EAGLE COURT OF HONOR – MASON LEWIS CANNON



Eagle Court of Honor

For

[eagle candidate name]

14 March 2010

Participant’s Copy

EAGLE COURT OF HONOR – [eagle candidate]

MARCH 14, 2010

1:35 PM Scouts [enter name] and [enter name] welcome and pass out programs at the door

1:45 PM Assembly of Scouts – Gathering Room

1:59 PM Escort Parents and Eagle Candidate to Seats

2:00 PM Scout Entrance – led by SPL, flag bearers [enter names] hold back until [enter name] gives the command to rise for the presentation of colors.

• PRESENTATION OF COLORS/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

(SPL [enter name]): “Ladies and Gentlemen please rise for the presentation of the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance.” When the flag reaches halfway down the aisle: “SCOUT SALUTE!”

After both flags are placed: “I Pledge Allegiance to the….” “TWO!”

• INTRODUCTIONS

([enter name]): “Welcome. My name is [enter name], Troop Committee Chairman of Troop 312. I have the pleasure to introduce the people making up the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America. Please stand as your name is called.”

Pastor Larry Hagerty, Pastor, Saint Thomas Lutheran Church

Greg Lee, Eagle Scout and Scoutmaster

Mr. Jim Wallace, Scoutmaster Emeritus

Tony Wise, Troop Committee Chairman

Brian Cannon, Eagle Scout and Treasurer- Troop Committee

Angela McGregor, Secretary-Troop Committee

David Law, Advancement Chairman- Troop Committee

Ken McGregor, Web Master- Troop Committee

Erich Albert, Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster

Bryan Barnes, Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster

Tony Bebber, Assistant Scoutmaster

Kent Bedenbaugh, Assistant Scoutmaster

Richard Broughton, Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster

Christopher Cathcart, Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster

Neal Clamp, Chaplain and Assistant Scoutmaster, Keynote Speaker

Tyler Cook, Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster

Robert Croom, Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster

John Fletcher, Assistant Scoutmaster

Bill Harmon, Assistant Scoutmaster

Robert Heron, Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster

Richard Hunton, Assistant Scoutmaster

Dru Kennedy, Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster

Stan Lee, Assistant Scoutmaster

Patrick McCawley, Assistant Scoutmaster

Jeffrey Ranta, Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster

Rick Rennebaum, Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster

Varner Richards, Assistant Scoutmaster

Pastor [enter name] will now come forward to give the Invocation”

([enter name] returns to seat.)

• INVOCATION:

([enter name]): “Let us pray. Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to honor [eagle candidate name], Troop 312’s xxth Eagle Scout and his family today. We pray the young men here will follow JOSH’S example as he has followed many others. We pray they be encouraged to continue their efforts to join him on the high plateau of Eagle Scouts, thus fulfilling the aim of Scouting: to develop men of good citizenship, character, fitness, and reverence toward You. Lord, we also pray for your blessings upon all Scouts, Scouters, families, and friends that they will continue to grow in fellowship and support our troop, community, state, and nation and, that we may through our actions, be a party of the solution to the troubling problems of this world. In Your name we pray. Amen.” (Pastor returns to his seat):

• OPENING:

([enter name]): “Thank you Pastor [enter name]. I am [enter name], Scoutmaster of Troop 312. It is my pleasure to open the official NATIONAL EAGLE AWARD CEREMONY and COURT OF HONOR for [eagle candidate name].

I, along with all the troop officials assembled here represent the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America.

Awarding the Eagle Rank is an important and serious occasion. It is the ultimate pinnacle for which a scout works for many years. It is an occasion for pride and joy, but also a time for serious contemplation. It is the culmination of efforts of the Scout, his family, and the many leaders of this Scout.

The Eagle Award is the highest and most coveted rank in scouting; the last major step in the advancement program. Less than 4 percent of all scouts in the United States reach the Eagle Rank. Requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout are as follows:

- Advance through the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life.

- Earn 21 Merit Badges, including 12 most difficult required badges.

- Serve actively in a responsible troop position for a period of six months after becoming a Life Scout.

- Plan, develop, and carry out a service project worthy of an Eagle Scout.

- Appear before a Board of Review of prominent persons and satisfy them that you have done your best to understand and live up to the Scout Oath and Law, and in all ways, to qualify for the Rank of Eagle Scout.

• INTRODUCTION OF KEYNOTE SPEAKER

([enter name]): “It is customary at the Court of Honor to feature a guest speaker who has been personally selected by the Eagle Candidate for his significant role in his scouting career. Today’s guest speaker has been a mentor and leader, not just for [eagle name], but for 100’s of scouts he has positively influenced over the past 10 years in Troop 312. At this time it is my pleasure to welcome [enter speaker name], Assistant Scoutmaster here in Troop 312.” (speaker comes forward)

• KEYNOTE ADDRESS: (speaker gives their address)

([enter name]) Slip unnoticed into the side room during the speech and prepares for the Voice of the Eagle

• VOICE OF THE EAGLE:

([enter name] (SPEAK LOUDLY AND DELIBERATELY!)

