(Provided by Beth Garvin)
History of The Eagle and Man
1 Opening: CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME (MC-Matthew Collins)
2 PRESENTATION OF COLORS: Color Guard ( Kyle Sandven)
3 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND SCOUT OATH: (Kyle Sandven)
4 M.C.: [As a scout lights the red candle from the light of Scouting.] The red of the flag is the lifeblood of brave men ready to die or worthily live for this, our country.
[As a scout lights the white candle.] The white of the flag is for purity, cleanliness of purpose, thought, word and deed.
[As a scout lights the blue candle.] The blue of the flag is for faith and loyalty, like the eternal Blue of the star-filled heavens.
M.C.
[As
the Scout replaces the light
of Scouting
]
By authority vested in me as a representative of
the Northeast Georgia Council and the National Council, Boy Scouts of America, I
declare this court of honor to be duly convened
5 INVOCATION/OPENING
PRAYER: (Person TBD)
6 SCRIPTURE READING—Isaiah 40:31—(Steve Ridley)
7 CANDIDATE RECOGNITION:
M.C.:
This afternoon
we have the
honor and pleasure of recognizing
ROBERT C. GARVIN
for the award of Eagle Scout.
The parents
and Scout leaders of the Eagle candidate whom we honor today have labored long
and faithfully to develop in him a high value of community service and
citizenship through participation in the Boy Scouts of America. Their efforts
culminate this evening in the presentation of the Eagle Award. The success of
these efforts, however, will only be manifest in the way this Eagle Scout
himself sets a social pattern for those whose lives he touches.
Honor guard, please escort before this court of honor, Eagle candidate
ROBERT C. GARVIN,
where he will be prepared to receive the highest rank conferred by the Boy
Scouts of America, that of Eagle Scout.
[The honor guard, composed of Eagle Scouts will escort the Eagle candidate to the front of the room, near the American flag, and will leave him facing the audience.)
8 VOICE
OF EAGLE:
( ED BRANNEN, Robert’s
First Den Leader and mentor throughout his Scouting
life)
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
have inspired men through the ages.
Ancient man looked upon me as an inveterate enemy of serpents. They saw the
battle between the sun and clouds as battles between an eagle and a serpent.
The ancient Assyrians associated me with Ashur, the great sun god. I was held in
awe and worshipped for my majestic beauty.
In India and
Babylon I was the symbol of fire, of wind and storms, and the bringer of
immortality.
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 out-stretched 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.
The rise of Christianity brought me still more honor. To the early Christians,
the eagle was the symbol of ascension. 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.
The Aztec tribe of the Classical Era in what is now Mexico sighted me capturing
a rattlesnake. They took this as a sign to settle at that place which ultimately
became Mexico City. Today my image stands showing this event on the Great Seal
of the modern nation of Mexico and on the nation's flag. In Mexico I did not
just witness history in the making, but I helped to cause history.
In the nineteenth 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.
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 coins 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, several members of the
President's cabinet, and most branches of the armed forces center on the eagle.
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 the eagle is the symbol of
Scouting's best.
9 THE TRAIL TO EAGLE: (ART SEAY, Robert’s first Scoutmaster):
To earn the
highest rank in Scouting, a Scout must spend a great deal of time and effort.
Therefore, the occasion that recognizes his accomplishments should be memorable.
Today, we shall follow The Trail to Eagle as we recognize the accomplishments of
ROBERT GARVIN.
When a
boy becomes a Boy Scout there is within him something that we call the spirit of
Scouting. This single lighted candle before you represents that spirit. Because
the spirit of Scouting embodies the principles of the Scout Oath and Law, it
becomes a shining beacon of inspiration. After a boy enters Scouting, the Scout
Law that he promises to obey begins to guide his life. There are 12 parts; each
is an important foundation in the building of strong character.
A Scout is
Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful,
Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.
In the Scout Oath the young Scout 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 will see how the light from the spirit
of Scouting begins to grow and become brighter.
Now, in the distance, looms the hazy outlines of Eagle summit, flanked by the
lesser peaks that represent the Star and Life ranks. To the new Scout they are
very far away, but they will come a lot closer as the light from the spirit of
Scouting continues to spread. The Scout begins as a Tenderfoot,
(A
Tenderfoot Scout lights the candle in front of the Tenderfoot symbol.)
