Speaking of EAGLES

Recited at the ceremony of
Nick Clyde and Conner Schmidt
receiving their Eagle Scout awards.
February 12,2011

You may have noticed that when these young men were asked to recite the scout oath they did so clearly and confidently. They can do that because of recitation at every scout meeting, but more than knowing the words these young men have internalized it’s message and live it’s meaning in their daily lives.
I want to thank you for the profound honor of addressing you today and would like to take a few moments to talk about Eagles

• Eagles in Legend (the long standing relationship)
• Eagles in Truth (Why eagles inspire us)
• Eagles in Scouting (what it means to be an Eagle)
• Eagles in our Midst (why should these boys be called Eagles)

• Eagles in Legend (the long standing relationship)

The Navahos have a myth telling how eagles originated when a warrior, Nayenezgani, slayed a monster who lived at Wing Rock. Afterwards, he turned to the beast's offspring, who were now alone in their nest. Rather than have them grow up evil, he turned the youngest into an owl and the oldest into an eagle. Here we see the oldest destined for power assuming the image of a regal and powerful hunter (resulting from An act of compassion)
The Comanche's myth of eagle creation began when the young son of a chief died and was turned into the first eagle as an answer to his father's prayers. Here we see a son destined for chief assuming the image of a regal and powerful hunter (Answer to prayer)
To the Greeks THE AETOS DIOS was a giant, golden eagle which served as Zeus' personal messenger and animal companion. The bird received a place amongst the stars as the constellation Aquila. (A regal position of honor)
In the Bible 400 years before the birth of Christ Isaiah was inspired to compare those faithful to the Lord as the Eagle
Isaiah 40:30-31
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
So we see that the Eagle has been worthy of the highest praise or place of honor, and that’s because of who they are…

• Eagles in Truth (Why eagles inspire us)

What is it about the Eagle that inspires humanity. It is by example:
Their physical presence. (Regal and powerful)
Full grown, Bald Eagles weigh between 9-12 pounds and have a wing span of up to 8 feet. A very large dark bird with a white head and white tail. They grow to a length between 35-40 inches and have a life span of up to 40 years in the wild.
Their physical skill.
Bald Eagles feed mainly on fish, but they are also skilled hunters. Able to capture waterfowl in flight and rabbits on the run. Eagles can fly up to 30 m.p.h. and can dive at speeds up to 100 m.p.h.. Their keen eyesight allows them to spot fish at distances up to a mile. Eagles catch their prey in their talons, and are able to lift about 4 pounds. (a third of their weight)
Their Loyalty
Monogamous and mating for life. A Bald Eagle will
only select another mate if its companion should die.

So it‘s not surprising, the Eagle been used in many ways to symbolize the ideals of this country. Several states have the eagle on their state flags. You can find the Eagle on the coins of America from the beginning to present day.
The Eagle has a prominent place in America as in ancient culture as a symbol of power and authority. The emblems of the President, vice-president, and most branches of the armed forces center on the eagle.

From the god of the Assyrians to 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 11 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.

• Eagles in Scouting

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

To be the best you are expected to
Be active in your troop, achieved the rank of Life Scout.
Demonstrate that you live by the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life. With references.
Earn numerous merit badges a total of 21 at least
Serve actively in positions of responsibility in your troop:

There by living up to the legend

• Eagles in our Midst

My earliest experience with Nick was his first backpacking trip, about 6 years ago, to Loch Leven. Loch Leven, a group of beautiful lakes set in rocky bowls, amid granite and trees in such beauty, it’s hard to capture it entirely with a camera. We left on Friday night and got off to a late at the trailhead, so we were hiking the last couple of miles in the dark with headlamps and flashlights. Finally in the dark we set up camp on the far side of the second lake. For Nick it had been a challenging first hike with a full pack, he was barely able to make it. Then in normal kidding, one of the boys began to spin an elaborate yarn of mountain loins and bears lurking near by to pounce on us once we were asleep. I’m sure the only reason Nick slept at all was because he was so tired from the hike in. Luckily he woke to Sam Carrolls famous “hash and eggs” breakfast and the rest is history. He went on to become an avid hiker and loves camping. So much so that he packed in food and supplies for the escape program and 2 years ago he backpacked 50 miles through the mountains.

Although quiet Conner, even as a young scout, liked the physical and mental challenges he got to experience in scouting, backpacking, spelunking, rock climbing, canoeing, snow camping, hiking and scout camps.

Both scouts earned the canoe merit badge, where they learned many safety techniques including how to right a canoe in deep water. Last year when on a canoe trip led by a local river guide (my son-in-law Brad) they were put to the test. During the trip Brad the guide was busy helping one of the adults, who had flipped his canoe, when at the same time a couple of younger scouts flipped their canoe, Nick and Conner canoed right in, did as trained, got canoe drained, righted and got the scouts back in canoe, all in deep water. They even instructed adults to get out of the way, as they had it handled. As scoutmaster, Milo was very proud and appreciated the training they received in scouting that allowed them the confidence to act swiftly and decisively.

Both did well over 100 hours of community service each. Working in a variety of duties and learning life lessons about the value of volunteerism and rewarding feeling of helping out.

These two young men have been willing to lead or follow, teach or learn and always be friends to those around them. As I said earlier they have internalized the scout oath ‘Do my duty and Help others at all times‘, and they live this in their daily lives.

So it is with great precedence and good reason, today we confer on these young men the rank of Eagle Based on
Legend (That they might lead legendary lives)
Truth (That they have inspired by example)“There is no teaching to compare with example.” Sir Robert Baden-Powell "
Scouting remember the words of Sir Robert Baden-Powell “We never fail when we try to do our duty, we always fail when we neglect to do it.”
In our Midst (We see that they have built a strong foundation on which to build a solid future) Clearly they are worthy to be called Eagle Scout!

Congratulations to you both