EAGLE CEREMONY of Mark Massey
(Sam Samburger escort parents into church.)
(Adults of troop 508 file into church.
N Voekle goes to the podium. The
remainder sit front left pews.)
(Scouts file into church.
Nathan B., Blake, & Zach go behind the three candles.
The twelve candle lighters sit in front R pews.
All others sit on the left behind the adults.)
MC: N. Voekle
"On behalf of Troop 508, I would like to welcome all
of you to this Eagle Court of Honor. Will
everyone please rise for the presentation of the colors followed by the pledge
of allegiance." ....."Color guard advance.
(Color guard: Chad Hooten leader, Steven Massey carry USA flag, and Josh Archer carry troop flag. Flags are posted.)
Chad Hooten:
"Attention! Salute!
Pledge of Allegiance! I
Pledge ........................." "two!
You may be seated. Color
guard dismissed."
MC: N. Voekle
"The invocation will now be given by Phil Mecer,
Minister of the First Methodist Church of Irving."
Invocation: Phil Mecer
Opening MC: N. Voekle
"By the authority invested in me as a representative
of the Circle Ten Council and the
National Council, Boy Scouts of America, I declare this court of honor to be
duly convened."
"Today we have the honor and pleasure of recognizing
this candidate for the rank of eagle. This
is an important and serious matter. Mark's parents and scout leaders 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."
(N Voekle lights the single candle on the back table.)
"Before you stands a single lighted candle.
It represents the spirit of Scouting.
This spirit makes all the programs in scouting possible and is the spark
that ignite the scouting movement across America.
We will now use it to light the three candles that represent the three
colors of the American Flag."
(Three scouts light their candles and say their part:)
Blake Rice:
(as he lights the Red candle)
"The red of my flag is the lifeblood of brave men
ready to die for our country."
Nathan Brann:
(as he lights the white candle)
"The white of my flag is for purity and cleanliness of
purpose, thought, and deed."
Zach Pohl:
(as he lights the blue candle)
"The blue of my flag is for faith and loyalty, like
the eternal blue of the star filled heavens."
(Three scouts leave and be seated.)
MC: N Voekle:
"Scoutmaster Scott Pohl will now give us the scouting
percentages."
Scott Pohl:
Of any one hundred boys who become scouts, it must be
confessed that thirty will drop out in their first year, and less than two
percent will make it to Eagle. Perhaps
this may be regarded as a failure, but in later life all of these will remember
that they had been scouts and will speak well of the program.
Of the one hundred, only rarely will one ever appear before
a juvenile court judge. Twelve of
the one hundred will be from families that belong to no church.
Through scouting, these twelve and many of their families will be brought
into contact with a church and will continue to be active all their lives.
Six of the one hundred will become pastors.
Each of the one hundred
will learn something from scouting.
Almost all will develop hobbies that will add interest throughout the
rest of their lives. Approximately
one-half will serve in the military and in varying degrees profit from their
scout training. At least one will
use it to save another person's
life and many will credit it with saving their own.
Two of the one hundred will reach the eagle rank and at
least one will later say that he valued his eagle above his college degree.
Many will find their future vocation through merit badge work and
scouting contacts. Seventeen of the
one hundred boys will later become scout leaders and will give leadership to
thousands of additional boys.
Only one in four boys in America will become scouts, but it
is interesting to know that of the national leaders in business, religion, and
politics, seventy five percent were scouts.
This story will never end.
Like the golden pebble of service dropped into the human sea, it will
continue to radiate in ever widening circles, influencing the characters of men
down through unending time.
MC N Voekle:
"The twelve points of the Scout Law are the most
important lessons the scout learns on his long journey to Eagle.
These are the true tests of the scout's worthiness to wear the eagle
badge."
(The following 12 scouts line up front right.
Then one at a time they go to the right podium, read their lines, go
light their candle with the spirit candle, and leave the left side to sit with
the other scouts. Last scout leave spirit candle burning on the back center of
that front table.)
Jonathan Owens:
"A scout is TRUSTWORTHY. A scout tells the truth.
He keeps his promises. Honesty
is a part of his code of conduct. People
can always depend on him."
Steven Massey:
"A Scout is LOYAL.
A Scout is true to his family, friends, scout leaders, school, nation and
world community."
Jason Fulbright:
"A scout is HELPFUL.
A scout is concerned about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting
payment or reward."
Scott Luebbert:
"A scout is FRIENDLY.