1
The Tenderfoot
badge is the first rank a Scout receives. It stands at the foot of the Eagle
Trail. Once inspired by the spirit of Scouting, he won't stay a Tenderfoot very
long. Putting a few simple achievements behind him, he will shortly climb to the
rank of Second Class.
(A Second Class Scout lights the candle in front of the Second Class symbol.)
2
The
requirements for Second Class become more difficult. A Scout must learn to be
self sufficient in the outdoors and continue to render service to others. Now
the Scout is ready for the challenge to attain First Class.
(A First Class Scout lights the candle in front of the First Class symbol.)
3
Although the
requirements become more difficult, he keeps climbing until finally comes the
day when he tops the first summit along the Eagle Trail. There he receives his
First Class Badge.
(A Star Scout lights the candle in front of the Star symbol.)
4
A broad field
of merit badges awaits the First Class Scout. More than 100 merit badges guide
the Scout to explore careers, hobbies, and community interest items. The Scout
needs but a total of six merit badges to conquer the Star Scout summit. Probably
a lot sooner than he thought possible, the Scout finds himself standing on Star
ridge. Thus, through leadership, service, and achievement, he conquers the first
of three great peaks along the Eagle Trail.
(A Life Scout lights the candle in front of the Life symbol.)
5
The trail to
the next summit, Life Scout peak, isn't easy. There is leadership to
demonstrate, service to others, and plenty of hard work in mastering five
additional merit badges and helping fellow Scouts. The higher the Scout climbs,
the fewer travelers he meets along the trail. Yet there are no impossible
barriers along the way. This Life Scout's goal can be achieved, but it takes
real effort.
(An Eagle Scout lights the candle in front of the Eagle symbol.)
6
While the rank
of Life Scout is a coveted one, and deserving to all who obtain it, the Eagle
Trail doesn’t end there; it leads on toward a higher summit. The pathway narrows
and becomes considerably steeper as it winds along ledges of personal
achievement and mountain
pastures
[bg1]of
troop accomplishment. Mile by mile, the trail becomes more trying. Many
challenges must be conquered in these last miles. Before the highest summit
along the Eagle Trail can be completed, additional merit badges must be earned.
Some of them are very difficult and leadership and
service to others
are not forgotten. Only with the greatest persistence and courage can the Scout
gain the thrill of victory that comes while looking back down the trail, from
the very top of the Eagle summit.
Eagle candidate ROBERT C.
GARVIN,
you are to be congratulated for reaching the highest peak of the Eagle Trail;
your diligence and hard work have paid off. If you will come forward, your Eagle
Badge of rank will be presented.
M.C. --PRESENTATION:
In a moment,
William Rambow, your former Scoutmaster, will confer
upon you the award of Eagle Scout. However, I am sure you will agree that some
special persons should be accorded the privilege of standing with you and in
some measure sharing these high honors.
Honor guard,
please escort the parents of the Eagle candidate to his [left]side.
[Honor guard escorts the parents to front. Parents take places on the Eagle candidate’s left side.]
M.C Mr. Rambow, will you please come and stand to Robert’s right. Mr. William Rambow will present the Eagle Award.
MR. RAMBOW:
[You have the option of
speaking informally for a few minutes about the Eagle Award or the Eagle
candidate. You should speak from a position near Robert. You conclude your
remarks with the following sentence.]
ROBERT C. GARVIN,
it is with distinct honor and pleasure that I present you with the Eagle Award.
[MR RAMBOW
passes the badge to BETH
to pin on her son.]
MR. RAMBOW
No one
will ever know the unnumbered acts of self-sacrifice and
helpfulness from the mother of this Eagle Scout which have led us to this day.
As the symbol of what this mother has made possible, the court now asks
ROBERT C. GARVIN to
present to his mother a miniature Eagle pin.
[MR. RAMBOW
gives pin to ROBERT
who then pins it on his mother.]
MR. RAMBOW--In addition, 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 present him a miniature Eagle Dad tie tack.
[MR. RAMBOW
gives it to Robert
who then pins it on Bob’s tie.]
MR. RAMBOW-
In recognition of fatherly advice and guidance
along the trail to Eagle, I ask
BOB GARVIN, father, now to present his son with the Eagle Scout
certificate and personal letter from the Chief Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of
America.
[MR. RAMBOW
gives them both Bob Garvin].
[BOB GARVIN then reads the letter aloud and presents them both to the Eagle.]
[Bob and Beth return to their seats.]
