The following Eagle Court of Honor was forwarded to us by:.
Stanley M. Krieger
Eagle Advisor
Troop 368 BSA
Watchung Area Council
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EAGLE COURT OF HONOR
Troop 368, Watchung Area Council, BSA
Berkeley Heights, NJ
October 19, 1993
EAGLE SCOUT HOWARD J. KRIEGER
PROGRAM
Master of Ceremonies - MC
Flag Ceremony - SCOUT 1
Invocation - Stan Krieger
Scout Opening - ASPL
Trail of the Eagle - SCOUT 2
Introduction of Candidate - FORMER SM
Eagle Charge - ADULT EAGLE
Eagle Acceptance - Howard Krieger
HOWARD J. KRIEGER
EAGLE COURT OF HONOR
OCTOBER 19, 1993
MC: Will everybody please find seats; we are about to begin
tonight's ceremony (pause).
Tonight we have the honor and pleasure of recognizing a candidate for the rank of Eagle Scout. This is an important and serious matter. Achieving the rank of Eagle is more than just checking off a few requirements on a preprinted form; rather, it represents the learning and the application of leadership skills, developing the communications skills required to work effectively with both his peers as well as his adult leaders and contacts, and developing a personal value system consistent with the code of conduct expressed by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
At this time, I would like to ask all Eagle Scouts, both youth and adult, to please rise. (slight pause). All of these Eagle Scouts had themselves met the vigorous requirements necessary for advancement to Eagle; also, you will notice that I did not refer to the adult Eagle Scouts now standing as "former" Eagle Scouts. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle, and with it come forever the responsibilities that go along of this rank.
At this time, I would like everybody to rise for the
presentation of the colors.
SCOUT 1: Color Guard, advance the colors!
(allow to proceed to near the front of the stage, then) Color
guard halt! (pause). Post the colors. (color guard moves forward,
place the flags in their appropriate positions, and remain at
attention throughout the ceremony). Salute! (lead the audience in
the pledge of allegiance). Two! Color Guard, dismissed! (pause)
The audience may be seated.
MC: At his time, I would like to present Stanley Krieger, the
father of our Eagle candidate, for the invocation.
Stan Krieger: One of the objectives of Scouting, duty to
others, is readily expressed in the following writing:
What can we give?
o Our Friendship to those who need it.
o Our Love to those close to us.
o Our Thanks to those who deserve it.
o Our Encouragement to those who are unsure.
o Our Support to those who seek it.
o Our Respect to those who have earned it.
o Our Understanding to those whose views differ.
o Our Comfort to those who suffer illness.
o Our Consolation to those who grieve.
o Our Time to causes we deem worthy.
These are gifts we can all afford to give. None is beyond our
means, none has to be giftwrapped, and none needs to be
exchanged for size or color preference. A gift of oneself is
precious not only to the recipient, but enriches the giver as
well.
MC: Thank you Stan. I'd now like to introduce our honored
guests this evening. (list to be prepared, will include
relatives, community leaders, and nonTroop Scout leaders).
Life Scout ASPL will now present the Scout Oath and Law, the
principles by which all Scouts, and adult leaders, are expected
to live.
ASPL: As Assistant Senior Patrol Leader of this troop, I now
light this candle to represent the spirit of Scouting (light
candle). The Law of this Troop is the Scout Law. (turn off
lights)
o A Scout is Trustworthy. He tells the truth. He keeps his
promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can
depend on him.
o A Scout is Loyal. He is true to his family, Scout leaders,
friends, school, and nation.
o A Scout is Helpful. He is concerned about other people. He
does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
o A Scout is Friendly. He is a friend to all. He is a brother
to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those
with ideas and customs other than his own.
o A Scout is Courteous. He is polite to everyone regardless of
age or position. He knows that good manners make it easier for
people to get along together.
o A Scout is Kind. He understands that there is strength in
being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does
not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.
o A Scout is Obedient. He follows the rules of his family,
school, and Troop. He obeys the laws of his community and
country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries
to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than just
disobey them.
o A Scout is Cheerful. He looks for the bright side of things.
He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make
others happy.
o A Scout is Thrifty. He works to pay his way and to help
others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves
natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
o A Scout is Brave. He can face danger even if he is afraid.
He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if
others laugh at or threaten him.
o A Scout is Clean. He keeps his body and mind fit and clean.
He goes around with those who believe in living by these same
ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.
o A Scout is Reverent. He is reverent toward God. He is
faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of
others.
(turn on lights)
Scouts also live by another code, which is the Scout Oath. The
Scout Oath describes the three duties that every Scout must
accept duty to God and Country, duty to others, and duty to
self.
Scouts, please stand; raise your hand in the Scout sign: and
recite the Scout Oath with me (pause).
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.
(slight pause) Please be seated. (pause extinguish candle).
In recognition of Howard's efforts, SCOUT 2 will now present
The Trail of the Eagle.
SCOUT 2: (house lights off; boy with flashlight will light up
each card as rank is read).
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 that the adverse ones do not occur again.
Experience is a valuable teacher if you heed its lessons.
