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The
Honor, Loyalty, Courage Charge
YOU ARE CHARGED TO BE HONORABLE.
Honor is sacred and is the foundation of all character. To show honor
you must be trustworthy, the very first point of the Scout Law and for
good reason. From this day forward you will be held to a higher code of
honor and ethics than most your peers. Honor is truly the measure of a
man. Honor is represented by the white of the Eagle badge,
YOU ARE CHARGED TO BE LOYAL,
to family, self, Scouting, friends, community and nation. Be also loyal
to the ideals of Scouting. The blue of your new rank is to inspire Loyalty.
YOU ARE CHAGED TO BE COURAGEOUS.
Courage gives all character force and strength. Have the courage to stand
up for what is right and the ideals of scouting. 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.
-- Thanks to Ken Carrison
of Troop 7 Scituate, MA
The
Reaffirmation Charge
(Scout's name), I charge
you to enter the Eagle Scout brotherhood without reservation and to up-hold
the ideals of honor and service. By repeating the Eagle Scout Promise
with your fellow members, you will join our brotherhood. When you pledge
yourself on your sacred honor, you will be sealing your eternal loyalty
to the code of the Eagle Scout with the same words which closed one of
the founding documents of our great country, the Declaration of Independence."
"Will all Eagle Scouts
here today please stand and renew your Eagle Scout Promise as Scouts name
joins our brotherhood?
(Pause) Scout sign; 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 an Eagle Scout. .... On my honor, I will do my best .... to make my
training an example .... and my status 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."
TWO please be seated
(Scout's name) will you
please (stand) step forward.
In closing, (Scout's name)
you deserve much credit for having achieved Scouting's highest honor.
Wear your new rank humbly, wear it discretely over your heart, not on
your sleeve. Be ever mindful that an Eagle Scout is looked up to as an
example. Remember that your actions are now a little more conspicuous
and people will expect more of you. You will always be an Eagle Scout
and will be expected to conduct your self accordingly. May the Scout Oath
and the Scout Law and the ideals of Scouting be your guide for today and
the future. Last but not least, I charge you, and ALL Scouts, to put back
into Scouting what you have taken. Make us all proud to have been a part
of your achievement here today.
(Scout's name) have you
any questions about your future responsibilities an Eagle? (Scout's name)
do you accept this charge?
It is now my honor to turn
over the podium over to one of America's newest Eagles!
-- Thanks to Ken Carrison
of Troop 7 Scituate, MA
by George
Crowl
Eagle Scout candidate [ Scout's
name ], as a representative of the Eagle Scouts of the _____________ Council,
I welcome you to the brotherhood of Eagle Scouts. Barely more than 2 percent
of the boys who enter Scouting achieve what you have been recognized for
tonight. The requirements are demanding, but fair, requiring perseverance
and ability.
I am not here to talk of
your past accomplishments, which are great, but of your future opportunities.
I received my Eagle Award, more than ______ years ago, and in those years
it has continually enriched my life. It is now yours. When you attend
a Scouting functions, Scouters will recognized you as a doer, and you
will be standing as an equal among leaders.
Your Eagle Award will go
far beyond Scouting itself. When you apply to a college or apply for a
good job, Eagle Scout on your application helps. I know, because it helped
me.
More than that, the things
you have done, the leadership and character you have developed, will stand
you in better than a certificate and a piece of ribbon in a frame. You
will have opportunities to be of service to others, through your school,
your work, and through Scouting, because you know what you can accomplish.
In the years to come, you
will casually meet men who are Eagles too, there will be an instant bond
of comradeship. For you have each shared a common experience. You each
know the other can be trusted, as a friend and as a brother Scout. The
comradeship among Eagles extends throughout the nation, yes even around
the world. For the rest of your life Scout [ Scout's name ] you travel
as a marked man, an Eagle Scout!!
The Boy Scouts of the world
constitute one of the most wholesome and significant movements in history,
and you [ Scout's name ], have been counted worthy of this highest 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 a marked man. 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 and to your brother Scouts. If 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 your God. America has
many good things to give you and your children after you; but these good
things depend on the qualities she instills in her citizens. You are prepared
to help America in all that she needs most. She has a great past, and
you are here to make her future 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 high level of service to God and your fellow men -- to finest living.
We have too many who use their strength and their intellect to exploit
others for selfish gains. I charge you to be among those who dedicate
their skills and ability to the common good.
Build America on the solid
foundations of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship and reverence
for God. Whatever others may do, you will leave behind you a record of
which every Scout may be proud.
