Author: Andrew Baird

COLOR GUARD, HONOR GUARD, PARENTS, PRESENTERS, AND TROOP PARENTS: PEW AUDIENCE LEFT 
PRESENTERS: PEW AUDIENCE RIGHT 
HONOR GUARD AND COLOR GUARD BEHIND PARENTS 
OPENING CEREMONY:
Scout 1: The red of my flag is the lifeblood of brave men ready to die or worthily live for this, our country. (Lights candle) 
Scout 2: The white of my flag is for purity, cleanliness of purpose, thought, word, and deed. (Lights candle) 
Scout 3: The blue of my flag is for faith and loyalty, like the eternal blue of the star filled heavens. (Lights candle) 
WELCOME: SCOUTMASTER
INVOCATION: CHAPLAIN
NATIONAL COURT OF HONOR: SCOUTING REP
The time has come to recognize our recipient of the Eagle. By the authority vested in me by the Boy Scouts of America, I now declare this Eagle Scout Court of Honor officially open. 
Today, one individual will receive his Eagle. He has been tested along the scouting trail, and proudly wears at least twenty-one merit badges. He has tasted the thrill of service to our community, and has found that it is truly better to serve than to be served. 
Eagle Scout Candidate, please rise. 
EAGLE SCOUT TRAIL: SCOUTING REP
This is the voice of the Eagle - the Eagle whose heights you have struggled to reach. I remember when you came to the base of the cliff, and how you looked up with ambition and determination. Look back at the experiences you have encountered in your ascent. These experiences should not be forgotten. You should profit by making sure the adverse 
Do you remember when you took your first step on the Eagle trail? With those first steps you began to build yourself physically, mentally, and morally. You started living the Scout Oath and law. Soon you learned the symbolism inherent in the Scout badge; you learned that there are three points of the trefoil which stand for the three parts of the Scout Oath: Duty to God and country, duty to other people, and duty to yourself. You learned of two important ideals in scouting, truth and knowledge. These are symbolized by two stars on either side of the badge. These stars are like those of the great outdoors which you have enjoyed on hikes and campouts. In adding the Eagle to the shield of the United States you are further reminded of your duty to country. You pledge to support and preserve its freedom. Pointing skyward is the sign of the north. Taken from the mariner's compass, it is a reminder of your duty to God and your obligation to respect the religious convictions of others. 
From here the trail led through basic outdoor skills to the Second Class rank. This badge, with the corners of the scroll turned up in a scout smile admonished you to Be Prepared. The overhand knot reminds you of your daily good turn. 
At this point on the trail, some stop to catch their breath before continuing. But you began to study more and work harder. Almost before you knew it you became a First Class scout. The badge you received is a combination of both Tenderfoot and Second Class, reminding that there is much more to being a scout than just attending meetings. Here you were tempted to remain, but your ambition stirred you on. The variety of merit badges gave your interest free reign. You took the lead showing others the way. It didn't take long before the first obstacle on the trail had been overcome. You were then a Star Scout. The life rank was reached more slowly. The trail had become steeper and merit badges harder. Fewer scouts seemed headed in your direction. You looked back and saw the crowds behind you. You looked up and saw the few above and with the same determination with which you had started your climb, you continued up the trail. You learned that leadership was leading, not driving or pushing. Example is best. 
The life rank is symbolized by a heart with the First Class badge, the badge of scouting imposed thereon. At this point the trail became tougher, but also more interesting. The original principals, the Scout Oath and Law now had fuller meaning. Your understanding of them was much greater. As a result, your character unfolded; you became more of a man. Your leadership ability expanded into a valuable asset. Your mind developed and your wisdom increased. 
Now you stand at the top of the mountain. It is not the end of the trail nor the beginning. Almost your whole life lies ahead of you. Your part in our country's building from the past may be small, and your claim to distinction and honor may rest on no basis at all. But the future is for your own choosing. From your action the judgment must come. The need of your service to your country is greater than all you have previously done. When the drama is finally ended and the curtain is lowered at last, you must rest on the things you have accomplished, not the dreams of the past. 
Eagle candidate, please be seated. 
INTRODUCTION OF HONORED GUESTS: SCOUTMASTER 
QUALIFICATIONS: SCOUTMASTER
We have the honor and pleasure of recognizing the candidate for the rank of Eagle Scout.  This is an important and serious matter.  The parents and Scout leaders of this candidate have labored long and faithfully to guide him towards alert and participating citizenship through the Boy Scout program.  Their efforts culminate today in the presentation of this Eagle badge. 
The Boy Scout movement constitutes one of the most wholesome and significant developments of our day.  This scout has worked in the troop, school, church, and community. We found that he has demonstrated this ability in activities that are constructive and worthwhile.  We believe that he qualifies for the Eagle rank. Last and most importantly is the character of this candidate.  It was our finding that this candidate is endeavoring to put into daily practice the principles of the Scout Oath and Law which include integrity and honor.  We believe he is qualified as an Eagle Scout and that he will continue those habits of conduct in the future. 
In light of these inquiries by the Eagle board of review, the court of honor finds the candidate qualified to receive the rank of Eagle Scout 
EAGLE PRESENTATION: SCOUTING REP
Would the honor guard please escort the Eagle candidate and his parents to the Honor area? 
We would like to have the Scoutmaster assist in the presentation of the Eagle badge. 
By the authority vested in me by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America, it is my privilege and pleasure to pronounce you an Eagle Scout, and be involved in the presentation of that award. 
In recognition of fatherly advice and guidance along the trail to the Eagle rank, I will ask your father now to pin the badge of the Eagle Scout. (Father pins on the Eagle badge on the left pocket flap.) (Eagle Scout) will now give his father the Eagle Tie Clasp. 
Service and patient perseverance has been shown by your leaders as they helped you toward worthy manhood. It is appropriate that the Committee Chairman present you with the Eagle Scout Certificate. (Chairman reads letter from National Boy Scouts and presents Eagle Scout the certificate.) 
No one will ever know the unnumbered acts of self-sacrifice from your mother. In recognition of her devotion, the court will now ask you to present her with a miniature pin. (Eagle Scout pins Eagle pin on mother and gives her a hug and kiss.) 
Will the Honor Guard please escort the parents to their seats of honor? 
(Eagle Scout) has asked (Scoutmaster) to give him the Eagle charge. 
EAGLE CHARGE: SCOUTMASTER
(Scoutmaster reads charge) 
_____________: "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 _____________, 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_____________ 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" "_____________, 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." 
Would the Honor Guard please escort (Eagle Scout) to his seat of honor. 
Would (Scoutmaster and an Eagle Scout) please come forward for the summation of our program and the reading of the congratulatory letters. 
CONGRATULATORY LETTERS: TROOP COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN 
CLOSING REMARKS: SCOUTING REP 
"VOICE OF THE EAGLE": SCOUTMASTER
CLOSING CEREMONY