scout sign; repeat after me;"

"I reaffirm my allegiance .... to the three promises of the Scout Oath .... I thoughtfully recognize .... and take upon myself .... the obligations and responsibilities .... of an Eagle Scout. .... On my honor, I will do my best .... to make my training an example .... and my status and my influence .... count strongly for better Scouting .... and for better citizenship .... in my troop, .... in my community, .... and in my contacts with other people. .... To this I pledge my sacred honor."

"Two. Please be seated"

"_____________, your conduct along the trail has been excellent. You have rededicated yourself to the principles of Scouting. But one more thing is important ... your future."

"As an Eagle Scout, you become a guide to other Scouts. You become an example in your community. Remember that your actions are now a little more conspicuous and people will expect more of you. To falter in your responsibility would reflect not only on you, but on your fellow Eagles and all of Scouting. The torch you carry is not only yours, but it is also ours."

Presentation of Award:

_____________: "Life Scout _____________, we are finally at that point you have been waiting for. Having confirmed all readiness for the reception of this award, it is now time to formally present this high badge of accomplishment."

"By the authority vested in me by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America, it is my privilege an pleasure to pronounce you an Eagle Scout. May the Oath you have taken always remain with you."

"No words of this Court of Honor could do justice to the devotion and patient perseverance with which your Scoutmaster has helped you towards worthy manhood. Only from his hands could you receive your Eagle award at this moment. Will Scoutmaster _____________ pin the badge on this new Eagle Scout?"

"In recognition of fatherly advice and guidance along the trail to Eagle, I will ask this Eagle Scout's father now to present to his son the Eagle Scout certificate and personal letter of commendation from the Chief Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of America." (Hand certificate to father for presenting. Letter should be read before presenting.)

"No one will ever know the unnumbered acts of self-sacrifice and helpfulness from the mother of this Eagle Scout which have led us to this night. As the symbol of what his mother has made possible, the court will now ask this Eagle to present his mother with a miniature Eagle pin." (Son pins on miniature Eagle pin. When all the insignia have been presented, speaker gives the new Eagle Scout the Scout handclasp with the left hand. Right handshake should be used for each of the parents.)

"May I congratulate you again, and may I remind you that Scouting should now become an even greater tie between son and parents, binding you even more closely as a family. To you, Eagle Scout _____________, I express confidence that you will honor Scouting with your life and service as tonight Scouting honors you. That God may bless you and make you a blessing is our prayer."

"Honor Guard, please escort _____________'s parents to their seats."

(As the Honor Guard is seating the parents, _____________ moves to the microphone and continues ...)

Special Recognition:

_____________: "It gives me great pleasure to introduce Mr. _____________, Chartered Organization Representative for the Scouting units here at _____________, who will present those with special recognition's for the new Eagle Scout."

_____________: (says a few words on behalf of the sponsoring organization, and introduces the following people:)

______________, Committee Chairman, Troop_____________ (plaque)

(When presentations are complete, _____________ moves back to the microphone for the closing.)

Closing

_____________: "Now _____________, before you leave this ceremony, will you kneel where you are and in true Scout fashion, silently ask your God to give you strength and courage to wear with distinction and honor the award which you now hold."

( A moment of silent prayer)

"I congratulate you as an Eagle Scout. The eagle soars high and seeks to rest only upon the lofty peaks. As an Eagle Scout, you too must soar high. You must not swerve from the path of duty. Your ideals must be lofty. You must strive to obtain that which is the highest and noblest in life."

"I hereby close this Eagle Court of Honor and present to you Eagle Scout _____________."

_____________: (After applause, _____________ says a few words of thanks)

_____________: (Leads closing, colors recess.)