Eagle Scout Court of Honor

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OPENING OF EAGLE SCOUT CEREMONY

SCOUTMASTER -- Will the following Scouts (SPL, ASPL, & 1 other) and the Honor Guard (1 for each eagle) please join me in the Candle Lighting Ceremony.

SCOUTMASTER -- Before you stands a single , lighted candle. It represents the Spirit of Scouting. The Law of this Troop is the SCOUT LAW. Scouts also live by another code, which is the " SCOUT OATH" or " Promise". The Scout Oath describes three duties that every scout must accept---- Duty to God and Country, Duty to Others , and Duty to Self. Repeat with me this Oath as I light the three candles representing these duties.

"On my honor I will do my best, to do my duty, to God, and my Country, to Obey the Scout Law, to Help other People at all times, to keep myself Physically Strong Mentally Awake and Morally Straight.

SENIOR PATROL LEADER : We will now light one white candle for each of the twelve Points of the Scout Law.

( SPL begins to read the first six points while the ASPL Lights the candles 

A Scout is TRUSTWORTHY : A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honestly is a part of his code of conduct. People can always depend on him.

A Scout is LOYAL : A Scout is true to his family, a friend, Scout leaders, School, Nation and World Community.

A Scout is HELPFUL : A Scout is concerned about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without excepting payment or reward.

A Scout is FRIENDLY : A Scout is a friend to all.. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others, He respects those with ideas and customs that are different from his own.

A Scout is COURTEOUS : A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

A Scout is KIND : A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not harm or kill anything without reason.

(ASPL begins to read the second six points while the SPL Lights the candles )

A Scout is OBEDIENT : A Scout follows the rule of his family, school, troop. He obeys the law 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 disobey them.

A Scout is CHEERFUL : A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

A Scout is THRIFTY : A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

A Scout is BRAVE : A scout can face danger ener if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him.

A Scout is CLEAN : A Scout 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.

A Scout is REVERENT : A Scout is reverent towards God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

MASTER OF CEREMONIES-- We are hear to honor Eagle Scouts Scouts Name . But this is not the First time they have been recognized before a Court of Honor. Six times before, they have stood here: First when they received the Scout Badge, then when they earned each Rank leading up to Eagle. And each time they seemed a little taller, a little stronger, a little more dedicated to the ideals of scouting. Lets take a moment to reflect Back on the steps they took on the way to Eagle.

Council Scout Executive -- This Eagle Court of Honor is now officially opened, and the " Trail of Eagle Shall Begin ".

MASTER OF CEREMONIES -- At this time we wish to present Eagle Candidates(s) Scouts name, who will be taken to the foot of the Eagle Ladder by their Honor Guard Escort.

VOICE OF THE EAGLE This is the voice of the Eagle, the Eagle whose heights you have struggled hard to reach. 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 experience you have encounter in your ascent.

These experiences should not be forgotten. You should profit by making sure adverse experience 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 saw you learn by doing. FIRST, you were only a SCOUT. Your badge was the fleur-de-lis, the symbol of Scouting around the world. Its three parts represents the three parts of the Scout Oath.

Then your brother Scouts called you "TENDERFOOT"….. and they were right, you were indeed a Tenderfoot Scout. To the fleur-de-lis on your badge has been added an eagle and a shield, representing your country and two stars, representing truth and knowledge

( Honor Guard and candidates walk slowly to Tenderfoot Sign. )

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, a Scout learns to work with members of his patrol and he begins to develop patrol spirit. Your badge has a scroll inscribed with the Scout Motto, "Be Prepared". Suspended from the scroll is a knot , reminding you to do a good turn daily.

( Honor Guard and candidates walk slowly to Second Class Sign. )

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 105, he really is First Class. He is an expert in the outdoor skills of Camping, Cooking, Hiking, And First Aid. Your badge shows the complete Scout emblem indicating that you have completed your basic Scout training.

( Honor Guard and candidates walk slowly to First Class Sign. )

There you found a tempting green meadow by a crystal-clear stream bathed in the sun. Here you were tempted to remain. Yes, you could have remained there to live in First Class glory, but your ambition stirred you on. We remember your advancement to STAR SCOUT. A star Scout learns to work with the younger scouts in the Troop, passing along the knowledge he has gained. Your badge was then a star, Before you were unlimited opportunities, just like the stars in the night sky. You can shine as brightly as any of them.

( Honor Guard and candidates walk slowly to Star Sign. )

The trail from First Class to Star was not as difficult as it had seemed. This spurred you on, and again you climbed farther. 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. A LIFE SCOUT demonstrates Leadership in the Troop, and takes part in community service projects.

( Honor Guard and candidates walk slowly to Life Sign. )

Soon, the life Scout Badge—the heart badge- was placed on your uniform. It shows that you have taken Scouting’s lessons to heart. You will never forget your thoughts at that moment. This feeling has been experienced by all Scouts on reaching the ledge of LIFE SCOUT: " 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. The Eagle Scout must earn the specified number of merit badges and must plan, develop, and carry out an extensive service project, giving Leadership to others. He must also serve as a Troop Officer for a specified time.

( Honor Guard and candidates walk slowly to Eagle Sign. )

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 have 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 in a true Scout like manner.

