Eagle Court of Honor Eagle Court of HonorLast Updated: April 3, 1996
Boy Scout Troop 2 has been continuously chartered to the First United Methodist Church in Corvallis, Oregon since 1920. Troop 2 is in the Benton District of the Oregon Trail Council.
Here is the Eagle Court of Honor that was recently given for 2 of our young men. The Eagle Court of Honor is planned and customized by the new Eagles and their families.
NATIONAL EAGLE COURT OF HONOR CEREMONY
for
Luke Zedwick
and
Zachariah Charles Veley
Date:__________________
Opening Ceremony
Clerk: Senior Patrol Leader, Scout _____________________, please
direct the presentation of the colors.
Scout: All rise. Color guard, present the colors.
Hand Salute! Two
Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. (turn to face flag)
Hand Salute!
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States
of America; and to the republic for which it stands,
one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. Two.
Post the colors. Color guard dismissed.
Clerk: At this time_____________________ will offer the invocation.
Minister: (Invocation)
Clerk: Please be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, scouts and scouters,
it is my pleasure to present the chairman for tonight's National Eagle
Court of Honor, _______________________.
Chairman: Thank you, ____________________, it is indeed a privilege
to serve. Tonight we have the honor and pleasure of recognizing
_________________, and __________________ as candidates for
the rank of Eagle Scout. This is an important and serious matter.
In full awareness of the challenge of the times, the parents of these
candidates, their Scout leaders, coaches, and teachers have labored
long and faithfully to develop their talents and to move them toward
alert and participating citizenship. Their efforts culminate tonight
in the presentation of the Eagle Scout badge. The success of
these efforts will be manifest in the way these Eagle Scouts set
a social model for all whose lives they touch.
I hereby convene this National Court of Honor for the purpose
of presenting Scouting's highest award, the Eagle, to ______________,
and ______________ of Troop 2, Benton District,
Oregon Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Seated at the table are dignitaries in the Scouting program
who will assist in the ceremony. May I introduce the
representative of the National Council, ______________________.
Representing the District is ____________________________.
The representative for the Church is ________________________.
And representing our Troop, __________________________.
Scout escort, _______________________, will you please escort
______________________, Scoutmaster of Troop 2, to the table.
Scout escort, _______________________, will you please escort
Life Scout _______________ and his parents to their place of honor.
Scout escort, _______________________, will you please escort
Life Scout _______________ and his parents to their place of honor.
Chairman: Let the ceremony continue with the Voice of the Eagle.
(Bring the house lights down)
Voice of the Eagle
Voice: This is the Voice of the Eagle. The Eagle whose heights
you have struggled so hard to reach. I represent those who, like
yourself, have set high goals and have struggled successfully to
improve themselves and to give service to others around them.
From your earliest days you have known about scouting and
have seen others be successful in reaching their goals. You have
attended ceremonies in the past where young men from your troop
were recognized for their accomplishments. Now it is your turn to
join us. Here are some of our names which you may recall.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
There were many other Eagles before them and others who are active
in your troop, church, school, and community who continue to live
under the spirit of the Eagle.
We remember well when you first came to the foot of the
mountain, and how you looked up the Scouting Trail with
ambition and determination. There were others with you at
the time, but their determination was weaker, their
perseverance was not as strong as yours.
Look back with us. Look back along your scouting trail.
There were happy times for you when you were a Tiger Cub
and began to explore the world around you. As a Bobcat,
Bear, and Wolf Cub you began to discover friends and learn
how to get along with the guys. Each den meeting and pack
meeting brought you new experiences. As a WeBeLo scout
you learned to trust your skills and began to take some
responsibility for your own success. Some of your friends
found the testing difficult and began to leave scouting.
But you could see the mountain in the distance and went
ahead to earn your Arrow of Light award.
Remember the friends you made and the experiences you
encountered as you moved along the scouting trail. Your
friends and these experiences should not be forgotten. They
helped you become who you are. Your teachers and leaders
know the value of experience and will remember you as well.
With your Arrow of Light fixed proudly to your uniform you
and many of your friends crossed the bridge into the world
of Boy Scouting and accepted the challenge of the mountain
before you.
We remember when you took your first step upon the trail that
leads upward. With that first step you started to grow
physically, mentally, and morally. You began to live the
Scout Oath and Law.
All the while you were on the trail, we watched you study
and saw you learn by doing. Your brother Scouts soon called
you a Tenderfoot, and they were right, you had indeed become
a Tenderfoot Scout.
Tenderfoot: (Displays Tenderfoot Badge) I am the Tenderfoot. My three
points stand for the three points of the Scout Oath. You
find me on the mariner's compass forever pointing the way to
the North Star and a safe journey in life. On my face are
two stars representing truth and knowledge, a shield which
is the emblem of a nation molded together in justice, and an
eagle to guard the freedom of our people.
