The Eagle Scout Award – Since 1912, an American icon – Image by Brenner Photo Productions, Inc.

The Eagle Scout Award.  It’s Scouting’s highest rank and among its most familiar icons.  Those who missed it by a whisker remember exactly which requirement they didn’t complete.  Americans from all walks of life know that being an Eagle Scout is a great honor, even if they don’t know just what the badge means.  Less than 5% of all Scouts have achieved this rank.

The award is more than a badge.  It is a state of being.  You are an Eagle Scout – never were.  You may have received the badge as a child, but you earn it every day as an adult.  In the words of the Eagle Scout Promise, you do your best each day to make your training and example, your rank and your influence count strongly for better Scouting and for better citizenship in your troop, in your community, and in your contacts with other people.  And to this you pledge your sacred honor.

“I affirm 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 and example, my rank 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.“

Let’s get started on the journey…