Purple In Providence: Eagle Ceremony

Joshua's Eagle Court of Honor was truly a night to remember.

Jim Johnston, Troop 1's Treasurer and Old Ephraim's District Commissioner, served as our Master of Ceremonies. Jim did a fantastic job of planning and coordinating the entire ceremony. Every part of the program was top notch, because of Jim's extensive experience facilitating Eagle Court of Honors.

In addition, Jim went above and beyond the call of duty by obtaining a fabulous collection of BSA 100th Anniversary banners, which transformed the gym of Logan's First Presbyterian Church into a BSA Centennial Celebration showcase.

OPENING

Cole Stern, Joshua's friend from Congregation Brith Sholem in Ogden, kicked off the program by leading the opening prayers. First, he read the Sheheyanu prayer in both Hebrew and English.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe.

Who has given us life, sustained us, and allowed us to reach this day.

This most joyous Jewish blessing is traditionally recited at the arrival of any long awaited occasion. It is meant to enrich our appreciation for both the big and little things in life.

Cole then recited the abbreviated prayer for country. Requesting that all the inhabitants of our country be blessed with peace.

Next up was an impressive Flag Ceremony, led by Senior Patrol Leader Ryan Martin and the Troop 1 Color Guard.

In addition, a special Eagle Honor Guard was assembled for the evening. The Honor Guard consisted of: Jacob Hogan, Cameron Kent, Mark Veeder, and David Whitney. These Troop 1 scouts were responsible for escorting Joshua and his parents to and from the stage.

SPEECHES ATTESTING TO JOSHUA'S QUALIFICATIONS

Skills and Crafts -- Bob Oaks - Troop 1 Assistant Scout Master

Bob Oaks talked about Joshua’s Merit Badge skills and accomplishments. He talked about when Joshua first joined Troop 1 (January 2008) and how impressed he was that Joshua earned both the Communications MB and Personal Management MB within 4 months. Especially when it takes over 3 months just to fulfill the core requirements. Bob commented on Joshua’s achievement of earning so many merit badges. The forty-two merit badges he’s earned, were not only enough to qualify him for the Eagle rank, but would also allow him to earn his next four Palms awards (ranks a scout can earn beyond the Eagle).

Leadership -- Tom Hogan - Troop 1 Scout Master

Tom talked about Joshua’s Leadership Skills. He told us a story about when he visited a lighthouse in England and how impressed he was with how a lighthouse stands as a beacon lighting the way. Tom explained that is how he sees Joshua's leadership abilites… standing tall and shining bright. In addition, Tom talked about the upcoming Jewish holiday of Chanukkah. How the candles on the eight branched menorah are lit each night using a special candle, called a “Shamash”. The English translation of this Hebrew word is “servant” and comes from the Hebrew root meaning “sun”. Tom was struck with how Judaism extolls that good leaders are humble and serve to light the way for others. He said that is the way Joshua has served as a leader in the troop - in both his role as the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and as the Order of the Arrow Representative.

Character -- Stu Parkinson - Troop 1 Assistant Scout Master

Stu spoke about Joshua’s character. After making a playful joke about “what a character Joshua is”, Stu then went on to talk about how Joshua has been a good example of a scout who embodies the spirit of volunteering. He was especially impressed at the contribution Joshua’s Eagle Project made to Congregation Brith Sholem in Ogden, saying that Joshua’s efforts helped make this historic synagogue become stunning. Stu then went on to talk about the Hebrew word “mitzvah”, which in English means “good deed”. Stu said he believes that Joshua’s scouting character embodies that word, and implored the other scouts in attendance to follow Joshua’s lead and do mitzvot. He clarified that you don't have to be Jewish to perform a mitzvah.

EAGLE AWARD PRESENTATION

Paul Davis. Troop 1's Charter Rep., did a wonderful job presenting the Eagle Award to Joshua. As the troop’s liaison with the Logan Lions Club, Paul was the perfect choice to hand out the Eagle Badge and pin, which was done with the utmost respect and reverence. After the ceremony, Paul said that he wouldn't have missed being there for the world!

