The Eagle Scout Charge
[Dr. Williams accepted the Eagle Charge June 3, 1966 when he received his Eagle Scout award in Clinton, Mississippi]
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.