____________________
Scoutmaster Troop ____
The Boy Scouts of all nations
constitute one of the most wholesome and significant influences in the
world's history. You have been declared worthy of the high rank of Eagle
Scout 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 are expected to exemplify in your daily life the high
principles and values expressed in the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. You
have assumed a solemn obligation to do your duty to God, to your country,
to your fellow scouts, and to all other human beings. This is a great
undertaking which you are now just beginning. As you live up to your obligations
you bring honor to yourself and to your brother scouts.
As an Eagle Scout, you
will be a champion to other scouts and be an example to your community.
Remember, your actions will be more conspicuous. People will expect more
of you. It is your responsibility to help maintain the high regard that
all Americans have for Eagle Scouts. To falter would bring discredit,
not only to you, but to your fellow Eagles. Keep your ideals high and
your honor bright.
Your responsibilities,
however, go beyond your fellow scouts. They extend to your country and
to your God. America has many good things to give you, and to give 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.
I challenge you to undertake
your citizenship with solemn dedication. Be a leader, but lead only toward
the best. Lift up every task you do, and every office you hold, with a
high level of service to God and to your fellow human beings. Live and
serve so that those who know you will be inspired to the highest ideals
of life.
I challenge you to be among
those who dedicate their hearts and hands to the common good. Build America
on the solid foundations of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship,
and reverence to God. Then, whatever others may do, you will leave behind
you a record of which you may be justly proud.
-- Thanks to Steve Aberle
The Eagle Rank represents
proficiency in all Scouting skills, and is attained by only about 2 percent
of all young men in Scouting. It represents a great deal of teamwork as
a member and leader of a troop. You demonstrated, by living the Scout
Oath and Law, in an effort to perpetuate the Scouting Spirit. It also
represents years of hard work, strength of character, persistence and,
more important, it is indicative of what lies in the future as a Scout
grows into manhood. Eagle Rank testifies that a Scout has an understanding
of his community and his nation, and a willingness to become involved.
It is also fitting at this time, to explain that not only does this badge
signify his hard work, it also signifies certain obligations on his part.
The first obligation of
an Eagle Scout is Honor. The white in the Eagle Badge represents honor,
and it is the sacred foundation of his character. Character is not what
you think of yourself, [ Scout's name ], but what you are, deep inside.
It is what you do to reflect credit upon your home, family, church, school,
friends, and yourself. Always let the white of the badge remind you to
live with honor.
The second obligation of
an Eagle Scout is Loyalty. The blue in the Eagle Badge represents loyalty,
your loyalty, for without it, character lacks direction. Regardless of
how rough the road, how difficult the task, or how impossible the situation,
you must remain loyal to your cause and purpose. It is the sense of belonging,
being a part of a team and working together with others. It is standing
by your work, your promises and your pledges. It is also the feeling you
give others....knowing that they can count on you. Let the blue of this
badge remind you to remain loyal.
The third obligation of
an Eagle Scout is Courage. The red in the Eagle Badge represents courage,
it gives your character force and strength. If you have faith in God and
your fellowman, you are able to face each day unafraid and strive to share
in the work at hand. You should do your part in all things, regardless
of danger, adversity, or hardship. Let the red of the badge remind you
of courage.
The fourth obligation is
Responsibility. and is represented by the Scout Motto, Be Prepared. It
means that you are always in a state of readiness, both in mind and body,
so you will be able to face danger and help others to the best of your
ability. It also means that you have been trained for emergencies, and
that you are confident of your ability to do your duty as an Eagle Scouts.
The fifth and final obligation
is that of Service. This obligation is represented by the Eagle. You must
extend a helping hand to those who still toil up the Scouting trail, just
as others helped you achieve your goal. It means that the daily good turn
must continue. You must strive to protect the weak and defend the helpless.
The Eagle also indicates that you are now an elite member of an esteemed
group of world citizens. With this honor comes the knowledge that any
discredit which falls upon you, also befalls your brother Eagle Scouts.
Are you willing to accept
these obligations, responsibilities, and the honor of the Eagle Scout
Badge?
Answer: Yes, with the help
of God, I am.
Remember your obligations
of Honor, Loyalty, Courage, Responsibility, and Service. Our heartfelt
congratulations to you on this very, very special occasion, and our sincere
hope is that you may always wear your Eagle Badge with dignity and pride.
(To
be read by Scoutmaster and 4 other Eagle Scouts present)
Leader: 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 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 color of the Eagle badge remind you always to live with
honor.
