This is an adaptation of the original Eagle Court of Honor Script. Most
of the names have been replaced with position titles.
As the guests enter the Sanctuary, Boy Scouts of Troop 82 hand out programs
and usher guests to their seats. All speakers, participants, and their
spouses are seated in a special area prior to the opening.
SPL: (Proceeds to the center front of Communion Rail and turns to face
the audience) "Would everyone please stand for the presentation of
our Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance."
(Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack march in and take their places)
SPL: (calls the Color Guard -- Cobra & Trailblazer Webelos Scouts --
to present the colors. Once the Color Guard reaches the front of the Sanctuary
and is in place, he calls "Hand Salute" and leads the Pledge
of Allegiance. The colors are posted; he asks the audience to "Please
be seated". He then dismisses the Color Guard "Color Guard, dismissed",
and follows them to the back of the Sanctuary where they then quietly proceed
to their seats.
Assistant Scoutmaster: "Scouts, Scouters, and friends of Scouting,
I would like to welcome you to this Eagle Court of Honor. This is an occasion
for pride and joy, as well as a time for serious reflection. The Eagle
is the highest recognition that Scouting offers to Scouts. It is earned
through the advancement program, and only a small percentage of boys who
begin in Scouting receive this honor. The wearer of the Eagle award is
the epitome of Scouting's best efforts and beliefs. Tonight, we have the
pleasure of seeing Bradley Wallace climax his Scouting efforts when he
joins the company of Eagle Scouts. Before we begin, the Reverend Jim McWhinnie,
Pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, will deliver the Invocation."
Presenter 1: "The presentation of the Eagle Scout Award is an important
and serious matter. For the Eagle candidate, this is the climax in his
Scouting efforts. The attainment of this award is made possible through
the assistance of those with the candidate tonight -- his Scoutmasters,
Troop leaders, fellow Scouts, parents, family, friends, and members of
the community. This is an occasion for pride and joy, as well as a time
for serious reflection."
The Eagle is the highest recognition offered in Scouting. It is earned
through the advancement program. The wearer of the Eagle award is the embodiment
of Scouting's best efforts and beliefs. Bradley Wallace has distinguished
himself through his continued performance of 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 each of us understands the meaning
of the Eagle Badge."
(Lights are dimmed)
[The Eagle Honor Guard speaks from the rear of the sanctuary:]
Scout 1: "The appeal of the majestic eagle has been felt by every
great people from prehistoric times to the present day. To the Egyptians,
the eagle was the messenger of 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 American Indians he stood as the incentive to valor and
the pledge of victory. For us today, the eagle is the living symbol of
all courageous and freedom-aspiring Americans. When the Eagle Scout badge
was designed in 1912, it was decided that a small silver eagle would be
suspended from a tricolor ribbon of red, white, and blue. So it remains
today."
(The Eagle is lit.)
Scout 2: "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."
(The white ribbon is lit.)
Scout 3: "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."
(The blue ribbon is lit.)
Scout 4: "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."
(The red ribbon is lit.)
Scout 5: 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."
(The Scroll is lit.)
Scout 6: "The final responsibility of an Eagle Scout is service. The
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 in his climb
to the Eagle. The performance of the daily good turn takes on a new meaning
when he enters a more 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."
Scout 7: "You are deserving of much credit in having achieved Scouting's
highest award. However, 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."
(Lights are turned up)
Musician: (soloist -- music "The Lord's Prayer")
MC: "I would now like to introduce Deputy [ name ]. He has been with
the Lee County Sheriff's Office for 1-1/2 years, and is currently serving
as a correctional officer in Fort Myers. He was a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout
as a youth, and believes in the importance of programs such as Scouting
for our young people. Ladies and Gentlemen, [ name ]."
MC: "[ name ], Calusa District Committee Chairman for SW Florida Council,
will now convene the National Court of Honor."
Councilperson: "By the authority vested in me as a representative
of the Southwest Florida Council and the National Council, Boy Scouts of
America, I declare this Court of Honor to be convened."