MC:
ROBERT C. GARVIN,
you are now about to join the ranks of Eagle Scouts. Before doing so, however,
we ask you to recommit yourself to Scouting's essential principles.
RICK McCollum, Scoutmaster during the middle years of
Robert’s Boy Scouting will assist by delivering the Eagle charge.
EAGLE CHARGE:
(RICK McCollum)
would all the Eagle Scouts in the audience please stand.
ROBERT C. GARVIN,
I have the honor to give you the Eagle charge on the occasion of your elevation
to 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.
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 and you can help make the future even greater.
I charge you, ROBERT, 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 fellowman. So live and
serve, so 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,
ROBERT,
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.
Robert C. Garvin,
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. Resolve to maintain the perseverance that has brought you this
far.
RICK McCollum
---On my
honor
ROBERT GARVIN ---On my honor –
RICK McCALLUM ---I will do my best –
ROBERT GARVIN---I will do my best –
RICK McCALLUM ---to do my duty –
ROBERT GARVIN---to do my duty –
RICK McCALLUM ---to God and my country –
ROBERT GARVIN--- to God and my country
RICK McCALLUM ---and to obey the Scout Law.
ROBERT GARVIN ---and to obey the Scout Law.
RICK McCALLUM --- To help other people at all times –
ROBERT GARVIN ---To help other people at all times –
RICK McCALLUM --- to keep myself physically strong –
ROBERT GARVIN ---to keep myself physically strong –
RICK McCALLUM ---mentally awake –
ROBERT GARVIN ---mentally awake –
RICK McCALLUM ---and morally straight.
ROBERT GARVIN ---and
morally straight.
RICK McCALLUM
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 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 is ours also.
Robert,
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, you will become an Eagle Scout.
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. Eagle Scouts, please stand.
ROBERT C. GARVIN,
Scout sign. Repeat after me:
RICK McCALLUM
---"I reaffirm my allegiance –
ROBERT GARVIN---"I reaffirm my allegiance –
RICK McCALLUM --- to the three promises of the Scout Oath –
ROBERT GARVIN--- to the three promises of the Scout Oath
RICK McCALLUM ---I thoughtfully recognize and take upon myself –
ROBERT GARVIN---I thoughtfully recognize and take upon myself
RICK McCALLUM --- the obligations and responsibilities of the rank of Eagle Scout –
ROBERT GARVIN the obligations and responsibilities of the rank of Eagle Scout –
RICK McCALLUM --- On my honor –
ROBERT GARVIN--- On my honor –
RICK McCALLUM --- I will do my best –
ROBERT GARVIN--- I will do my best –
RICK McCALLUM ---to make my training an example –
ROBERT GARVIN---to make my training an example
RICK McCALLUM ---my rank and my influence –
ROBERT GARVIN---my rank and my influence –
RICK McCALLUM ---count strongly –
ROBERT GARVIN---count strongly –
RICK McCALLUM --- for better Scouting –
ROBERT GARVIN--- for better Scouting –
RICK McCALLUM ---and for better citizenship –
ROBERT GARVIN---and for better citizenship –
RICK McCALLUM --- in my troop –
ROBERT GARVIN--- in my troop –
RICK McCALLUM ---and in my community –
ROBERT GARVIN---and in my community –
RICK McCALLUM --- and in my contacts with other people –
ROBERT GARVIN--- and in my contacts with other people –
RICK McCALLUM--- to this I pledge my sacred honor."
ROBERT GARVIN---
to this I pledge my sacred honor."
RICK McCALLUM--- Scouts, 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: Robert you may now take this opportunity to make your remarks.
Robert C. Garvin Eagle Remark’s:
MC: Now we would like to take few minutes for Robert’s Scoutmasters to make some appropriate remarks.
SCOUTMASTERS’ MINUTE: Art Seay, Rick McCallum, William Rambow, and Mathew Collins
BENEDICTION: Pastor Dale Sillik
RETIRING OF COLORS: Color Guard (Kyle Sandven)
CLOSING:
MC: I now declare this Eagle Court of Honor closed. I ask the members of the court and all Eagle Scouts present to be the first to congratulate ROBERT C. GARVIN, Scouting's newest Eagle Scout. Following this, everyone will have the opportunity to do so as we have a reception here in the Fellowship Hall.Please direct all inquiries & submissions to the webmaster at Eaglescout.org
Last update: 10/10/2004