Voice: But you were not a Tenderfoot for long. You soon reached
the second ledge, and there you were greeted by a large group
of Second Class Scouts.
Second Class: (Displays Second Class Badge) I am the Second Class.
The ends of my scroll are turned up in the willing smile of the
Scout. On my face is our motto..."Be Prepared", and suspended
from me is the knot tied there to remind you of the slogan of the
Boy Scouts of America..."Do a Good Turn Daily".
Voice: Some Second Class Scouts had been there for a long time, and
were content with their achievement. Others, like yourself,
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 were to another ledge, the ledge
where the First Class Scouts dwell.
First Class: (Displays First Class Badge) I am the First Class. I was a
Tenderfoot and I laid my course by the stars of truth and
knowledge and girded myself with the righteousness of justice
and freedom. Then I added a smile that I might be a friend to
all and bound myself together with the knot of duty to others.
Voice: There you found a tempting green meadow split by a crystal
clear stream and bathed by the sun. Here you were tempted to
remain. Yes, you could have remained there in comfort, but
the pull of the mountain was strong. You called for others to
follow and struck for the higher ground even though the trail
seemed rough and the air too thin. But the cold night air
and the brilliant stars of the high mountains gave you courage.
We noted your progress when you became a Star Scout.
Star: (Displays Star Badge) I am the Star. I can stand alone, and
have learned to find my own way in the forest. Others look to
me for guidance. In front of me lies a horizon of endless
opportunity.
Voice: You found the trail from First Class had been an optical
illusion, not as difficult as it first appeared. This spurred
you on, and again you moved forward towards the ridges and
distant fields of snow. The trail was steeper. Now it was
less worn. Fewer Scouts seemed to be headed in your direction.
You looked back and saw the crowds below you. You looked up
and saw only a few above you. With the same determination
with which you started your climb, you continued up the trail.
Soon you came to the badge of Life Scout.
Life: (Displays Life Badge) I am the Life. I have shown the world
that Scouting is in my heart. I have mastered knowledge of
subjects that will benefit my country and my people. I am
ready to reach for my wings to fly.
Voice: The heart shaped badge was placed on your uniform. You will
never forget the feeling in your own heart. It was the same
that has been experienced by most Scouts upon reaching the
ledge of Life. Now you are close to the Eagle. You will carry
on. The trail became tougher, but more interesting. You stuck
with the original simple principles: The Scout Oath and Law,
but now they had a fuller meaning. Your understanding of them
was better. Yes, we have watched your character unfold and
grow stronger. We have watched your mind develop, and your
wisdom increase. We have watched your leadership ability
expand into a valuable asset. We have watched all these things
in you, and now that you are on the threshold of your goal,
we welcome you, for you have done your climbing in a true
Scout-like manner, showing others the way and accepting the
challenge with courage.
Eagle: (Displays Eagle Badge) I am the Eagle. It has been a long,
hard, but wonderful road. I have mastered my goal. With deep
humility I now stand as a representative of the best that
Scouting can accomplish. May I now pass on to my younger
brothers, a portion of my knowledge.
(Lights can now come back up)
Introduction of the Eagle Candidate
Chairman: Will Eagle Scout candidates _______________ and ______________
please come forward at this time and take a seat facing the
audience.
(Chairman outlines candidate's Scouting history and accomplishments.)
Chairman: The many accomplishments of these candidates is most
impressive. Some of us who have worked with them during their
Scouting career know that they have gained many experiences and
memories. (clerk)______________________, would you introduce
some of the Scout Leaders and Teachers who have worked with the
candidates.
Testimony from mentors and friends
Clerk: (Introduces Scout leaders and Teachers who share experiences
and make comments about and to the candidate.)
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Clerk: Mr. Chairman, that concludes the testimony from past Scout
Leaders and Teachers.
Rededication Ceremony
Chairman: Eagle candidates _______________ and _______________, please rise.
You have been living by the Scout Oath and Law. We call on you
now to rededicate yourselves to that Spirit of Scouting. Will the
following Eagle Scouts please conduct the rededication ceremony.
(The Eagle Scouts move to the center table)
____________________________,
____________________________,
____________________________,
____________________________,
and ____________________________,
Eagle 1: You, as a candidate for Eagle Scout, have demonstrated through
your past achievements and dedication your ability to live up to
and accept the high ideals of Scouting. You have demonstrated
to your Scoutmaster and prominent people of your community
that you are ready to join those Scouts already distinguished
in Scouting. Only two out of every 100 boys who join Scouting
ever achieve its highest award, that of Eagle Scout. You have
worked hard and with determination over a long period of time.
