Trail to eagle

This is the voice of the Eagle, the Eagle whose heights you struggled hard to reach. 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 back over the cliff you have climbed; look back at the experience you have encountered in your ascent. These experiences you should not have forgotten, and you should profit by making sure that the adverse ones 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 your first step, you began to start living the Scout Oath and Law and became a Scout.

Scout Rank

All the while you were on the trail, we watched you study and then we watched you learn by doing. First you were only a candidate, building yourself physically, mentally, and morally. Then your brother Scouts called you a Tenderfoot and they were right, you were indeed a tenderfoot.

Tenderfoot Rank

But not for long, for soon you reached the next ledge and there you were greeted by Second Class scouts.

Second Class Rank

Some, like yourself, were stopping to catch their breaths before continuing along the trail. You began to study more, you worked harder, and almost before you knew it, you came to another ledge, the ledge where First Class scouts dwell.

First Class Rank

There you found a tempting green meadow by a crystal clear stream and bathed in sun. Here you were tempted to remain. Yes, you could have remained there to live in First Class glory, but your ambition stirred you on. We next remember your progress when you became a Star Scout.

Star Rank

You found that the trail from First Class had been an optical illusion. Not as difficult as it had seemed. This spurred you on, and again you climbed further.

Now the trail was steeper. Now it was less worn. Fewer Scouts seemed to be heading in your direction. You looked back and saw the crowds below you. You looked up and saw few above you, and with the same determination with which you started your climb, you continued on your trail.

Soon it was the badge of Life Scout, the heart badge that was placed on your uniform. You will never forget the thoughts in your heart. It has been experienced by most Scouts on reaching the ledge of Life. "Now I am close to Eagle. I will carry on." The trail became tougher, but more interesting. The original simple principles, the Scout Oath and Law, now had a fuller meaning. Your understanding of them was greater.

Life Rank

Yes, we watched your character unfold and you became manly. we have watched your leadership ability expand into a valuable asset. We have watched your mind develop and your wisdom increase. We have watched all of 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 Scoutlike manner to reach the heights of the Eagle.

Eagle Rank