An Eagle Pledge

An Eagle Pledge

Voice of the Eagle Pledge

I am the voice of the Eagle.

We remember well when you first came to the base of the cliff, and how you looked up with ambition and determination. Look back for a moment; look down the cliff you have climbed; look at the experiences you have encountered in your ascent.

These experiences should not be forgotten. You should profit by making sure adverse experiences do not occur again. Experience is a valuable teacher; if you heed its teachings.

We remember when you took your first step upon the trail that leads upward. With that first step you began to build yourself physically, mentally, and morally. You started living the Scout Oath and Law. All the while you were on the trail, we watched you study and we say you learned by doing. First, you were only a Scout. Then your brother Scouts called you a Tenderfoot . . . and they were right, you were indeed a Tenderfoot Scout.

Soon, you reached the second ledge and there you were greeted by a large group of Second Class Scouts. To reach the rank of Second Class, you learned to work with members of your patrol and you began to develop patrol spirit.

Some, like you, were stopping to catch their breath before continuing along the trail. You began to study more, you worked harder, and almost before you knew it, you came to another ledge where First Class Scouts dwell. When a Scout reaches the rank of First Class in Troop __, he is really first class. He is an expert in the outdoor skills of camping, cooking, hiking, and first aid.

Here you were tempted to remain, for now you had reached a high level of confidence and ability. Yes, you could have remained here to live in First Class glory, but your ambition stirred you on. We remember your advancement to Star Scout. As a Star Scout you learned to work with the younger boys in the troop, passing along the knowledge you have gained.

The trail from First Class to Star was not as difficult as it had seemed. This spurred you on, and again you climbed further. The trail was steeper, and was less worn. Fewer Scouts seemed to be headed in your direction. You looked down and saw the crowds below you. You looked up and saw a few above you and, with the same determination with which you started your climb, you continued up the trail. You demonstrated leadership in the troop, and took part in community service projects.

Soon, the Life Scout badge - the heart badge - was placed on your uniform. You will never forget the thoughts in your heart - a feeling that has been experience by most Scouts on reaching the ledge of Life. Now I am close to the Eagle; I will carry on. The trail became tougher, but more interesting. The original principles, the Scout Oath and Law, now had a fuller meaning. Your understanding of them was greater. The rank of Eagle is Scouting's highest award. To become an Eagle Scout you had to earn at least 21 merit badges. You had to plan, develop, and carry out an extensive service project, giving leadership to others and you had to serve as a troop officer for at least 6 months.

Yes, we have watched your character unfold and become mature; we have seen your understanding of citizenship expand; we have watched your mind develop and your wisdom increase; and we observed your leadership ability growing into a valuable asset. We have seen all these things in you, and now that you are at the threshold of your goal, we welcome you, for you have done your climbing is a true scout like manner.

[Ask new Eagle Scout to come forward]

You will rededicate yourself by repeating the Scout Oath. Repeat it slowly as you stand beside the three lighted candles. Each one represents a part of the Oath. Resolve to uphold forever its principles with the same ambition and perseverance that had brought you this far.

On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong;
mentally awake, and morally straight.

The Law of the Eagle is the Scout Law. Your fellow scouts have told you the Law which you know so well. Take heed of this advice and wisdom. Your conduct along the trail has been excellent. You have rededicated yourself to the principles of Scouting. You have heard again the call of the Eagle. But, one more thing is important - your future. As an Eagle, you become a guide to other scouts. You become an example in your community. Remember, your actions are a little more conspicuous, and people will expect more of you. To falter in your duties would not only reflect upon you, but on your fellow Eagles. The torch you carry is not only yours, but ours.

Let this not be the end of your Scouting, but go on, go on to greater heights, and give other boys the benefit of your experiences.

[Ask all Eagle Scouts in the audience, past and present, to come forward to stand behind the ceremony table and rededicate themselves to the Eagle pledge]

Please give the Scout sign and repeat the Pledge of the Eagle after me:

"I, Scout’s name, REALIZE MY OBLIGATION
TO MY FELLOWS, MY HOME, MY COUNTRY, AND MY GOD.
I WILL AT ALL TIMES DO MY BEST
TO ASSIST OTHER SCOUTS
WHO ARE CLIMBING THE TRAIL OF EAGLE
AND GIVE BACK MORE TO SCOUTING
MORE THAN IT HAS GIVEN ME
AND TO ASSIST MY TROOP AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
AND TO BE A LIVING EXAMPLE OF THE SCOUT OATH AND LAW
TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY."