The Light Of The Eagle I Ceremony
SETTING:
The Eagle court of honor may follow a regular
troop court of honor. The flags are in place, and the mood is set. The
participants are seated at a table in the front of the room, or they may
rise from the audience at their particular point in the program.
PARTICIPANTS
Master of Ceremonies (MC)
Honor Guard
CEREMONY
MC: Welcome now to that part of our court of
honor where we recognize a candidate for Eagle Scout. The presentation of
the Eagle Award is an important and serious matter. It is the climax and the
goal for which this Scout has been working for many years.
Honor guard, please escort before this court, Eagle Candidate [ Scout's name
], so we may ensure that he has been prepared properly to receive this high
honor.
(The honor guard, composed of Eagle Scouts, escort the Eagle Candidate to
the front of the room, near the American flag, leaving him facing the
audience.)
MC: The Eagle Award is a culmination of the effort of many leaders of this
Scout. It is an occasion for pride and joy and a time for serious
contemplation. It is the highest rank in Scouting, and the most coveted of
all awards in Scouting. It is the last major step in the Scouting
advancement program. If Troop leaders have not achieved their purpose with
this scout in the building of character, in the training of leadership, in
the practice of service, they probably never shall. It is, right and proper
that this court make a careful examination of the applicant. In order that
you may understand the completeness of our examination, I shall ask members
of the Troop Committee to explain the inquiries made regarding the
candidate. Mr./Mrs. ________, please state how this Eagle Candidates
accomplished the requirements established by the Boy Scouts of America. .
Mr./Mrs. _______: Mr. (MC), the first consideration in the examination of
this candidate, was his proficiency in the various crafts and skills
prescribed in the requirements for the Eagle Award. The Eagle candidate
presented a record of the merit badges he earned and the advancement he has
accomplished. These records have been carefully checked. The candidate has
been certified by the merit badge counselors approved by the troop
committee. The court finds that the candidate has completed all required
merit badges.
MC: Mr. #2.
Mr.#2: Mr. (MC) , another important consideration for the Eagle Award is
leadership. This court carefully reviewed the record of the candidate's
performance in leadership positions. We found all positions held in the
troop, school affairs, and his Eagle service project to meet the
requirements of the Eagle Award. We find that the candidate displayed his
capacity and his willingness to exert leadership in activities that are
constructive and worthwhile to this community. We believe that he is
qualified to receive the Eagle Award.
MC: Mr. #3.
Mr.#3: Mr. (MC), last, but certainly not least, is the Scout's character. We
have interviewed teachers, his pastor, neighbors and many others regarding
the candidate. It is the finding of the court that this candidate has put
into practice, in his daily life, the principles of the Scout Oath and Law.
We believe he will continue these habits after receiving the Eagle Award.
MC: In light of these inquires, this court finds the candidate qualified for
the Eagle Award. However, if anyone knows any reason why this Scout should
not receive the rank of Eagle, please inform this court now.
EAGLE SCOUT: (From the audience.) Gentlemen of the court. I represent all
the Scouts who have received the Eagle Award in _____________ District. We
do not object to awarding the rank of Eagle to this candidate. We believe
though, that the he must understand that the Eagle rank is a responsibility
as well as an honor. We respectfully ask that this Eagle candidate be
informed of these responsibilities before the badge is awarded.
MC: The court concurs in your feelings. Let us hear the responsibilities of
an Eagle Scout.
(The lights are dimmed. For dramatic effect, use recorded voices in corners
of the room or behind drapes. If that isn't feasible, an older Eagle steps
to the front to speak as the Voices. As Voice 1 begins, turn on the WHITE
portion of the ribbon.)
VOICE 1: 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 is down deep inside, not what others thinks one is. An
Eagle will so live that he reflects honor upon his home, his church, his
school, his friends, and upon himself. May the white of your badge remind
you to live with honor.
(As Voice 2 begins, turn on the BLUE portion of the ribbon.)
VOICE 2: The second responsibility of an Eagle Scout is loyalty. Without
loyalty, character lacks direction. An Eagle is loyal to his ideals. To thy
own self be true. It follows as the night into day, thou cannot be false to
any man. Neither pain nor profit, pride nor personal loss shall swerve him
in his loyalty. May the blue of your badge remind you always to be loyal.
(As Voice 3 begins, turn on the RED portion of the ribbon now.)
VOICE 3: The third responsibility of an Eagle Scout is courage. Courage
gives character force and strength. Trusting in God and with faith in his
fellowman, the Eagle Scout faces each day unafraid and seeks his share of
the world's work. May the red of your badge remind you always of courage.
(As Voice 4 begins, illuminate the rest of the badge, the scroll and the
Eagle.)
VOICE 4: The final responsibility of a n Eagle Scout is service. He extends
a helping hand to those who still toil up the Scouting trail, just as others
helped him in his achievement of the Eagle rank. The habit of the daily Good
Turn must take on new meaning, blossoming in a life of service. He protects
and defends the weak and helpless. He aids and comforts the unfortunate and
the oppressed. He upholds the rights of others while demanding his own. His
code of conduct is based upon the belief that real leadership must be
founded upon service.
May the motto "Be Prepared" always be of service to others. May
the eagle suspended from the ribbon always remind you to perform that
service when the opportunity presents itself.
EAGLE SCOUT: Gentlemen of the court, if this candidate is willing, yes
eager, to accept the responsibilities of the badge as well as its honor, we
cordially welcome him into the ranks of Eagle Scouts.
MC: Eagle Candidate [ Scout's name ], are you willing to accept these
responsibilities?
CANDIDATE: I am.
MC: By the authority vested in this court of honor by the National Council,
Boy Scouts of America, and by recommendation of the persons who have
investigated your credentials, your leadership practice and your character,
this court hereby awards the rank of Eagle Scout to __________. The charge
to this worthy Eagle will be given by Mr. ___________.
CHARGE: (Choose an Eagle Charge or Pledge) |