Master of Ceremonies: "The Scouting movement constitutes one of the
most wholesome and significant influences in the world today. Many successful,
well-known persons are Eagle Scouts -- a former President of the United
States, a film director whose films have won world-wide acclaim, most of
the original astronauts, and several outstanding sports personalities.
The Eagle candidate whose efforts culminate this evening in the presentation
of the Eagle badge, has labored long to enter this brotherhood. He will
assume even greater responsibilities to the ideals of honor and service.
When he pledges himself on his sacred honor, he will be sealing his loyalty
to the code of the Eagle Scout with the words which closed the Declaration
of Independence."
"Honor Guard, please escort before this Court of Honor Life Scout
Bradley Alan Wallace, where he will be prepared to receive the Eagle Scout
Award."
(After the Honor Guard returns to their seats, MC continues)
"All along the trail of achievement, your scoutmasters have given
you advice and encouragement. I call upon your Scoutmaster to vouch for
you tonight. (Scoutmaster steps forward, Councilperson addresses him.)
"Sir, before presenting your Scout the Eagle Award, we would like
to have your assurance that Bradley has been faithful in serving his troop,
in giving leadership to its scouts, in practicing the principles of the
Scout Oath and Law, and in practicing the good turn in his daily life.
Based upon these qualifications, is your Scout entitled to the honor the
Eagle badge represents?"
Scoutmaster: "Yes, sir, he is."
MC: "Eagle candidate Bradley Wallace, what promise did you take when
you became a Tenderfoot Scout?"
Bradley Wallace: "The Scout Oath, sir."
MC: "Is there any reason why you should not renew that promise now?"
Bradley Wallace: "There is not, sir."
MC: "Then I ask you to now give the Scout Oath as you rededicate yourself
to its principles."
Bradley Wallace: (Gives the Scout Sign and repeats the Scout Oath)
MC: "You have just recommitted yourself to the principles of the Scout
Oath. You now have a new, more intense obligation to your church, your
community, and your troop. The knowledge you have gained in all areas of
scouting will better enable you to be prepared for the future and its challenges.
The Scout Motto of 'be prepared' now takes on special meaning."
"Before the Eagle Award is bestowed upon you, I am going to ask the
Honor Guard to escort your father to your side."
(After his father is in position on the candidate's right and the Honor
Guard has returned to their seats, continue with...)
"Eagle Candidate Bradley, your father has undoubtedly been a primary
source of help in your Scout work. He will help you carry the standards
of your award to the highest peak of attainment, since the very best is
expected of an Eagle Scout in exemplary conduct, character, achievement,
and leadership ability. I am going to ask your father, who has stood by
you so loyally to pledge his willingness to continue to help you. Mr. Wallace,
do you agree to continue to help Bradley so that he may grow in character
and those leadership qualities that an Eagle Scout should have?"
Mr. Wallace: "I will."
MC: "Your mother has undoubtedly been your greatest source of inspiration
in your quest for the Eagle Award. I am going to ask that she please rise
and allow the Honor Guard to escort her to your side."
(The Honor Guard escorts the mother to the candidate's left. Presenter
moves to microphone as mom is escorted to Bradley's side.)
Presenter: (Give a brief history of Bradley's Scouting career - see attached.
When completed, he continues ...)
"Eagle Candidate Bradley Wallace, it is now my pleasure to introduce
Eagle Scout [ name of Charger ] to deliver to you the Eagle Charge."
[ name of Charger ]: "Scouts of all nations make up one of the
most wholesome and significant movements in the world's history. You have
been judged by the Boy Scouts of America as being worthy of this honor.
All who know you rejoice in your achievement. This award, as you will 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."
"America has many good things to give you and 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 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 to your
fellow man."
"So live and serve, that those who know you will be inspired to finer
living. I charge you to be among those who dedicate their hearts, hands,
skills, and abilities to the common good. Help to build America's future
by continuing to set an example of clean living, honest work, unselfish
citizenship and reverence for God, whatever others may do. You will leave
behind you a record of which you may be justly proud."
