Lighting the Eagle Trail
| Note: | It is desirable to divide this speech among several good speakers. |
| Chairman: | To earn the higher ranks in Scouting, a young man has to spend a great deal of time
and effort. Therefore the occasion which recognizes his accomplishments should be
something special. We shall follow a pattern which I am going to call "Lighting the
Eagle Trail."
[Lights are turned out except for a single lighted candle in holder.] When a boy becomes a Boy Scout there should be instilled within him something that we call the spirit of Scouting. This lighted candle represents that spirit. Because the spirit of Scouting embodies the fine principles of the Scout Oath and Law, it becomes a shining beacon of inspiration. Alone, this light may be feeble, but when multiplied by the more than three and a half million boys in Scouting, it can become powerful indeed. After a boy has entered Scouting, the Scout Law that he has promised to obey is put into effect as the occasion may demand. And so, one by one, using the flame from this spirit of Scouting, I light the symbols that stand for the parts of the Law. There are 12 parts -- all important and all meaningful. Each is an important foundation stone in the building of strong character. A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. [These may be lighted by Scouts or by the speaker.] And finally, in the three parts of the Scout Oath he promises upon his honor to do his best to do his duty, first to God and his country; second, to other people, by helping them at all times; and third, to himself, by keeping himself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. You see how the light from this spirit of Scouting is now beginning to grow and become brighter. [Twelve little candles and three larger candles are lighted as narration unfolds.] Now, far away, loom the hazy outlines of the Eagle summit flanked by the lesser peaks that represent the Star and Life ranks. Yes, to the newcomer they're a long way ahead, but they'll come a lot closer as this light from the spirit of Scouting continues to spread. The Scout begins as a Tenderfoot, and so I light the Tenderfoot symbol that stands at the foot of the Eagle trail. [Lights Tenderfoot candle.] Once inspired by the spirit of Scouting, he won't stay a Tenderfoot long. Putting a few simple achievements behind him, he very shortly climbs to the rank of Second Class Scout. [Lights Second Class candle.] And then, even though the requirements stiffen a bit, he keeps climbing until finally comes the day when he tops the first summit along the Eagle trail, where he receives his First Class Award. Thus we light the milestone that represents the First Class Scout. [Lights First Class candle.] But he must not stop here because beyond this first summit, the Eagle trail still leads on. A broad field of merit badges awaits him. He needs but a total of six to conquer the Star Scout summit. Probably a lot sooner than he thought possible, he finds himself standing on Star ridge. Thus through leadership and achievement, he conquers the first of the three great peaks along the Eagle trail. I shall now light the symbol that designates Star Scout. [Lights Star candle.] Gaining the next summit, the Life Scout peak, is not easy. Much leadership, service, and hard work has to be done in mastering five additional merit badges and helping others. The higher the Scout climbs, the smaller becomes the crowd. Yet there are no impossible barriers along the way. This Life Scout goal can be achieved, but it takes real effort; I now light the symbol of this achievement. [Lights Life candle.] While the rank of Life Scout is a much coveted one, and deserving the extreme credit, the Eagle trail does not end there. It still leads on and on. Toward the summit, its pathway narrows and steepens considerably as it winds along narrow ledges. Mile by mile, it becomes tougher and more trying. Many things have to be done in order to conquer these last miles. Before the highest summit along the Eagle trail can be attained, many additional merit badges are needed, some of them are pretty tough and in the meantime, leadership and service to others is not forgotten. Only those with the greatest amount of persistence and courage are able to gain the thrill of victory that comes while looking down the trail, from the very top of the Eagle summit. I shall now light the symbol that stands for Scouting's highest award, the Eagle Scout. Our most hearty congratulations. And now, if you, along with your mother and father, will come forward, your Eagle badge will be presented. [Call the recipient forward.] We are proud of you. So again let me congratulate you for reaching the highest point along the Eagle trail. May all the qualities that have inspired you to this achievement continue to lead you on to even greater success in the ways of life. As an Eagle Scout, the eyes of all Scouting -- yes, the eyes of all the world -- will be trained upon you. Let me remind you that the tradition of the Eagle is high. May you so live that this tradition may always be guided by the spirit of Scouting, as symbolized by these blazing candles before you. May the Eagle badge that you are about to receive be symbolic of the spirit of Scouting. [Eagle badge is presented to mother to pin on candidate's shirt and Eagle Scout pins miniature Eagle on mother.] Pin it over your mother's heart in recognition of her love, encouragement, faith, and trust in your manhood. You are now an Eagle Scout, and as such, may you never, never disappoint her. [Eagle Dad tie tack is given to Eagle Scout who pins in on father.] In recognition of the wisdom and guidance given by your father, please present this Eagle Dad tie tack to him. And now, let's give this young man a standing vote of appreciation and a big hand. |