COH 3-31-07 James Debo and Bradley Holubec
Welcome Rudy Dismuke
Today we have the honor and pleasure of bestowing the rank of Eagle Scout to two members of our troop: James Debo and Bradley Holubec. Presentation of the Eagle award is an important and serious matter. For the Eagle candidates before us today, the Eagle award is the goal toward which these young men have been working for several years. Of course, the attainment of this award is only possible through the assistance of those with the candidates today: their Scoutmasters, troop leaders, fellow Scouts, parents, family, friends, and local community members. It is an occasion for pride and for joy, but, it is also a time for serious contemplation.
Our invocation will be given by Fr. John Weyer, Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish.
InvocationRev. John Weyer
[Rudy] Our Senior Patrol Leader, Michael Merrill, will lead the presentation of colors.
Presentation of ColorsMichael Merrill
[The color guard advances from the rear of the room, at Michael’s command.]
[Commands are to be given clearly and loudly enough for all to hear.]
[Michael] Color guard attention… Audience attention… Color guard forward march…
Audience salute (if you are not in uniform place your right hand over your heart)…
Color guard post the colors… I pledge allegiance (etc.)… Two…
Scout sign… On my honor (etc.)… A Scout is trustworthy (etc.)… Two…
Color guard about face… color guard retreat… Color guard at ease…
Everyone please remain standing for the singing of our National Anthem.
The Star-Spangled BannerLauren Nance
[Rudy] At this time I call upon our Eagle candidates to introduce their honored guests.
Introduction of Guests
[James and Bradley introduce their families and other honored guests and dignitaries.]
[Rudy]As we begin this Eagle Court of Honor it is fitting that we start with the fundamental principles of Scouting: the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. We have just joined together in reciting the oath. In Scouting, as in most activities of life, there are rules. The rules of Scouting are found in the twelve points of the Scout Law. As a candle is lit for each point of the Scout Law, let us pay careful attention to the words and re-dedicate ourselves to the principles contained in those words.
To assist with the lighting of the candles, I call upon Scouts Chris Gilliard, Chris Dismuke, Anand Mani, Liam Taylor, John Halbach , and Andrew Clark, of Troop 505.
Chris GilliardA scout is TRUSTWORTHY.
A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.
A scout is LOYAL.
A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.
Chris DismukeHELPFUL A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
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 other than his own.
Anand ManiCOURTEOUS
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.
KIND
A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.
Liam TaylorOBEDIENT
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.
CHEERFUL
A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
John HalbachTHRIFTY
A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
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 or threaten him.
Andrew ClarkCLEAN
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.
REVERENT
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
[Rudy] I now call upon Paul Simpson to perform the Examination of the Eagle Candidates.
Examination of Eagle CandidatesPaul Simpson
The first Eagle Scout was certified by a board of review that comprised Chief Scout Executive James E. West, Chief Scout Ernest Thompson Seton, and National Scout Commissioner Dan Beard in August, 1912. Many changes have been seen in the requirements for the award, the procedures for earning it, and even the shape and design of the badge. One thing has remained constant, however, and that is the quality of character the award represents. Wearers of the badge bear the mark of their achievement for the rest of their lives.
The candidate for the rank of Eagle Scout has had experience in setting goals for himself and sticking with a long-term job until it is done. It is, therefore, right and proper that a careful examination be made of each application and each applicant. In order that you may understand the completeness of this examination, let me outline some of the various inquiries which have been made regarding James Debo’s and Bradley Holubec’s applications.
The first consideration is proficiency in the various crafts and skills prescribed for the rank of Eagle Scout. James and Bradley have gained proficiency in Scoutcraft and camping, in woodcraft, cooking, lifesaving, and first aid; they have learned how to care for their bodies; they have learned survival techniques; they have had contact with at least several crafts and hobbies, one of which may become their vocation or their avocation; they have learned about citizenship at home, in their community, and in their nation. James and Bradley have been certified by merit badge counselors in each of these fields; and the boards of review in their troop, their council, and the National Council have found that they are fully qualified for the rank of Eagle Scout with regard to proficiency in crafts and skills.
The second important consideration is leadership. A careful review has been made of James’ and Bradley’s record as to leadership in their troop, in their school, in their church, and elsewhere as far as possible. It has been found that James and Bradley have demonstrated their capacity and willingness to exert their leadership ability in activities which are constructive and worthwhile in their community to the extent necessary to qualify them to receive the rank of Eagle Scout.
The third, but certainly not the least, consideration is James’ and Bradley’s character. Teachers, pastors, parents, neighbors, and Scout leaders have been interviewed regarding James and Bradley. It has been determined that they have endeavored to put into practice in his daily life the principles of the Scouting way of life – the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. We believe that they will continue their habit of respecting these principles after receiving the Eagle badge. Think for a moment what it would mean if everyone would respect these principles – or even half of them!
In light of these inquiries by the Eagle Board of Review, and the favorable results of these inquiries, the Eagle Court of Honor finds James Debo and Bradley Holubec qualified to receive the rank of Eagle Scout.
Honor Guard Escort of Eagle Scouts and Parents
[Rudy] Will the Honor Guard please escort Eagle Scouts James Debo and Bradley Holubec and their parents to the front of the room at this time?
Challenge to the Eagle ScoutJohn Lauten
The foremost responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor. To an Eagle Scout, honor is the foundation of all character. He knows that “A Scout is trustworthy” is the very first point of the Scout Law for a good reason. An Eagle Scout lives honorably, not only because honor important to him but because of the vital significance of the example he sets for other Scouts.
Living honorably reflects credit on his home, his church, his troop, and his community. May the white of the Eagle badge remind you to always live with honor.
