Eagle Charge for William Bloemeke

 

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 good reason. An Eagle Scout lives honorably, not only because honor is 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 the 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 in 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 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 rights 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.

    - Joe Rhoden

Excerpts were also read from "I am the Eagle."

I am the Eagle


Since the beginning of time, man has used me and my brothers as a symbol of royalty, power, victory, authority, and valor. My strength and courage has inspired men throughout the ages.

In the golden days of Greece, I was a symbol of victory and supreme spiritual energy. I was the sacred bird of Zeus, the ruler of all gods. The Greeks represented me with wings outstretched, holding a serpent in my claws. Thus I represented the triumph of good over evil.

In Rome, I was the symbol of Jupiter, the supreme Roman god. The Romans saw me as the symbol of victory. As the Roman legions conquered the World, they marched under the standard of the Eagle, with outstretched wings. The silver Eagle was the symbol of the Republic and the Roman Empire used the Golden Eagle as its symbol. I became the personal emblem of the Caesars, thus representing supreme authority.

The rise of Christianity brought me still more honor. To the early Christians, the Eagle was the symbol of Ascension. This was due to the strong flight of the Eagle with its gaze fixed upon the sun. In early icons, I was known as the symbol of Saint John the Evangelist.

On June 20, 1782, I became the symbol of a new country. Because of my courage and beauty, I was chosen to symbolize the new United States of America. The eagle became a prominent feature of the Seal of State of the new republic.

From this early beginning, I have been used in many ways to symbolize the ideals of this country. Several states have the eagle on their state flags. You can find me on the coins of America from the beginning to the present day.

I have a prominent place in America, as in ancient Rome, as a symbol of power and authority. The emblem of the President, Vice-President, several members of the President's Cabinet, and most branches of the military center on the Eagle.

From the symbol of the Caesars to the emblem of this country, it was thus fitting that the Eagle should have a part in the most momentous achievement of man. The Apollo Eleven crew chose Eagle as the name for the Lunar Module which was to make history... and with the words of Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong... "Houston, Tranquility Base here, the Eagle has landed."... Man was on the Moon.

In 1911, following the traditions as old as man himself, the Boy Scouts of America chose the Eagle to symbolize the very highest in achievement. Through all of history, I have been the symbol of man's best; now I am the symbol of Scouting's best.

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