EAGLE CHARGE

Jim Johnston was on hand to administer the Eagle Oath. Prior to the charge, Jim called up all the Eagle Scouts in attendance to join him on the stage. They all sat in chairs of honor, in a special area known as the “Eagles Nest”. When Jim administered the oath to Joshua, all the other Eagles stood at attention, indicating that Joshua was joining the ranks of a very special brotherhood.

JEWISH EAGLE SCOUT RECOGNITION

Jacques Behar, who is not only a member of our synagogue in Ogden, but also serves on the National and Western Regional Jewish Committees on Scouting, and the BSA Trapper Trails Relations Committee, was in attendance. Jacques presented Joshua with a Jewish Eagle Recognition package, which consisted of a certificate from the National Jewish Council on Scouting and letter of congratulations. Jacques implored Joshua to apply for all the college scholarships that the NJCS makes available to Jewish Eagle Scouts.

MENTOR PINS

Joshua then took the stage to award some mentor pins. The first two were presented to his dad and mom. Joshua acknowledged his father for all he taught him about camping and also thanked dad for all the support he provided this past summer with his Eagle Project. For his mother, Joshua thanked her for being involved with the troop by helping to teach merit badge classes and for doing “all that sewing over the years”. He acknowledged that he knows that sewing is not mom’s favorite thing to do, which is why he is even more appreciative of all her hard work.

After being presented with their mentor pins, Joshua’s parents presented him with a few gifts. The first was an Eagle neckerchief and slide, that was from his Grandma Pat (aka bubba), who lives in Scottsdale, AZ. As much as she wanted to attend tonight’s event, she was not able to make to journey to Utah during this time of the year.

Joshua’s mom then presented him with a 2010 Commemorative Boy Scout coin, which was purchased especially for him because he first learned of this special coin while fulfilling the requirements for the Coin Collecting Merit Badge. Since Joshua was earning his Eagle Rank during the same year the coin was to be minted… it seemed like the perfect recognition gift.

Joshua then declared that he would be sending a mentor pin in the mail to his old scoutmaster, Bob Ewald, back at Troop 653 in Mesa, AZ. Joshua acknowledged that Bob really helped him during his early days in scouting. He related how one day, a scouting event got finished early, and Bob stood out in the rain with him until his ride came. Joshua said, “That’s just the kind of guy Bob is. The kind of guy who will stand in the rain with you.”

Joshua’s presented his second mentor pin to his current scoutmaster, Tom Hogan. Joshua acknowledged that Tom has been a great support in everything he does. Tom always goes the extra distance. Tom was there when Joshua received his religious award, he drove scouts to work on Joshua’s Eagle Project, and he even attended Joshua’s Bar Mitzvah, which were all held at Congregation Brith Sholem in Ogden.

Joshua concluded his speech by thanking everyone who helped on his Eagle Project, all the people (Judi Amsel, David Geller, Tom Hogan, and Don Summit) that wrote letters of recommendation to the Eagle Board, everyone who participated in the Eagle Court of Honor, and all who were in attendance tonight.

CLOSING

Ridge Boyle, Joshua’s friend from synagogue, is also also a Boy Scout with Troop 4 in Ogden. Ridge and his mother made the drive up to Logan to be a part of the program. Ridge concluded the Eagle Court with a closing prayer over the food.

In Judaism, it is our tradition to recite a special blessing, called the Ha-Motzi, before eating bread. This prayer is recited on Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and special occasions. We do this to show our appreciation for the food we are about to eat.

Ridge recited the blessing over the challah in both Hebrew and English.

Blessed are you, Lord, our God, king of the universe
who brings forth bread from the earth. Amen.

After the Ha-Motzi refreshments were served. Everyone put the "13th point of the Scout Law" into effect --- "a scout is hungry". Speakers, guests, and scouts all enjoyed a variety of cake, cookies, and juice.

JOSHUA'S - SCOUTING MEMORIES

Troop 653 - Mesa, AZ

(April 2006 to December 2007)