“[eagle candidate name], this is the voice of the Eagle, the Eagle whose heights you have struggled hard to reach. Remember 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 experiences you have encountered in your ascent.”

“These experiences should not be forgotten. You should profit by making sure adverse experiences do not occur again. Experience is a valuable teacher, if you heed its teachings.”

“Remember when you took your first step upon the trail that led upward. With that first step you began to grow physically, mentally, and morally. You started living the Scout Oath and Law.”

“All the while you were on the trail, you studied and learned by doing. First you were a Scout.” (pause) (Scout [enter name] Lights the first candle)

“At that time your brother Scouts called you a Tenderfoot and indeed you were a Tenderfoot Scout.” (pause) ([enter name] Lights the 2nd candle)

“Soon thereafter you reached the first ledge, and you were greeted by a large group of Second Class Scouts.” (pause) ([enter name] Lights the 3nd candle)

“Some, like you, were stopping to catch their breath before continuing along the trail – others stayed a long time. You began to study more, you worked harder, and almost before you knew it, you came to another ledge where the First Class Scouts dwell.” (pause)

([enter name] Lights the 4th candle)

“There you found a tempting green meadow by a crystal-clear stream bathed in the sun. There you were tempted to remain. Yes, you could have remained there to live the First Class glory, but your ambition stirred you on. You advanced to Star Scout.” (pause)

([enter name] Lights the 5th candle)

“The trail from First Class to Star rank was not as difficult as it had been at first. Your success spurred you on, and again you climbed. The trail was steeper and 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 only a few above you, and with the same determination with which you started your climb, you continued up the trail. Soon you earned the rank of Life Scout.” (pause) (enter name] Lights the 6th candle)

“The Life Scout Badge was placed on your uniform. You will never forget your thoughts at that moment. All Scouts, on reaching the ledge of Life Scout, have experienced similar feelings. You said, ‘Now I am close to Eagle, I will carry on.’ The trail became tougher, but more interesting. Your understanding was greater.”

“We have watched your character unfold and become more manly. We have watched your leadership expand into a valuable asset. We have watched your mind develop and your wisdom increase. We have watched all these things in you and know that you are on the threshold of your goal, we welcome you, for you have done your climbing in true Scout-like manner.” (pause) ([enter name] Lights the 7th and final candle)

“This has been the Voice of the Eagle. (pause) Ceremonial participants please be seated.”

([enter name] sits down leaving the candles lit)

• CERTIFICATION OF THE CANDIDATE:

([enter name]): “[eagle candidate name] has earned the Ranks, Merit Badges, and BSA Special Awards as noted in the Program. Careful examination has been made by the Troop Committee of Troop 312 under Chairman [enter name], by the Indian Waters Council, and by the Boy Scouts of America National Council Office concerning the qualification of this applicant for the Rank of Eagle Scout. [eagle name] has demonstrated leadership in activities that are constructive and worthwhile to the community. His record has been checked in troop leadership, school affairs, and in other fields of work and service. He has shown loyalty and duty to God and Country. [eagle name], we believe you have achieved the Scouting aims of good character, effective leadership, and unselfish service.

[eagle name] has demonstrated skill in various crafts and abilities through the exercise of earning Merit Badges. In addition to the 12 required merit badges an Eagle Scout must earn, [eagle name] has earned 13 additional Merit Badges for a total of 25.

For his Eagle Service Project, [eagle name] provided leadership, planned, raised funds, organized, and managed a successful Eagle Project building a split rail fence around the perimeter of the parking lot at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Chapin, SC. Originally, there was no barrier around the parking lot, which allowed trespassers to drive vehicles around the church grounds causing damage to the landscape. A split rail fence was erected to keep vehicles out and add to the natural surroundings. Confederate Jasmine was planted along the fence to enhance the visual appeal. Old garden boxes were removed and flower bulbs were transplanted. Finally, the rusted basketball pole was sanded, primed and repainted. Funds were raised through the generous donations of members of the congregation, family members, and local businesses. 33 Hours were spent planning, coordinating for resources, conducting briefings and raising funds; 129 hours were expended in the implementation and completion of this project for a total of 162 hours.

We are all proud of [eagle name] contribution to the community and on a job well done. Congratulations [eagle name].”

• EAGLE CHALLENGE:

([enter name]) “Would Eagle Candidate [eagle candidate name] please join me up front.”

“I now call on Eagle Scout [eagle name] to give the Eagle Challenge”

(Eagle Scout moves to the podium): “I would ask that all Eagle Scouts present here today please stand in place.”

“I speak for all Eagle Scouts of the Indian Waters Council and the Nation. (pause)

We challenge you to accept the responsibilities as well as the honor of the Rank of Eagle Scout.