( Stage lights on full ; house lights on one half. )

VOICE OF 1ST EAGLE . Gentlemen, I represent all Scouts who have received the Eagle Award in the Greater New York - Queens Council. Before concluding we believe that these applicants should understand that the EAGLE RANK is a responsibility as well as an honor. We respectfully ask that these applicants be informed of the responsibilities of an Eagle Scout before the badge is awarded.

MASTER OF CEREMONIES ; Please state the responsibilities of an Eagle Scout.

VOICE OF 1ST EAGLE. The white section of the Eagle Badge stands for honor. The first responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor. An Eagle’s honor is sacred. Honor is the foundation of all character. Character is what one really is, not what one thinks he is. An Eagle’s life should influence his family , church, school and friends in a positive manner. May the white of your badge remind you to live with honor always.

VOICE OF 2ND EAGLE. The second obligation is loyalty. It is designated by the blue in the badge. Without loyalty, all character lacks direction. "To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night and the day, thou canst not then false to any man". Neither pain nor profit, pride nor personal loss shall change him in this loyalty. The blue is an emblem of loyalty.

VOICE OF 3RD EAGLE : The third obligation of an Eagle Scout is courage, symbolized by the red in the badge. Courage gives character, force and strength. Trusting in God and faith in his fellow men, he faces each day unafraid and seeks his share of the world’s work to do. Let red remind you always of courage.

VOICE OF 4TH EAGLE : The final obligation of an Eagle Scout is service. He extends a helping hand to those who still toil along the Scouting Trail, just as others helped him in his achievement of the Eagle rank. The habit of good turn daily must take on a new meaning through a life of service to all those who need him. He protects and defends the weak and helpless. He aids and comforts the unfortunate and oppressed. He upholds the rights of others while defending his own. He knows well and will always be prepared to put forth his best.

VOICE OF 1ST EAGLE : Are you willing and eager to accept the responsibilities as well as the honor of the badge of an Eagle Scout ?

CANDIDATES RESPOND : I am .

VOICE OF 1ST EAGLE : Because of your reply, The Eagle Scouts of your council name welcome you as a new member of the highest ranking order among Scouts.

MASTER OF CEREMONIES : Scoutmaster, SM Name , Have Eagle Candidates names of candidates conducted themselves in a manner that exemplifies Scouting ?

SCOUTMASTER : Yes they have.

Now listen to the final words of the Voice of the Eagle.

THE VOICE OF THE EAGLE : Eagle Candidates, you will rededicate yourself by repeating the Scout Oath. Repeat it slowly and clearly, 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 have brought you this far.

SCOUTMASTER : Candidates Please make the scout sign and repeat the Scout Oath, Loudly and Clearly.

" ON MY HONOR I WILL DO MY BEST, TO DO MY DUTY , TO GOD AND MY COUNTRY, TO OBEY THE SCOUT LAW , TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES, TO KEEP MYSELF PHYSICALLY STRONG MENTALLY AWAKE AND MORALLY STRAIGHT."

Rank Color Guard is Dismissed

THE LAW OF THE EAGLE

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 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 upon you, but on your fellow " Eagles " and all of Scouting. The torch you now carry is not only yours, but is also ours as well.

Now, my fellow eagles, let this not be the end of your Scouting, but, go on to greater heights and give other Scouts the benefit of your experiences.

Now is the time for the " Eagle Promise ". Though the words you say are similar to those you’ve said so many times, today they will mean more to you than they ever have. When you pledge yourself on your sacred honor, you will be sealing your Oath with the words which closed the Declaration of Independence.

I’d like all the " Eagle Scouts " in the audience to stand and come forward to the dais, so that they may re-dedicate themselves by repeating the Eagle Scout Promise with our new "Eagle Scout (s)".

I reaffirm my allegiance

To the three promises of the Scout Oath,

I thoroughly recognize, and that upon myself

the obligations and responsibilities of an " Eagle Scout ".

On My Honor I will do my best,

To make my training an example,

my rank 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.

Will the Honor Guard please escort the parents of (both ) of our new Eagle Scout (s) to the dais.

(After the parents are escorted to the Dais, the Honor Guard Color Guard are dismissed.)

MASTER OF CEREMONIES : will then present ( both ) Eagle Scouts and their parents with their Eagle Medals and Pins.

After presentation of medals, the Eagle Scout Charge is read to the new Eagle Scouts, along with the other Eagle Scouts in the audience.

" EAGLE SCOUT CHARGE"

I have the honor to give the "Eagle Scout Charge" on the occasion of your elevation to the highest award in Scouting.

The Boy Scouts of all nations constitute one of the most meaningful and significant movements in the world’s history and you have been judged by the Boy Scouts of America as being worthy of this honor. All who know you rejoice in your achievement.

Your position, as you well know, is one of honor and responsibility. You are a special person. 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 ( yourselves ) and to your brother Scouts. When you fail, you bring down the good name of all true and worthy Scouts.

Your responsibility goes beyond your fellow Scouts, to your Country and God. 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 and leadership abilities of her citizens. You are to help her in all that she needs most. 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 only lead 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 fellowmen. So live and serve, that 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 skills and ability to the common good.

Build America on the solid foundation of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship and reverence of God; and whatever others may do, you will leave behind a record of which every other Scout may be justly proud. Congratulations !!!!

Would all Eagle Scouts present, please introduce yourself and tell us your Troop and date of your Eagle Award, then congratulate our new Eagle Scouts and take a seat within the audience.

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