Person 1: 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.
Person 2: The third obligation
of 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 the 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 always of courage.
Person 3: 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, which has its ends turned up in a smile.
Person 4: The final responsibility
of an Eagle Scout is SERVICE. The Eagle Scout extends a helping hand to
those who still toil up Scouting's trail, just as others helped him on
his climb to the Eagle. The performance of a daily Good Turn takes on
new meaning when he enters a more adult life of continuing service to
others. The Eagle stands as a 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.
Leader: 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. May the Scout Oath and Scout Law be your guide for tomorrow and
onward.
-- Thanks to Ben Parker,
bparker@interaccess.com, (Oak Park IL) ASM T-16 Oak Park IL
I once knew a young scout
who was reluctant to meet the requirements to achieve the Eagle rank.
He might have had notions that some of his friends might think that he
was not cool or that they might poke fun at him. He possibly concluded
that some of the girls might think he was a nerd, a geek, a dork or something
even worse. Heaven forbid if he were ever caught dressed up in his uniform
or if he had to blow off "hanging around" in order to attend scout activities.
After all, he reasoned, it was a lot of work and he had better things
to do. In the end, however, supplied with ample motivation from his parents,
he squeaked by the Eagle requirements by a hair and received the award.
Before the award, he had felt a tremendous rush of guilt in needing to
please his parents. After the award, he began carrying another load of
guilt for receiving something he believed he did not completely deserve.
Oh sure, he had fulfilled the physical requirements, if only marginally.
However, he knew inside that he had not fully committed his heart to the
project. For this young man, the pride of the moment belonged to his parents...not
him! So this new Eagle just buttoned up his feelings in silence and moved
on.
If this young man were
here today, I think he would advise any scout with similar feelings that,
despite those feelings, it IS OK to go ahead and do the work and receive
the award without consulting friends. He would also advise that it IS
OK to harbor those guilt feelings relating to his motivations. He would
then explain that doing the required work, earning the merit badges and
having the Eagle Medal pinned on by his mother were only the beginning
of the Eagle Scout experience. . . not the end.
As this young Eagle Scout
grew into full manhood and a more mature bearing replaced his youthful
notions, several things came to light. Ever more frequently, he would
find himself reaching back, almost in autonomic reaction, into his subconscious
Eagle-Scout data base for little tidbits of information or skill to meet
some daily or extraordinary demand of life. A few years later, the realization
began to hit home that he had actually learned something from his scouting
program. A new level of nostalgia and appreciation began to form. Upon
reflection, he had re-discovered that:
- Honest, wholesome and
tolerant relationships with people from all walks of life were first
founded in scouting;
- Leadership, organizational
skills and sound work habits were first practiced and tested in scouting;
- Appreciation and knowledge
of nature and the ability to provide root-smart solutions to common
problems reflect the scouting experience;
- Ability to react calmly
and decisively to emergencies, large or small, is based on scout training
and discipline;
- Patriotic service to
one's country had its formative roots in scouting; and
- Respect for family, love
of the flag and devotion to God were first foundations of Scouting.
The sum of all of these
attributes may be called one's values or one's character. The aging scout
now realized that he had always sensed the presence of these character
attributes as if they were a second nature. The silent voice of a code
of conduct and honor speaking to him from deep within. A hidden compass!
Indeed, a compass aligned in no small part by his scouting experience
from long ago.
However, his practice of
these attributes in daily life had not been and is not now an easy task.
There had been moments of temptation or failure, always accompanied by
the characteristic queasy, uneasy feelings of having done the wrong thing
or from not having done his best. The consolation for such disappointments
was his knowledge that as long as the character still resided within him,
it could be recalled and recharged. Mistakes and missteps could be dealt
with.
Nope... The process of
earning one's Eagle Scout award does not end with this ceremony. Weston,
you, as well as every Eagle Scout, are charged with the lifelong commitment
of keeping an ever vigilant eye on that hidden compass and of making continuous
corrections to your course. Such corrections will prove most self-gratifying
as they scratch the itch of that deeply rooted Eagle Scout Character.
This is what the old Eagle Scout learned about himself after years of
self examination. In the final analysis...he realized that he didn't do
it to please his parents...his parents did it for him! So, Weston...just
in case...don't forget to thank your Mom and Dad for their wonderful gift.
Congratulations and good luck!
-- Thanks to Jack L. Eidson,
Jr. August 25, 1996
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