Troop 111 Eagle Courts of Honor Basic Ceremony Outline
Troop 111 Eagle Courts of Honor
Opening Remarks by SM or designated emcee (either henceforth listed as SM)
SM's Call to Order - "By the power vested in me by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America, I hereby declare this Eagle Court of Honor open."
Call to Eagles (by SM)
"Gentlemen, you honor us with your presence here tonight. I ask you to bear witness to this induction of our newest Eagle Scout, and to renew the vows you made at your own inductions. Please step forward and introduce yourselves, giving your name, what Troop you earned your Eagle with, where, and what year."
"Eagle Scout __________________________, these Eagle Scouts will witness your induction into their ranks. Remember all those who have gone before you, and those still to come, as you join their company."
SM hands off to Eagle Scout doing the Voice of the Eagle
Awards (SM gives explanatory commentary and handles Awards)
SM presents Eagle to assembled guests
Eagle Scout is congratulated by the Eagle Assembly, who then take their seats. SM also congratulates Eagle, then -
Eagle Scout Address [Eagle Scout sits with Parents]
Scoutmaster's Minute [Call SPL for Closing Flag Ceremony]
Closing Remarks, Invitation for Dinner, Snacks, etc. (whatever is being provided, if anything.)
"Eagle Scout [________________________________], I speak now as the Voice of the Eagle - the majestic peak towards which you have worked for ____ years to climb. You have walked the foothills of the Eagle - first as a Scout - then Tenderfoot, Second and First Class. You have scaled the first heights - marking your ascent with Merit Badges, Leadership Positions, Service Projects and ever increasing confidence. You have surmounted the final crests of Star and Life, and you have now reached the highest summit - the Eagle.
Now, however, as you prepare to walk the last few steps to Eagle, I ask you to take a moment and reflect upon the responsibilities associated with this Honor. As you take wing towards your future, let the Medal which you are about to receive symbolize these responsibilities:
First, the WHITE section of the Eagle Medal represents Honor. The highest responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to always live with Honor. Honor is the foundation of character. Character is what one really is - not what one thinks himself to be. An Eagle's Honor is sacred, and his character should always shine as a beacon wherever he may go and whatever his calling might be. Always live with Honor.
The BLUE section of the Eagle Medal represents Loyalty. Loyalty gives character purpose and direction. Always live by the old adage: "To thine own self be true - and it must follow as day follows night - that you cannot be false to any man."
The RED section of the Eagle Medal represents Courage. Courage gives character strength and endurance. Never shirk your duties - however arduous - for fear of failure. Trust in God and face all your future responsibilities determined and unafraid.
The SCROLL of the Eagle Medal reminds you of your obligation to Service. Your career of Service in Scouting must now take on new depth and meaning as you head out into the World. Protect and Defend the weak and helpless. Aid and Comfort the unfortunate and oppressed. Proclaim and Uphold the inherent rights of all men. Always be prepared - and always do your best.
Finally, let the EAGLE of the Eagle Medal always remind you of what you are - an Eagle Scout. I welcome you to our ranks - Congratulations!"
"Eagle Scout [________________________________], I have the Honor to give you the Eagle Scout Charge on the Occasion of your Elevation to the Highest Rank in Scouting.
The Boy Scouts of America constitute one of the most wholesome and significant movements in our Nation's History - and you have been counted worthy of the highest rank in its membership. All those who know you truly rejoice in your achievement. Your position - as you well know - is one combining both high honor - and awesome responsibility. You are now a marked man, for - as an Eagle Scout - you have assumed a solemn obligation to always do your duty to God, your Country, your fellow man - and yourself. As you live up to your obligations, you bring honor to yourself and your fellow Eagle Scouts; if, however, you fail, you bring down - by so much - the good name of all true and worthy Eagle Scouts - both past and future. Furthermore, your responsibilities go beyond your fellow Scouts, to your Country and God. America has much to offer you - and your children after you - but much of what she can offer depends heavily on the quality of manhood that her citizens possess. You can help her in all that she needs most. She has a great past - you can make her future even greater.
I therefore CHARGE you to undertake your citizenship with a solemn dedication. Be a leader of men - but lead only towards noble goals. We have too many who use their strength and brains to exploit others and to gain selfish ends; I CHARGE you to be one of those precious few who dedicates his skills and abilities to the common good. Help to further build America on a solid foundation of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship and reverence for God. Then - no matter what others may do - you will leave behind you a record of which every Eagle Scout may feel justly proud."
[Instruct Scout to Stand by the American Flag, Raise Scout Sign; Turn and Invite Assembled Eagles to also raise the Scout Sign and silently renew their own vows. Turn back to Scout.]
"I,___(Eagle Scout)______, do Solemnly Swear -
That for the Rest of my Life -
I Will Always Do My Best -
To Do My Duty -
To God and My Country -
To Obey the Scout Law -
To Help Other People at All Times -
To Keep Myself Physically Strong -
Mentally Awake -
And Morally Straight.
Upon this Oath -
I so Pledge -
My Sacred Honor.
Home.