Recently I was invited to provide the benedeiction at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for a young man I’ve known a very long time. I was honored to do so. I love the tradition of the benediction, a blessing given to those in attendance, and in the case of an Eagle Court of Honor, a blessing upon the new Eagle himself.
I wrote this specifically for this young man, but many have asked for copies of it. So I thought I’d share it here.
May honesty and integrity be your guide so that you can always stand by your word, a Scout is Trustworthy.
May you stand by your family, your friends and your country, even when it’s difficult and at times you may feel like you are standing alone, a Scout is Loyal.
May you always offer a helping hand or a cup of cold water to those in need, whether or not they ask for it, a Scout is Helpful.
May you always be the type of person that people want to be with, work with and live with, a Scout is Friendly.
May you always show respect to everyone, even those who may not seem to deserve it, a Scout is Courteous.
May harm never fall to anyone or anything due to your actions, a Scout is Kind.
May you always follow the laws of man and of God, a Scout is Obedient.
May you greet each and every person with a smile each and every day, a Scout is Cheerful.
May you cherish the gifts God has bestowed on you and never take them for granted, a Scout is Thrifty.
May the courage you have shown thus far in life only grow as you face steeper challenges on the road ahead, a Scout is Brave.
May your words, your mind and your body remain pure as God intended, a Scout is Clean.
May you always love and honor the God which created you in His image, a Scout is Reverent.
May you keep yourself Physically Strong, Mentally Awake and Morally Straight.
And, May the Great Scoutmaster of all Scouts, be with us until we meet again.
Amen.