Scout 1: The red of my flag is the lifeblood of brave men
ready to die or worthily live for this, our country. (Lights
candle)
Scout 2: The white of my flag is for purity, cleanliness of
purpose, thought, word, and deed. (Lights candle)
Scout 3: The blue of my flag is for faith and loyalty, like
the eternal blue of the star filled heavens. (Lights candle)
WELCOME: SCOUTMASTER
INVOCATION: CHAPLAIN
NATIONAL COURT OF HONOR: SCOUTING REP
The time has come to recognize our recipient of the Eagle. By
the authority vested in me by the Boy Scouts of America, I now
declare this Eagle Scout Court of Honor officially open.
Today, one individual will receive his Eagle. He has been
tested along the scouting trail, and proudly wears at least
twentyone merit badges. He has tasted the thrill of service to
our community, and has found that it is truly better to serve
than to be served.
Eagle Scout Candidate, please rise.
EAGLE SCOUT TRAIL: SCOUTING REP
This is the voice of the Eagle the Eagle whose heights you
have struggled to reach. I remember when you came to the base of
the cliff, and how you looked up with ambition and determination.
Look back at the experiences you have encountered in your ascent.
These experiences should not be forgotten. You should profit by
making sure the adverse ones do not occur again. Experience is a
valuable teacher if you will heed its valuable lessons.
Do you remember when you took your first step on the Eagle trail? With those first steps you began to build yourself physically, mentally, and morally. You started living the Scout Oath and law. Soon you learned the symbolism inherent in the Scout badge; you learned that there are
three points of the trefoil which stand for the three parts of
the Scout Oath: Duty to God and country, duty to other people,
and duty to yourself. You learned of two important ideals in
scouting, truth and knowledge. These are symbolized by two stars
on either side of the badge. These stars are like those of the
great outdoors which you have enjoyed on hikes and campouts. In
adding the Eagle to the shield of the United States you are
further reminded of your duty to country. You pledge to support
and preserve its freedom. Pointing skyward is the sign of the
north. Taken from the mariner's compass, it is a reminder of your
duty to God and your obligation to respect the religious
convictions of others.
From here the trail led through basic outdoor skills to the
Second Class rank. This badge, with the corners of the scroll
turned up in a scout smile admonished you to Be Prepared. The
overhand knot reminds you of your daily good turn.
At this point on the trail, some stop to catch their breath before continuing. But you began to study more and work harder. Almost before you knew it you became a First Class scout. The badge you received is a combination of both Tenderfoot and Second Class, reminding that there is much more to being a scout than just attending meetings. Here you were tempted to remain, but your ambition stirred you on. The variety of merit badges gave your interest free reign.
You took the lead showing others the way. It didn't take long before the first obstacle on the trail had been overcome. You were then a Star Scout. The life rank was reached more slowly. The trail had become steeper and merit badges harder. Fewer scouts seemed headed in your direction. You looked back and saw the crowds behind you. You looked up and saw the few above and with the same determination with which you had started your climb, you continued up the trail. You learned that leadership was leading, not driving or pushing. Example
is best.
The life rank is symbolized by a heart with the First Class badge, the badge of scouting imposed thereon. At this point the trail became tougher, but also more interesting. The original principals, the Scout Oath and Law now had fuller meaning. Your understanding of them was
much greater. As a result, your character unfolded; you became
more of a man. Your leadership ability expanded into a valuable
asset. Your mind developed and your wisdom increased.
Now you stand at the top of the mountain. It is not the end of the trail nor the beginning. Almost your whole life lies ahead of you. Your part in our country's upbuilding from the past may be small, and your claim to distinction and honor may rest on no basis at all. But
the future is for your own choosing. From your action the judgment must come. The need of your service to your country is greater than all you have previously done. When the drama is finally ended and the curtain is lowered at last, you must rest on the things you have
accomplished, not the dreams of the past.
Eagle candidate, please be seated.
INTRODUCTION OF HONORED GUESTS: SCOUTMASTER
QUALIFICATIONS: SCOUTMASTER
We have the honor and pleasure of recognizing the candidate
for the rank of Eagle Scout. This is an important and serious
matter. The parents and Scout leaders of this candidate have
labored long and faithfully to guide him towards alert and
participating citizenship through the Boy Scout program. Their
efforts culminate today in the presentation of this Eagle badge.
The Boy Scout movement constitutes one of the most wholesome
and significant developments of our day. This scout is worthy of
the highest rank in its membership. As an Eagle Scouts, he will
be asked to assume a solemn obligation to do his duty to God,
country, fellow scouts, and fellow citizens. This is a great
undertaking. It was, therefore, proper that the court make a
careful examination of your achievements. In order that all may
understand the completeness of our examination, I will have our
troop Committee Chairman review the findings of the board of
review.
BOARD OF REVIEW FINDINGS: TROOP COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
The first consideration in examining this candidate was his proficiency in the various craft and skills prescribed for the Eagle rank. Our applicant has presented a record of the merit badges earned, and these have been carefully checked. He has been certified by appointed merit badge counselors and the board of review has found him qualified for the twentyone required. Another important consideration for the Eagle Rank is leadership. The board of review has carefully reviewed his leadership in the troop, school, church, and community. We found that
he has demonstrated this ability in activities that are
constructive and worthwhile. We believe that he qualifies for the
Eagle rank. Last and most importantly is the character of this
candidate. It was our finding that this candidate is endeavoring
to put into daily practice the principles of the Scout Oath and
Law which include integrity and honor. We believe he is qualified
as an Eagle Scout and that he will continue those habits of
conduct in the future.
In light of these inquiries by the Eagle board of review, the
court of honor finds the candidate qualified to receive the rank
of Eagle Scout
EAGLE PRESENTATION: SCOUTING REP
Would the honor guard please escort the Eagle candidate and
his parents to the Honor area.
We would like to have the Scoutmaster assist in the
presentation of the Eagle badge.
By the authority vested in me by the National Court of Honor
of the Boy Scouts of America, it is my privilege and pleasure to
pronounce you an Eagle Scout, and be involved in the presentation
of that award.
In recognition of fatherly advice and guidance along the trail
to the Eagle rank, I will ask your father now to pin the badge of
the Eagle Scout. (Father pins on the Eagle badge on the left
pocket flap.)
(Eagle Scout) will now give his father the Eagle Tie Clasp.
Service and patient perseverance has been shown by your
leaders as they helped you toward worthy manhood. It is
appropriate that the Committee Chairman present you with the
Eagle Scout Certificate. (Chairman reads letter from National Boy
Scouts and presents Eagle Scout the certificate.)
No one will ever know the unnumbered acts of selfsacrifice
from your mother. In recognition of her devotion, the court will
now ask you to present her with a miniature pin. (Eagle Scout
pins Eagle pin on mother and gives her a hug and kiss.)
Will the Honor Guard please escort the parents to their seats
of honor.
(Eagle Scout) has asked (Scoutmaster) to give him the Eagle
charge.
EAGLE CHARGE: SCOUTMASTER
(Scoutmaster reads charge)
Would the Honor Guard please escort (Eagle Scout) to his seat
of honor.
Would (Scoutmaster and an Eagle Scout) please come forward for
the summation of our program and the reading of the
congratulatory letters.
CONGRATULATORY LETTERS: TROOP COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
CLOSING REMARKS: SCOUTING REP
"VOICE OF THE EAGLE": SCOUTMASTER
CLOSING CEREMONY