A scout is a friend to all. He
is a brother to other scouts. He
seeks to understand others. He
respects those with ideas and customs that are different from his own."
John Clay:
"A scout is COURTEOUS.
A scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position.
He knows that good manners make it easier for people to get along
together."
Taylor Young:
A scout is KIND. A
scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated.
He does not harm or kill anything without reason."
David Wheeler:
"A scout is OBEDIENT.
A scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop.
He obeys the laws of his community and country.
If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them
changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them."
Ben Husa:
"A scout is CHEERFUL.
A scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way.
He tries to make others happy."
James Clay:
"A scout is THRIFTY.
A scout works to pay his way and to help others.
He saves for the future. He
protects and conserves natural resources. He
carefully uses time and property."
Kevin Enochs:
"A scout is BRAVE.
A scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even
if others laugh at him or threaten him."
Barry Fry:
"A scout is CLEAN.
A scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same
ideals. He helps keep his home and
community clean."
Nathan Gottlieb:
"A scout is REVERENT.
A scout is reverent toward God. He
is faithful in his religious duties. He
respects the beliefs of others."
MC: N Voekle:
"At this time we would like to bring forward the
candidate for the Eagle Badge. Would
the honor guard please escort before this court of honor, eagle candidate Mark
Massey."
(The honor guard with Tommy Proctor, Al Voekle, Colby
Adamson, and Sam Samburger escort Mark down the front isle to the right front
area and about face to look toward the MC.
Honor guard stay in position around Mark.)
Voice of the Eagle:
(Seven following adults will go up to left podium and read
their part. The next adult to read
should move up early to be ready to step up and read as soon as the present
reader is through.)
1-Jim Dunkley:
I am the Eagle. Since
the beginning of time, man has used me and my brothers as a symbol of royalty,
power, victory, authority and valor. My strength and courage has inspired men through the ages.
Ancient man looked upon me as an natural enemy of serpents.
They saw the battle between the sun and clouds as battles between an
eagle and a serpent."
2-James Clay:
The ancient assyrians associated me with Ashur, the great
sun god. I was awed and worshiped
for my majestic beauty. In the
Assyrian myths, I was a symbol of storms and lightning and the god who carried
souls to Hades...In India and Babylon I was the symbol of fire, of wind, and
storms, and the bringer of immortality."
3-Susan Shamburger:
"In the golden age of Greece, I was a symbol of
victory and supreme spiritual energy. I
was the sacred bird of Zeus, the ruler of all gods.
The Greeks represented me with wings outstretched, holding a serpent in
my claws. Thus, I represented the
triumph of good over evil.---In Rome, I was the symbol of Jupiter, the supreme
god. The Romans saw me as the
symbol of victory. As the Roman
legions conquered the world, they marched under the standard of the eagle, with
outstretched wings. The silver
eagle was the symbol of the republic and the Roman Empire used the golden eagle
as its symbol. I became the
personal emblem of the Caesars, representing supreme authority."
4-Chuck Fry:
"In the Middle ages, I became the symbol of Germany.
And, as falconry flourished as a sport in Europe, only kings were allowed
to hunt with an eagle.---The rise of Christianity brought me still more honor.
To the early Christians, the eagle was the symbol of Christ rising into
Heaven. This was due to the strong
flight of the eagle with its gaze fixed on the sun. In early icons I was best known as the symbol of St. John the
Evangelist."
5-Gary Husa:
"In the 19th century, French troops under napoleon
conquered Europe under the symbol of the eagle. Many French soldiers gave their lives to protect the golden
eagle which supported the French flag on the battleground.---On June 20, 1782, I
became the symbol of a new country. Because
of my courage and beauty, I was chosen to symbolize the new United States of
America. The eagle became a
prominent feature of the seal of state of the new republic."
6-Jim Enochs:
"From this early beginning, I have been used in many
ways to symbolize the ideals of this country.
Several states have the eagle on their state flags.
You can find me on the corns of America from the beginning to present
day.---I have a prominent place in America, as in ancient Rome, as a symbol of
power and authority. The emblems of the President, Vice-President, and most
branches of the armed forces center on the eagle."
7-Jerry Wicker:
"From the god of the Assyrians to the symbol of the
Caesars to the emblem of this country, it was thus fitting that the eagle should
have a part in the most momentous achievement of man.
The Apollo 11 Crew chose Eagle as the name for the lunar module which was
to make history. And with the words of Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong:
"Houston, Tranquility Base here.