"Eagle Candidate Bradley, I charge you to enter this Eagle Scout brotherhood
holding without reservation and ever before you the ideals of honor and
service. By the repetition of the Eagle Scout promise before your fellow
members, you will become an Eagle Scout. 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 the Declaration of Independence."
"Will all Eagle Scouts here tonight please stand and renew your Eagle
Scout promise as Bradley 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"
"Bradley, your conduct along the trail has been excellent. You have
rededicated yourself to the principles of Scouting. But one more thing
is important ... your future."
"As an Eagle Scout, you become a guide to other Scouts. You become
an example in your community. Remember that your actions are now a little
more conspicuous and people will expect more of you. To falter in your
responsibility would reflect not only on you, but on your fellow Eagles
and all of Scouting. The torch you carry is not only yours, but it is also
ours."
Presenter 2: "Life Scout Bradley Wallace, we are finally at that
point you have been waiting for. Having confirmed all readiness for the
reception of this award, it is now time to formally present this high badge
of accomplishment."
"By the authority vested in me by the National Court of Honor of the
Boy Scouts of America, it is my privilege an pleasure to pronounce you
an Eagle Scout. May the Oath you have taken always remain with you."
"No words of this Court of Honor could do justice to the devotion
and patient perseverance with which your Scoutmaster has helped you towards
worthy manhood. Only from his hands could you receive your Eagle award
at this moment. Will Scoutmaster [ name ] pin the badge on this new Eagle
Scout?"
In recognition of fatherly advice and guidance along the trail to Eagle,
I will ask this Eagle Scout's father now to present to his son the Eagle
Scout certificate and personal letter of commendation from the Chief Scout
Executive, Boy Scouts of America." (Hand certificate to father for
presenting. Letter should be read before presenting.)
"No one will ever know the unnumbered acts of self-sacrifice and helpfulness
from the mother of this Eagle Scout which have led us to this night. As
the symbol of what his mother has made possible, the court will now ask
this Eagle to present his mother with a miniature Eagle pin." (Son
pins on miniature Eagle pin. When all the insignia have been presented,
speaker gives the new Eagle Scout the Scout handclasp with the left hand.
Right handshake should be used for each of the parents.)
"May I congratulate you again, and may I remind you that Scouting
should now become an even greater tie between son and parents, binding
you even more closely as a family. To you, Eagle Scout Bradley Wallace,
I express confidence that you will honor Scouting with your life and service
as tonight Scouting honors you. That God may bless you and make you a blessing
is our prayer."
"Honor Guard, please escort Bradley's parents to their seats."
(As the Honor Guard is seating the parents, Scoutmaster moves to the microphone
and continues ...)
Scoutmaster: "It gives me great pleasure to introduce [ name ],
Chartered Organization Representative for the Scouting units here at Grace
UMC, who will present those with special recognition's for the new Eagle
Scout."
Chartered Organization Representative : (says a few words on behalf of
the sponsoring organization,
and introduces the following people:)
[ name ], Committee Chairman, Troop 82 (plaque)
[ name ], Kiwanis, (plaque +)
[ name ], Optimist, (plaque +)
(When presentations are complete, Scoutmaster moves back to the microphone
for the closing.)
Scoutmaster: "Now Bradley, before you leave this ceremony, will
you kneel where you are and in true Scout fashion, silently ask your God
to give you strength and courage to wear with distinction and honor the
award which you now hold."
( A moment of silent prayer)
"I congratulate you as an Eagle Scout. The eagle soars high and seeks
to rest only upon the lofty peaks. As an Eagle Scout, you too must soar
high. You must not swerve from the path of duty. Your ideals must be lofty.
You must strive to obtain that which is the highest and noblest in life."
"I hereby close this Eagle Court of Honor and present to you Eagle
Scout Bradley A. Wallace."
Bradley Wallace: (After applause, Bradley says a few words of thanks)
SPL: (Leads closing, colors recess.)
Honor Guard: Escorts parents out. All remaining Boy Scouts follow, then
Cub Scouts. Receiving line is formed in Fellowship Hall.
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