Ladies and Gentlemen, Scouts and Scouters, it is my pleasure to welcome you here today on behalf of Crew 299. Our Eagle Scout Court of Honor will pay tribute to Patrick Nguyen, our Crew’s 2nd Eagle Scout.

Color Guard, Attention.

Color Guard, Advance. (wait for color guard to face the audience)

Color Guard, present the colors.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in the pledge of allegiance.

Scouts hand salute, audience hand over heart.

Ready, begin.

This Eagle Scout Court Of Honor is hereby called to order. May Eagle Scout candidate Patrick Nguyen step forward. (wait for Patrick to face audience)

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, scouting’s highest award, a young man expends a great deal of time and effort. Today, to honor his accomplishments, we shall follow a pattern which we call "Lighting the Eagle Trail."

(PATRICK lights the blue candle on the table in front of the pulpit.)

This lighted candle represents the Sprit of Scouting. The Spirit of Scouting embodies the fine principles of the Scout Oath and Law; it is a shining beacon of inspiration for all that will follow it. Once a boy enters Scouting, the Scout Law that he promises to obey becomes a guide to all of his activities. Alone, this light may be feeble, but when multiplied by more than three and a half million boys in Scouting, it can become powerful indeed.

With that first step you began to grow physically, mentally, and morally. You started living the Scout Oath and Law.

Soon you earned the TENDERFOOT rank in which you learned the symbolism inherent in the Scout badge.

You learned of the important ideals in scouting: truth and knowledge. These are symbolized by two stars on either side of the badge. These stars are like those of the great outdoors which you have enjoyed on hikes and camp outs.

You began to work harder, and almost before you knew it, you became a FIRST CLASS SCOUT.

It didn’t take long before the next obstacle on the trail was overcome and you came to rest on the STAR SCOUT ledge.

The next rank was to be reached more slowly. The trail had become steeper and the merit badges harder. Fewer Scouts seemed headed in your direction. You looked back down the peak and saw the crowds behind you. You looked up and saw the few above.

The Life rank is symbolized by a heart with the First Class badge, the badge of Scouting imposed thereon. While the rank of Life Scout is a much-coveted one, the Eagle trail does not end there. Mile by mile, it becomes tougher and more trying. Before the great summit of the Eagle trail can be attained, additional merit badges are needed, and in the meantime, leadership and service to others is not forgotten. Only those with the greatest amount of persistence and courage are able to gain the thrill that comes from reaching the Eagle summit. The candle, which symbolizes Scouting’s highest award, the Eagle Scout rank, shall now be lit.

Now the original principles, the Scout Oath and Law, have fuller meaning. Your understanding of them is much greater. As a result, your character has unfolded; you have become more of a man. Your leadership ability has expanded into a valuable asset. Your mind has developed and your wisdom increased. We have watched 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 in a true Scout-like manner.

Now you stand at the top of the mountain. It is not the end of the trail, or the beginning. Almost your whole life lies ahead of you.

We realize that this is the highest and most coveted rank in all Scouting and is the last major step in the advancement program. Fewer than three percent of all Scouts in the United States reach the Eagle Scout rank. It is therefore right and proper that this court make a careful examination of the Eagle Scout candidate.

• Earn 21 merit badges, including 12 that are required.

Art Fingerprinting

Auto mechanics Fire Safety

Camping First Aid

Citizenship in the Community Graphic Arts

Citizenship in the Nation Motorboating

Citizenship in the World Nature

Communications Personal Fitness

Computers Personal Management

Electricity Pulp and Paper

Emergency Preparedness Sports

Environmental Science Swimming

Family Life

The records have been carefully checked. The Candidate has been certified by various merit badge counselors and the troop, crew records show that this candidate has fully qualified for the required merit badges for the Eagle Scout Rank.

Another important consideration for the rank of Eagle Scout is leadership. The candidate’s record of leadership consists of:

(Alina returns to her seat and ( ? )comes to the right lectern and speaks)

It is the finding of this Court that this candidate is endeavoring to put into practice in his daily life, the principles of the Scout Oath and Law. We believe he will continue these habits after receiving the rank of Eagle Scout.

(Patrick lights the three candles of the Scout Oath, passing on the last candle to Scout Law #1)

(Turns on microphone and makes the Scout Sign.)

The law of the Eagle Scout is the Scout Law. Eagle Scout Candidate Patrick Nguyen slowly recite the Scout Law, while Crew 299 Boy Scout Anthony Lee adds the explanation of each point and your fellow Scouts of Troop 299 Boy Scouts and Troop 3997 Girl Scouts light the twelve candles on the Troop log.

Patrick- A SCOUT IS TRUSTWORTHY.

Anthony - A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.

Patrick - A SCOUT IS LOYAL.

Anthony - A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.

Patrick - A SCOUT IS HELPFUL.

Anthony - A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.

Patrick - A SCOUT IS FRIENDLY.

Patrick - A SCOUT IS COURTEOUS.

Anthony - A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

Patrick - A SCOUT IS KIND.

Anthony - 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.

Anthony - A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys 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.

Patrick - A SCOUT IS CHEERFUL.