The Eagle has landed!"....Man was on the moon.---In 1911, following
tradition as old as man himself, the Boy Scouts of America chose the eagle to
symbolize the very highest in achievement.
Through all of history, I have been the symbol of man's best, now I am
the symbol of scouting's best."
MC: N Voekle:
"Will the candidate Mark Massey please proceed to
center stage. Honor guard
dismissed."
(Colby proceed to stage by the table with awards.
Other three retreat down center isle to be seated with other scouts. Will
Ezell proceed to table beside Colby.)
MC: N Voekle:
"Now Kevin Johnson, Executive of Western Star
District, Circle Ten Council of th Boy Scouts of America, will now give the
eagle badge requirements as inspected by the board of review."
Eagle Requirements:
Kevin Johnson:
"The Boy Scout movement constitutes one of the most
wholesome and significant
developments of our day. Are you
worthy of the highest rank in its membership?
As as eagle scout you will be asked to assume a solemn obligation to do
your duty to God, country, fellow scouts, fellow citizens, and yourself.
This is a great undertaking. It
was, therefore, proper that a board of review make a careful examination of your
achievements. In order that all may
understand the completeness of its examination, I will review the findings of
the board of review."
"The first consideration in examining Mark was his
proficiency in the various crafts and skills prescribed for the eagle rank.
Mark presented a record of the merit badges he had earned and they were
carefully checked. The board found
him fully qualified having earned the twenty-one required badges."
"Another important consideration for the eagle rank is
leadership. The board of review has
fully reviewed Mark's leadership in his unit, school, church, and community.
We found that he demonstrates this ability in activities that are
constructive and worthwhile."
"Last and most important is Mark's character.
It was our finding that he is striving to put into daily practice the
principles of the scout oath and law which include integrity and honor, and we
believe that he will continue those habits of conduct in the future.
Our finding was that Mark Massey is worthy of the eagle rank."
MC: N Voekle:
"Will Eagle Scout Sam Shamburger please escort the
parents of the eagle candidate to his side."
(Sam takes the arm of mother and with father following
proceed to stage. Sam retires to
sit with troop.)
"It is with great pride and pleasure that this court
of honor now presents you with the Eagle Badge.
We now proclaim to all the world your accomplishments.
The symbol of your success is the Eagle badge and neckerchief, which will
now be presented to you."
(Will assists Colby who takes the old scarf off and puts
the Eagle Scarf and tie slide on Mark. Colby
and Will now remain at the table to hand the following awards to their
presenters.)
Darryl Fulbright:
"Now your Mother, who has more pride and love for you
than ever before, will pin the eagle pin over your heart."
"No one will ever know the unnumbered acts of
self-sacrifice and helpfulness from your mother which have led to this day.
As the symbol of what this mother has made possible, the court now asks
Mark to pin over his mother's heart this miniature Eagle pin and give her a
kiss."
S. Ezell: (reading from right hand podium as Mark puts pin on Mom)
"xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"
Darryl Fulbright:
"Your father has stood by you over the years and has
offered his encouragement and assistance. As
the symbol of what he has contributed to your attainment of this award, the
court now asks you to pin on him this miniature Eagle tie tac."
"In recognition of fatherly advice and guidance along
the trail to Eagle, I ask Mark's Dad to now present his son with the Eagle Scout
certificate and letter from the chief Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of
America."
MC: N Voekle:
"I would now like to introduce Eagle Scout and
assistant Scoutmaster Mickey Wheeler to come forward and give the Eagle Scout
Charge."
Eagle Charge:
Mickey Wheeler:
"Mark, I have the honor to give you the Eagle charge
on the occasion of your reaching the highest rank in Scouting.
The Scouts of all nations constitute one of the most
wholesome and significant movements in the world's history.
You have been judged by the Boy Scouts of America of being worthy of the
highest rank in this great movement. All
who know you rejoice in your achievement.
Your position, as you 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.
Your responsibility goes beyond your fellow scouts, to your
country and God. America has many
good things to give you and your children.
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, Mark, 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 high 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.
We have too many who use their strength and their brains to exploit
others and to gain selfish ends. I
charge you, Mark, to be among those who dedicate their skills and ability to the
common good.
Build America on the solid foundation of clean living,
honest work, unselfish citizenship, and reverence for God; and, whatever others
may do, you will leave behind a record of which every other scout may be justly
proud.
Mark, you will now rededicate yourself by repeating the
Scout Oath. Repeat it slowly, as
you stand before the three lighted candles representing the three parts of the
scout oath.