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.  ([enter name] places the White piece of felt on the board and stands at attention)

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. ([enter name] places the Blue piece of felt on the board and stands at attention)

To be 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 what’s 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 to always be courageous. ([enter name] places the Red piece of felt on the board and stands at attention)

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. ([enter name] places the Scroll piece of felt on the board and stands at attention)

The final responsibility of an Eagle Scout is service. The Eagle Scout extends a helping hand to those who still toil up the Scouting’s trail, just as others helped him in his climb to Eagle. The performance of the daily Good Turn takes on a new meaning when he enters 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. (enter name] places the Eagle piece of felt on the board and sits down)

You deserve much credit for having achieved Scouting’s highest award. But wear your award with humility, ever mindful that the Eagle Scout is looked up to as an example. Congratulations [eagle name]. Eagle Scouts please be seated.” ([enter name] shakes Eagle candidate’s hand and sits down. Eagle candidate stays in place)

• EAGLE CHARGE:

([enter name]) “I now call on Eagle Scout [eagle candidate] to administer the Eagle Charge”

([enter name] moves to the podium) [Eagle candidate], I have the honor of giving you the Eagle Scout Charge on the occasion of your elevation to the highest rank 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 counted worthy of this high rank in the Boy Scouts of America. All who know you rejoice in your achievement. Your position, as you well 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 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 bother Scouts. Your responsibility goes beyond your fellow Scouts, to your country and your God. America has many good things to give you and your children after you; but these things depend for the most part on the quality of her citizens.

Our country has had a great past. You are here to 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 your fellow man. So live and serve that these 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 abilities to the common good.

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

(Jake Rennebaum) “Eagle Candidate [name], may the Scout Oath and the Scout Law be your guide today and onward. In recognition of the obligations bestowed on you as an Eagle Scout, I ask you to reaffirm the Scout Oath.” ([eagle candidate] gives the Scout Sign and recites the Scout Oath. [enter name] shake’s [eagle candidate]’s hand and then sits down. Eagle candidate stays up front)

• PRESENTATION OF THE AWARD

([enter name] stands up, as do all dignitaries and the Scoutmaster Team – prompt if necessary)

([enter name]) “Will [eagle candidate]’S parents please join [eagle candidate] up front.

Eagle Scout [eagle candidate], for now we are allowed to address you as Eagle Scout, we now proclaim to the entire world your accomplishments. The symbol of your success is the Eagle Scout Medal which will now be presented to your parents. (Pause)

Your parents will pin the Eagle Scout Medal over your heart.

Eagle Scout [eagle candidate], in recognition of your major achievement, Troop Committee of Troop 312 and the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America are pleased to present your framed Eagle Scout Certificate and Gold National Eagle Scout Membership Card. (Hand Eagle candidate Certificate and Membership Card)

In recognition of the many hours of patient guidance given by your Mother in your efforts, please pin the Eagle Mother’s Pin over her heart. (Pause)

([eagle candidate] gives Mother a kiss – prompt him if necessary)

And now, in recognition of the wisdom and guidance given by your Father, please present him with this Eagle tie pin, which he will proudly wear in your honor. (Pause)

• COMMENTS BY THE PARENTS

[parents names], would you like to make any comments at this time?

([enter name] sits down. Parents speak briefly and go sit down.)

• EAGLE RESPONSE:

([eagle candidate] will speak briefly then remains up front)

• SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS:

([enter name]): “I now ask Assistant Scoutmaster [enter name] to come forward to present congratulatory letters received by the Troop for [eagle candidate].” ([enter name] shares 2-3 most important ones and list names of a few others. [enter name] then asks.)

“Are there others that wish to make comments? Please come forward. (Pause)

• NAMING OF THE EAGLE

([enter name]): “Most Native American tribes had a custom of naming their young men as they reach manhood. This name differed from their childhood name and identified the man they had become. It has been unique in our troop to name our new Eagles at their Court of Honor. This name can be humorous or serious but should reflect something of the spirit and personality of the new Eagle. Many of these names have been plainly obvious, as something about the person virtually named himself. Others have been more subtle, and only those of us who really know the person would pick up on the symbolism.

(Give background on the new name…)

It is now my great honor to name you “_______ EAGLE” and welcome you into the Troop 312 Eagle Patrol.” (Eagle candidate and Scout Master shake hands and then Eagle candidate sits down.)

• BENEDICTION

(enter name) And now Pastor [enter name] will lead us in a closing prayer.”

(Pastor [enter name]) “Let us pray. We thank you Lord for your manifold blessings and gifts. We pray for your continued blessings on Troop 312, our Scouting families, and those who support us, that we might continue to grow in your service. Help us to always be mindful of those who are less fortunate than ourselves and grant us the courage to follow Your will. As we close this Eagle Ceremony, let us carry the messages heard here in our hearts and consciences, and put them to Your use. In Your name we pray. Amen.”

• CLOSING

(enter name): “Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the Court of Honor. It has been an amazing honor representing the Etowah Creek District, the Indian Waters Council, and the Boy Scouts of America this afternoon in honoring Eagle Scout [eagle candidate].

[enter family names] request that you join them in a reception honoring [eagle candidate] in the fellowship hall. Scouts are reminded to remain until the Sanctuary is restored to order. Guests are encouraged to begin eating before the Scouts arrive.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download