Anthony - A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

Anthony - A Scout works to pay his way. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

Patrick - A SCOUT IS BRAVE.

Anthony - 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.

Patrick - A SCOUT IS CLEAN.

Anthony - 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.

Patrick - A SCOUT IS REVERENT.

Anthony - A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

Tr. Hui I charge you 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 honorable, not only because honor is important to him but also because of the vital significance of the example he sets for other Scouts. Living honorably reflects credit on his home, his church, his troops, and his community. May the white of the Eagle Scout badge remind you to always live with honor.

I charge you to be loyal. 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 loyalty, which means devotion to community, to country, to one’s own ideals, and to God. Let the blue of the Eagle Scout Badge always inspire your loyalty.

I charge you 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 what is right. Trusting in God, and with faith in his fellow man, he looks forward to each day, seeking his share of the world’s work to do. Let the red of the Eagle Scout Badge remind you always of courage.

I charge you 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 Second Class Scout award that has its end turned up in a smile.

I charge you to give 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 new meaning when he enters a more adult life of continuing service to others. The Eagle Scout stands as protector of the weak and helpless. He aids and comforts the unfortunate and the oppressed. He upholds the rights of others while defending his own. He will always "Be Prepared" to put forth his best.

(Patrick turns off microphone.)

Thank you Mr. Ly

Will the crew’s associated advisor Mr. Dinh Tran please come forward.

Will Patrick's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nguyen, please come up to the Altar.

(Mr. and Mrs. Nguyen come to center stage. Alina Lee is seated. Dinh Tran picks up the Eagle Scout Badge from the altar and joins Anthony at center stage.)

Eagle Scout Patrick Nguyen, we now proclaim to the entire world your accomplishments. The symbol of your success is the Eagle Scout Badge that the Associated Advisor will present to your father. He will hand the badge to your mother who will pin it over your heart. Your parents have wisely counseled and advised you. They are your best friends. They are proud of you Eagle Scout. Never let them be disappointed in you. Their lives and their all has been for you.

(Patrick Nguyen steps to right lectern.)

Crew 299, Troop 901, and Troop 3997, attention . . .. Audience, please rise!

(AÂ Dinh hands the Eagle badge to Mr. Nguyen; Mr. Nguyen hands the badge to Mrs. Nguyen, Mrs. Nguyen pins it on the left breast pocket of Patrick’s uniform while)

Scouts salute. (As badge touches uniform)

Two! (After badge is pinned on)

I have the honor of presenting to you, Eagle Scout Patrick Nguyen, our Crew’s 2nd Eagle Scout.

APPLAUSE . . . APPLAUSE . . . APPLAUSE . . . APPLAUSE.

While many people may claim that they have played a major part in an Eagle Scout’s life, we know in our hearts that his parents have made the most lasting impressions. Patrick, in recognition of your mother’s love, encouragement, faith and trust in you, would you please pin over her heart the Eagle Scout Mother’s pin.

(Anh Dinh gives Patrick the Eagle Mother’s pin; Patrick pins it on his mother.)

(Anh Dinh gives Patrick the Eagle Dad tie tack; Patrick gives it to his father and gives him a handshake. Anh Dinh returns to his seat.)

At this time, Patrick’s parents would like to make three presentations to him.

(Mr. Nguyen gives Patrick the certificate and shakes his hand.)

Patrick, your parents would like to present you with a National Eagle Scout Association neckerchief.

(Mrs. Nguyen replaces Patrick’s red neckerchief with the NESA neckerchief.)

Also, your parents would like to present you with a United States FLAG, a replica of the flag that is being flown over our Nation’s Capitol building today, September 15, 2002, in honor your attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

(Mr. Nguyen gives Patrick the flag and shakes his hand.)

Dinh Tran will now read and present a special letter from Governor Gray Davis, the California State Governor in commemoration of this event.

(The Nguyens take their seats behind the altar.)

(Reads letter from Governor from the podium)

Also on behalf of the Unit Committee, the committee representative, Mr. Hoa Nguyen, will present Patrick with a gift.

(Bac Hoa presents one or more gifts)

And now Patrick has some special presentations to make.

(Patrick picks up the presentations from the altar.)

To his sister Nancy, Patrick is presenting a gift.

Now Patrick has a few words to say.

(Dinh Tran is seated. Patrick steps to the right of the lectern.)

We would like to thank all of you for your attendance here today on this important occasion. Following the benediction, our units are holding their open house, in which Tr. Tuu, our Unit Committee Chairperson, will be hosting in Vietnamese. Our open house is a Vietnamese tradition of presenting our units to the community after a few months of organization. We also use this opportunity to recognize our leaders and committee members to the public.

There will also be a reception in the adjacent building. There you may extend your personal congratulations to Patrick and his family.

We would now like to sing "America, The Beautiful." Please sing along, using the words at the back of your program. (sing)

Once again, thank you all for attending this illustrious event.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, please wlecome our Unit Committee Chairperson, Tr. Tuu Nguyen.

The Girl Scout Silver Award

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award that a Cadette Girl Scout may earn. The requirements include ...

The Girl Scout Oath

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 Girl Scout Promise

...