The Voice Of The Eagle Ceremony
SETTING:
Pictures of the
Scout ranks are arranged in a semicircle across the front of the room. They
are spaced out far enough so that the candidate and his escorts have room to
walk from one to the next. The Eagle card is at the center, and slightly to
the rear of the others. The Eagle is candidate escorted to the front of the
room near the American and Troop flag. As the narrative for each rank is
read the candidate and his escorts move on to that card, and stand behind
it. Candles should be placed and lit in front of each card.
CEREMONY:
MC: This is the voice of the Eagle, the Eagle
whose heights you struggled 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 back over the cliff you have climbed; look back
at the experience you have encountered in your ascent. These experiences
should not be forgotten, and you should profit by making sure that the
adverse ones do not occur again. Experience is a valuable teacher if you
heed its teachings.
FIRST READER: We remember when you took your first step upon the trail that
leads upward. With your first step, you began living the Scout Oath and Law.
While you were on the trail, we watched you study and then we watched you
learn by doing. First you were only a candidate, building yourself
physically, mentally, and morally. Then your brother Scouts called you a
Tenderfoot and they were right, you were indeed a Tenderfoot.
SECOND READER: But not for long, for soon you reached the first ledge where
you were greeted by a group of Second Class Scouts.
Some, like yourself, were stopping to catch their breath before continuing
along the Eagle trail. You began to study more, you worked harder, and
almost before you knew it, you came to another ledge, the ledge where First
Class Scouts dwell.
THIRD READER: There you found a tempting green meadow by a crystal clear
stream, bathed by 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 progress to Star Scout. You found the trail from
First Class had been an optical illusion, not as difficult as it has seemed.
This spurred you on, and again you climbed higher.
FOURTH READER: Now the trail was steeper, it was less worn. Fewer Scouts
seemed to be heading in your direction. You looked back and saw the crowds
below you. You looked up and saw the few above you. With the same
determination with which you started your climb, you continued on the trail.
So on it was the badge of Life Scout, the heart badge that was placed on
your uniform. You will never forget the thoughts in your heart. It has been
experienced by most Scouts on reaching the ledge of Life. "Now I am
close to Eagle. I will carry on." The trail became tougher, but more
interesting. The original simple principles, the Scout Oath and Law, now had
a fuller meaning. Your understanding of them was greater.
MC: Yes, we have watched your character unfold and become manly. We have
watched your leadership ability expand into a valuable asset. We have
watched your mind develop and your wisdom increase. We have watched all of
these things in you. 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.
Will Mr. _____(Scoutmaster)_____, please escort to the front, Eagle
candidate [ Scout's name ] to receive his Eagle Badge of Rank.
(Here follows the normal recognition of the candidate's parents, the actual
presentation, etc.) |