The second obligation of an Eagle Scout is loyalty. A scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation. His loyalty to his troop and brother Scouts makes him pitch in and carry his share of the load. All of these help to build the loyalty which means devotion to community, to country, to one’s own ideals, and to God. Let the blue of the Eagle badge always inspire your loyalty.
The third obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be courageous. Courage has always been a quality by which men measure themselves and others. To a Scout, bravery means not only the courage to face physical danger, but the determination to stand up for the right. Trusting in God, with faith in his fellowman, he looks forward to each day, seeking his share of the world’s work to do. Let the red of the Eagle badge remind you always of courage.
The fourth obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be cheerful. To remind the Eagle Scout to always wear a smile, the red, white, and blue ribbon is attached to the scroll of the Second Class Scout award, which has its ends turned up in a smile.
The final responsibility of an Eagle Scout is service. The Eagle Scout extends a helping hand to those who still toil up Scouting’s trail, just as others helped him in his climb to the Eagle. The performance of the daily Good Turn takes on a new meaning when he enters a more adult life of continuing service to others. The Eagle stands as protector of the weak and helpless. He aids and comforts the unfortunate and the oppressed. He upholds the right of others while defending his own. He will always “Be Prepared” to put forth his best.
You deserve much credit for having achieved Scouting’s highest award. But wear your award with humility, ever mindful that the Eagle Scout is looked up to as an example. May the Scout Oath and the Scout Law be your guide for tomorrow and onward.
[Rudy]Would Erich Wolz. please come forward and give the Eagle Charge?
Charge to the Eagle ScoutErich Wolz
I have the honor to give you the Eagle Scout charge on your elevation to the highest rank in Scouting.
The Boy Scouts of all nations constitute one of the most wholesome and significant movements in the world’s history and you have been judged by The Boy Scouts of America as being worthy of its highest honor. All who know you rejoice in your achievement.
Eagle Scout is a position of honor and responsibility. 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 obligation, you bring honor to yourself and to your fellow Scouts. When you falter in your responsibility, it reflects not only on you, but on your fellow Eagles in all of Scouting.
America has many good things to give to you, but these good things depend on the quality of her citizens. Our country has had a great past. You can help make the future even greater. We ask you to undertake your citizenship with a solemn dedication. Be a leader, but lead only to the best. Lift up every task you do and every office you hold to the highest levels of service to God and your fellow man. So live and serve that those who know you will be inspired. I charge you 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 you a record of which every other Scout may be justly proud.
The three parts of the Scout Oath represent duty to God and Country, duty to others, duty to self. Resolve to uphold forever its principles with the same ambition and reverence that have brought you this far.
The Eagle Scout candidates will now take the Eagle Scout Pledge. James and Bradley, will you please step forward? As James and Bradley take this pledge for the first time, will those Eagle Scouts who are present please stand and reaffirm their pledge? Please give the scout sign and repeat after me.
On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty to God,
On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty to my country,
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,
And make my rank and influences strongly count for better scouting and for better citizenship in my Troop, my community, and in my contact with other people, regardless of race, color, or creed.
To this, I pledge my sacred honor.
Two!
Please be seated.
Presentation of Eagle Award Rudy Dismuke
In recognition of parental advice, guidance, and help along the trail to Eagle Scout, I now ask your parents to present you with the Eagle Scout Award.
[James’ and Bradley’s mothers pin the Eagle Award above their son’s left pocket.]
As a symbol of what they have made possible, I now ask James and Bradley to present the parents’ pins as their first official duties as Eagle Scouts.
[James and Bradley affix the parents’ pins on their respective parents.]
Reflections / Mentor Pins James Debo, Bradley Holubec
[ James and Bradley share with the audience some of their experiences along the trail to Eagle Scout, their thoughts and feelings at this moment, their future plans, etc. They may also present Mentor pins at this time if they so choose.]
[Rudy] Thank you, Bradley and James. And now Fr. John Huber, Principal of St. Thomas High School, will address our new Eagle Scouts.
An Eagle’s Eagle Rev. John B. Huber, C.S.B., Ed.D.
The EAGLE is the mascot of Saint Thomas high school, but you two young men, James and Bradley, have soared higher than the average eagle, and you make us proud.
You have aspired to take the love that God has given you and constantly gives you, and redirect it for the good of all around you.
GOODNESS has been not only your means, but your goal, and the world is becoming a better place today as we celebrate your being honored as an Eagle Scout Eagle.
Only through DISCIPLINE, perseverance, and consistent hard work, especially when you didn’t feel like it, or were tired, or overworked, or frustrated – could you have achieved the honor being bestowed on you today as an Eagle Scout Eagle.
You have done this not out of ignorance, but with the KNOWLEDGE of the good and bad that exists in the world – the knowledge of what both can do, and out of that knowledge you have chosen the GOOD.
All of us today pray that these qualities of goodness, discipline and knowledge that have brought you here today as young men of character and integrity may continue to carry you through life, so that you might be men of integrity and character in everything you do in life, as a son, a brother, a student, an employee, a husband, a father… or a minister in the Church.
We are proud of you, we pray for you, and we ask you to always remember the qualities and values of scouting wherever you go and whatever you do. These qualities are consistent with the Christian life, and consistent with the Gospel of Jesus.
Congratulations James and Bradley!
Comments/conclusion Rudy Dismuke
Will everyone please rise for the singing of On Eagles’ Wings by Lauren Nance and remain standing for the benediction and retiring of the colors? . Our benediction will be given by Fr. Huber.
On Eagle’s WingsLauren Nance
BenedictionRev. John B. Huber, C.S.B., Ed.D.
Retire the ColorsMichael Merrill
Slide Show
[Rudy] Please join us in congratulating James Debo and Bradley Holubec, Troop 505’s newest Eagle Scouts, and join them for some food and refreshments. Thank you all for coming.
Celebration Dinner
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