You will now be welcomed into the brotherhood of Eagle. We'll
start by lighting a candle to represent the Spirit of Scouting.
(Lights first candle.)
Eagle 2: As a fledgling Scout, you pledged yourself to live up to the
Scout Oath. You were told that the Oath embodied three
objectives. Although you may not always have known it, your
trail through Scouting aimed at those objectives. You set goals
for yourself that would take you forward in Scouting. Along the
way you learned many skills. You accepted responsibility and kept
your promises. You began to understand the concept of honor.
You recognized the first objective, Duty to Self.
(Lights next candle with first.)
Eagle 3: As you advanced within Scouting, your activities began to
change. You became a leader of others. You were a teacher
to new Scouts following your footsteps. You became responsible
for their progress and their well being. When times were difficult
you gave your team encouragement and earned their respect.
Through special projects and activities you have improved this
community and thus have been a benefit to its citizens. You have
mastered the second objective, Duty to Others.
(Lights next candle with first.)
Eagle 4: Good citizenship has been emphasized in all your Scouting
activities. You understand the importance of laws that protect.
You have learned how our government works and can appreciate
what it can do for you and your community. You have become an
informed citizen. You have also realized a reverence for God. You
have discovered that you, the country you live in, and the world
around you are unique; and that all people have the right to worship
God in their own way. You now understand the third objective and
your responsibility of Duty to God and to your Country.
(Lights next candle with first.)
Eagle 5: All of these points blend together to form the Spirit of Scouting.
Join me now in reaffirming the Scout Oath which we have learned
to live by. Give the Scout sign and repeat with me;
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.....Two.
May the Spirit of Scouting burn eternally within you.
(Snuffs candles.)
Chairman: Our thanks to the rededication team. __________________,
would you now give the Eagle Charge.
Eagle Charge
____________: I have the honor to give you the Eagle Scout charge on the
occasion of your elevation to the highest award in Scouting.
Eagle candidates ______________ and _______________, 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 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. As Shakespeare
said, "To thine own self be true". 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 other
people. Face each day unafraid and seek your share of the
world's work to do. Let the red on your badge remind you
always to have courage.
I charge you to undertake your citizenship with a solemn
dedication. Be a leader, but lead only toward the best. Lift
up every office you hold to the high level of service to God
and to your fellow men and women. So live and serve that those
who know you will be inspired to finer 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. 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. Build America on
the solid foundation of clean living, honest work, unselfish
citizenship, and reverence for God; and whatever others may do,
you will leave behind you a record of which every other Scout may
be justly proud.
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, you become a guiding light to other Scouts. You
become an example in your community. Remember that you are
a little more conspicuous, and people will expect more of you.
To falter in your duties would not only reflect upon you, but upon
your fellow Eagles. I charge you to carry the torch well. The torch
you carry is not only yours, but ours.
Chairman: We ask ______________________, representing the National
Council, Boy Scouts of America to administer the Eagle Scout
Pledge.
Eagle Scout Pledge
Nat. Rep.: The Boy Scout movement constitutes one of the most
wholesome and significant developments of our day. You have
been deemed worthy of high rank in its membership. All who know
you rejoice in your achievement. Your position, as you well know,
is one of honor and responsibility. You are now a marked
individual. As an Eagle Scout you will assume a solemn obligation
to always do your duty to God, to your Country, to your fellow
Scouts, and to your fellow citizens. This is a great undertaking.
Now, will you please give the Scout Sign and repeat after me the
Pledge of the Eagle:
I, (state your name),... realize the obligation to my fellow
Eagles,... my home, my country, and my God... I will at all
times do my best,... to assist other Scouts... who are climbing
the trail to Eagle,... to give back more to Scouting... than it
has given to me,... 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
Now, 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 _______________ and ________________, Eagle
Scouts. May the Oath that you have taken remain graven on your
hearts forever.
Scoutmaster ____________________, will you please present
the awards.
Presentation of Awards
Scoutmaster: (Presentation of awards.)
Chairman: Thank you, _________________, and my congratulations
to the new Eagles.
The New Eagles Speak
New Eagles: (Comments or statements from the new Eagles,)
Closing Ceremony
Chairman: Having heard from the new Eagles I would like to ask
___________________, to give us a benediction before we adjourn.
Minister: (benediction)
Chairman: I now declare this National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts
of America adjourned. Scout escorts ________________________
and _______________________, please escort the new Eagles and
their parents to the reception area where we will join them in a
moment.
Will everyone please rise for the retiring of the Colors.
Scout _________________, please direct the retiring of the Colors.
Scout: (Retirement of the colors)
(Lights dim as flags leave the sanctuary)
All sing: (Scout Vespers is sung)
(Lights on after song and all move to the reception area.)
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