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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 years . 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 is 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.

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