The Light of the Eagle II Ceremony
SETTING:
(The same as for "The Light of the
Eagle" presentation ceremony preceding this section. The Eagle
candidate has been escorted to the front of the room, and the lights are
dimmed.)
CEREMONY
MC: Presentation of the Eagle Award is an
important and serious matter. For the Eagle Candidate before us tonight, the
award is a climax of his Scouting efforts for many year s . Let me point out
that the attainment of this award is made possible through the assistance of
those with the candidate tonight. His Scoutmaster, troop leaders, his fellow
Scouts, parents, family, friends, and members of our local community. This
is an occasion for pride and joy as well as a time for reflection. The Eagle
is the highest rank that Scouting offers. It's earned through the
advancement program. Scout [ Scout's name] has distinguished himself through
his continued, active service in Scouting. He is trained and practiced in
his leadership abilities, and he is marked by the character gained through
an understanding of his citizenship and religious beliefs. It is important
that we understand the meaning of the Eagle badge.
(VOICE OF THE EAGLE)
1. (An older Eagle) The appeal of the majestic eagle has been felt by
individuals from prehistoric times to the present day. To the Egyptians, the
eagle was the messenger to the gods and the sun, a symbol of eternal life.
To the Romans, he was the carrier of Jupiter's thunderbolts and a sign of
power. To the America Indians, he stood as the incentive to valor and the
pledge of victory. For us today, the eagle is a living symbol of courageous
and freedom-aspiring Americans. When the badge of rank for Eagle Scouts was
designed in 1912, a small silver eagle was suspended from a tricolor ribbon
of red, white, and blue. It remained so today. (Light the Eagle on the light
box.)
2. The foremost responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor. To
an Eagle Scout, honor is the foundation of 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 of the infinite
importance of doing so to himself, but because of the vital significance of
the example he sets for other Scouts. Living honorably reflects credit upon
his home, his troop, his church, and his community. (Light the white portion
of the ribbon on the light box.) May the white of the Eagle badge remind you
always to live with honor.
3. The second responsibility of the Eagle Scout is loyalty. A SCOUT is true
to his family, 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 build the loyalty which means devotion to community, to
country, to one's ideals, and to God. (Light the blue portion of the ribbon
on the light box.) May the blue of the Eagle badge always inspire your
loyalty.
4. The third responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to be courageous. Courage
is a quality by which men measure in themselves and others. To a Scout,
bravery means not only the courage to face physical danger, but the
determination to stand up for his rights. Trusting in God with faith in his
fellow citizen, he looks forward to each day, seeking his share of the
world's work. (Light the red portion of the ribbon on the light box.) May
the red of the Eagle badge always remind you of courage.
5. The fourth responsibility 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. (Light the scroll on the light box.)
6. The final responsibility of an Eagle Scout is service. The Eagle extends
a helping hand to those who still toil up 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 an adult life of continuing service
to others. The Eagle stands as the 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 is always prepared to put forth his
best.
MC: You are deserving of much credit in having achieved Scouting's highest
rank. Wear your award with humility, ever mindful that the Eagle Scout is
looked up to as an example. May the Scout Oath and the Scout Law be your
guide for tomorrow and onward.
(At this point parents of the Eagle Scout are escorted to the candidate's
side, and the normal sequence of events would follow.)
PRESENTATION OF THE AWARD, ETC. ETC. |