On Sunday we honored Joshua at a Court of Honor for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He was fortunate to be honored along with one of his very best friends, Jake who also became an Eagle Scout just before Josh.
What a day it was!
Overwhelming...exciting...nerve wracking...
exhausting... and a lot of work - but in the end it was a great day and so worth it!
I think it's interesting to note how the Eagle Scouts of America describe this auspicious honor:
"Webster's dictionary describes an eagle as a large bird of prey with sharp vision and powerful wings, famous for their strength, size, grace, and keen vision. It is the national emblem for the United States. Though the eagle is found throughout the world, it is never found in abundance; it is always rare and it is always a superb specimen."
"In Scouting the eagle stands for strength of character, and for knowledge of all phases of Scouting. The eagle represents an understanding of community and nation, and a deep respect for same. The eagle is a symbol of what a young man has done as well as what that young man will do, and will be, when he grows to manhood. The eagle is a leader. The eagle is respected, both by his peers and by his adult leaders."
Many Eagle Scouts have gone on to assume important positions & accomplish amazing things - President Gerald Ford, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Astronauts Neil Armstrong & James Lovell, Executive Producer/Director Steven Spielberg, and News Anchor Walter Cronkite, just to name a few.
About 150 people (mostly scout families, close friends & family) came to the Court of Honor to celebrate Josh & Jake's accomplishment. I was in charge of the ceremony and my friend Wendy (Jake's mom) took care of the reception. Thank goodness for a partner to plan this shindig - otherwise the event would have most certainly thrown momma over the edge!
Although we have 500 photos that captured the moments -
here are just a few to highlight the day...
To kick off the ceremony Jordan helped lead the Flag Ceremony...
Russ presented Josh with a bronze Eagle Statue as a keepsake in honor of his achievement...
Grandpa presented Josh with his Eagle Scout Award my parents & family had framed for him.
The Troop Scoutmaster reviewed Josh's journey to Eagle Scout & helped facilitate the presentation of awards...
Their Eagle Advisor presented them with the Eagle Charge - reiterating the responsibility that comes along with being an Eagle Scout.
The Mayor and Councilman of our city came to present Josh with an award...
And Josh thanked everyone who helped him reach his goal.
Lots of family came to help us celebrate!!
It was a great day and so much fun to do with our great friends!
Here is one of the videos of Josh's journey from Boy Scouts to Eagle Scout... (Be sure to turn the Playlist music off at the bottom of my blog before watching the video!)
When the last award was given, to end the ceremony we shared one last video of Jake & Josh. These 2 boys aren't just friends because of scouting - these 2 boys have grown up together and we wanted to end the event celebrating their friendship as well. You will probably recognize this song...it's fitting for how these 2 boys live their life!
Congratulations Josh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI soooooooooo wish we could have been there to celebrate with you.
We were so sad to miss it for soccer in Temecula!
We are so impressed by you and all your hard work and what an amazing and godly man you are becoming.
I watched both videos with tears in my eyes.
It is SO obvious the love and commitment Mom & Dad have for their kids. What a blessed life your family has and what a neat way to celebrate together.
We love you.