Today my son celebrated earning his Eagle Scout rank. It took many years and hundreds of hours of service to achieve it. He started as a Boy Scout in Troop 310, the oldest BSA Troop in Brooklyn. He earned his merit badges at six years of summer camps, plus the many hours he worked on his own and with his family and community to get some of the elite Eagle requirements.
The foremost responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor, the foundation of all character. The WHITE of the Eagle badge represents HONOR.
The second obligation of an Eagle Scout is loyalty. A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, community, and nation. The BLUE of the Eagle Badge represents LOYALTY.
The third obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be courageous. Bravery not only means facing physical danger but the determination to stand up for what is right. The RED of the Eagle Badge represents COURAGE.
The fourth obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be cheerful. As a reminder, 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. Do a Good Turn daily and serve others. The Eagle on the medal stands as a protector of the weak and helpless. The Eagle aids and comforts the unfortunate and oppressed.
"On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty to God and country and reaffirm my allegiance to the three promises of the Scout Oath. I will do my best to make my training an example, and make my rank and influence strongly count for better scouting and for better citizenship, in my troop, in my community, and in my contact with other people, regardless of race, color, or creed. To this, I pledge my sacred honor."