Do you remember when you took your first step on the Eagle
Trail? Do you remember when you joined this Troop at your first
rank of Scout? (shine flashlight on Scout card). With those first
steps you began to build yourself physically, mentally, and
morally. You started living the Scout Oath and Law. Soon you had
attained the Tenderfoot rank (move flashlight to Tenderfoot card)
in which 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 there the trail led through basic outdoor skills to the
Second Class rank (move flashlight). This badge, with the corners
of the scroll turned up in the Scout smile, admonished you to
``Be Prepared'', which is the Scout Motto. The overhand knot
below reminds you of your daily good turn, which is the Scout
Slogan.
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 (move
flashlight). The badge you received is a combination of both
Tenderfoot and Second Class, reminding you that there is much
more to being a Scout than just attending meetings. When a Scout
reaches the First Class rank, he is really First Class; he is
knowledgeable in the outdoor skills of camping, cooking, hiking,
and first aid, as well as the code of conduct contained in the
Scout Oath and Law.
Here you may have been 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 next obstacle on the trail had been
overcome. You were a Star Scout (move flashlight). A Star Scout
learns to work with the younger boys in the Troop, passing along
the knowledge he has gained. This badge is a Star with the First
Class badge, the badge of Scouting, imposed thereon. It
symbolizes that you were to be like a star showing the way for
the younger Scouts.
The Life Rank (move flashlight) 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 have started your climb,
you continued up the trail. You learned that leadership was
``leading'', and not driving or pushing. Example is best.
The Life rank is symbolized by a heart with again the First
Class badge, the badge of Scouting, imposed thereon. You will
never forget the thoughts in your heart, a feeling that has been
experienced by most Scouts on reaching the ledge of Life, ``Now I
am close to Eagle; I will carry on.''
At this point the trail became even tougher, but also more
interesting. The original principles, the Scout Oath and Law, now
had a 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 (flashlight off). But
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 the last, you must rest on the
things you have accomplished, and not the dreams of the past.
(turn house lights back on)
MC: It is now my pleasure to introduce Assistant Scoutmaster
FORMER SM, who will give us a brief history of the Eagle
candidate.
FORMER SM: (Present a history of Howie)
MC: In recognition of what a young man has accomplished in
reaching the rank of Eagle, letters of recognition and
congratulations have been sent from around the world. These
include (read off senders of letters, and show any certificates).
We now ask ADULT EAGLE, Howie's Eagle Advisor and himself an Eagle Scout, to give the Eagle Charge. ADULT EAGLE: Howard, and Stan and Betty Krieger, please rise (all
three rise, and Howard steps to the podium).
Eagle candidate Howard Krieger, I charge you to live with
honor. An Eagle's honor is sacred, for it is the foundation of
all character. Character is what you really are deep down inside,
not what you think you are. May the white on your Eagle badge
remind you to live with honor.
I charge you to be loyal. Without loyalty, all character lacks
direction. An Eagle is loyal to his ideals. The blue on your
badge is a reminder to be loyal.
I charge you to be courageous. Courage gives all character
force and strength. Trust in God, and have faith in your fellow
men. Face each day unafraid and seek your share of the world's
work to do. Let the red on your badge remind you to always have
courage.
I charge you to give service. Make the habit of the daily good
turn come forth in a life of service.
I charge you to enter this Eagle Scout brotherhood holding the ideals of honor and service. By the repetition of the Eagle Scout promise, you will become an Eagle Scout. When
you pledge yourself, ``On your sacred honor'', you will be
sealing your loyalty to the code of the Eagle Scout with the
words that close the Declaration of Independence.
Howard, make the scout sign and 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 the rank of Eagle Scout. *
On my honor, *
I will do my best *
to make my training and example, *
my rank and influence, *
count strongly for better Scouting, *
and for better citizenship, *
in my community, *
and in my contacts with other people.*
To this I pledge my sacred honor.*
Two! Congratulations.
As can be seen from the reading of your Scouting history, your
service and leadership is impressive. It is therefore my
privilege and pleasure to pronounce you an Eagle Scout. I would
like Stanley Krieger, the father of our new Eagle Scout, to pin
the Eagle badge on his son and present him with the official
Eagle neckerchief. He had done much to show the way for his son
to prepare him for this day (Stan pins the eagle on the left
pocket of Howie's shirt.)
In response, and in recognition of his efforts, I ask our
Eagle Scout to present this miniature pin (show pin) to his
father (Howie pins the pin on Stan's jacket).
The mother of our Eagle Scout, Betty Krieger, has reason to be proud of Howard tonight. She has given much of her life in service to him to prepare him for service to others. In
recognition of her devotion, this court will ask Howard to
present his mother with this miniature pin (show pin). (Howie
pins the pin on Betty's dress.)
Howard: (reads Eagle Acceptance speech)
MC: As Howard and his family leave the stage, will everyone
else please remain seated for announcements from our Scoutmaster,
SCOUTMASTER.
SCOUTMASTER: (give any announcements, when done, return
microphone to MC)
MC: I would like to thank everyone for coming tonight and sharing in this celebration. I also want to convey a special thanks to all the adults who participate in our Scouting program. It is only through their work that we can provide a program for this Troop of over 40 boys; the Scouting events and activities that provide boys the opportunity to achieve what we are celebrating here tonight is just one of the many results of their hard work.