(Mark gives the scout sign and repeats the oath slowly.)
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.
This is not the end of the trail, but the beginning of a
new epoch of your life. As an eagle
scout, you become a guide to other scouts of lower rank. 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 not only reflect upon
you, but on your fellow Eagles and all scouting.
The torch you carry is not only yours, but it is ours also.
Mark, I challenge you to enter this Eagle brotherhood,
holding ever before you, without reservation, the ideals of honor and service,
by the repetition of the Eagle Scout Promise before your fellow members.
Though the words you use are similar to those by which you joined
scouting, they will mean more now than they could have meant at any time in the
past. When you pledge
yourself on your sacred honor, you will be sealing your eternal loyalty
to the code of the Eagle Scout, with the words which closed the Declaration of
Independence.
Scouts, Relatives, and guests please stand. (pause)
Eagle Scout candidate, Mark Massey, make the scout sign and
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 the rank of Eagle Scout. --- On my honor
--- I will do my best --- to make my training an example --- my rank and my
influence --- count strongly --- for better scouting --- and for better
citizenship, --- in my troop --- and in my community --- and in my contacts ---
with other people. --- To this I pledge ---
my sacred honor.
Audience, please be seated.
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. May the oath
you have taken....remain graven on your heart....forever!
MC: N Voekle:
"Will the new Eagle Scout Mark Massey please sign the
troop 508 Eagle Board."
(Mark goes over and signs his name and date of round
board.)
"Will George Adamson please come up to say a few words
about Mark and make a special presentation."
George Adamson Speech. (Speech and present Gold Coin)
Awards presentation:
MC: N Voekle:
"The Mark's family will now present a their
gift."
(Mom and Dad present family gift.)
"C.Proctor will now present a troop 508 gift."
Carl Proctor:
"The adults of Troop 508 feel that the scout must earn
every badge and rank in the long journey to Eagle Scout.
We do not just pass a boy along because he shows up at the troop
meetings. He must prove he is
worthy and we are proud of the many Eagle Scouts that have come from Troop 508.
To show our appreciation and pride in your accomplishment, we would like
to give you this Eagle Scout Plaque. Good
luck and happy Scouting.
MC: N Voekle:
"Mart Hamilton has some presentations which will now
be given."
Mart Hamilton:
"Mark, by the virtue of your earning the Eagle Award,
you are now eligible to become a member of the National Eagle Scout Association.
Your troop has enrolled you as a 10-year member in the association and I
have the honor of presenting your membership to you.
Fail not your fellow Eagles, for your responsibilities are now greater
than before. As you go forward in
life, receiving other honors and awards, always remember this day when you
became an Eagle Scout. As your
former leader, I wish you the very best."
MC: N Voekle:
"Now the representatives of the local Elks Lodge will
come forward to make their presentation."
(Elks make presentation)
"To show the comradeship and fellowship, will the
Eagle Scouts in the audience please come up and shake Mark's hand in
congratulations, and remain standing up here with him."
(Eagles come up.
"Herb Boyd, Silver Beaver and Scoutmaster Emeritus,
will now give the benediction."
Herb Boyd:(If Herb can't be present, Cliff Chamberlain.)
"Let us pray.........
"Dear Father in Heaven, we thank you for this opportunity to come together today...to celebrate life,....to celebrate our youth growing into adulthood,....to celebrate this boy scout on his day of success. Please continue to guide him in his future endeavors.
Take with you words, strong words of courage:
Words that have wings!...
Take with you holy words, words that know God;
Words that are sacred as healing waters,
Pure as light, and beautiful as morning,
Take with you tall words, words that reach up,
And growing words, with deep life within them.
Take with you holy words, words that know God. AMEN"
MC: N Voekle:
"I now declare this National Eagle Court of Honor
closed. Will the color guard please
retire the colors. Audience please
stand...........Mark will follow the color guard...and the Eagle Scouts on stage
will follow him, symbolizing their willingness to stand behind and support their
fellow Eagles"
(Ben Brakefield stands behind the USA flag and Nathan Smith
behind the Troop Flag while Aaron Clancy stands center stage.
Aaron announces "Retire Colors" and the two Scouts pick up the
flags. Aaron leads down the center
isle, followed by the two flags, followed by Mark Massey, followed by all the
Eagle Scouts, followed by the two parents.)
" Thank you for coming today. You are invited to attend a reception in the next building
where you may congratulate our newest Eagle Scout: Mark Massey.
------END------