Eagle Court for Clayton

This evening I was able to attend the Eagle Court of Honor for Clayton.  It was a great ceremony.  Both of Clayton's grandfather's spoke.  I enjoyed that as it reminded me of Grandpa Am speaking at Jim's Eagle Court 30 years ago.  Certainly proud of Clayton and this great accomplishment. 

I was asked to do the Eagle Charge.  Following is the message I shared with Clayton today.

Eagle Charge - Clayton

Clayton, 30 years ago as a young scout I conducted the Eagle Court of Honor for your father.  In that court of honor I saw my two older cousins sitting in the Eagle's nest and watched as my older brother received this highest rank in scouting.  I looked up to my cousins, my older brother and other Eagle Scouts as examples that I should follow in my own scouting endeavors.  

Clayton you are the first grandson in both the Fontano and Gatrell families to earn the rank of Eagle. Just as I looked up to my cousins and brother, your cousins are looking up to you as are the younger scouts in your troop. You have a great responsibility as you pave the way for others to follow. With this responsibility in mind, it is my honor to give you the Eagle charge as we gather to witness and celebrate your elevation to the highest rank in scouting.   

The Boy Scouts of all nations constitute one of the most wholesome and significant influences in the world's history. You have been counted worthy of this high rank in the Boy Scouts of America. Your responsibility goes beyond your fellow scouts: it extends to your God and your Country.

As you place your duty to God first and foremost in your life you will understand your duty to your Country and your responsibility to your fellow men and to yourself.  I charge you to put your relationship with Heavenly Father first in your life.

America has many fine things to offer you and your children after you; but these good things depend for the most part on the quality of her citizens. Our country has a great past. You can help make the future even better. I charge you to undertake your citizenship with solemn dedication. Be a leader, but lead only toward the best. Lift up every task you do, and every office you hold to the high level of service to God and your fellow men. So live and serve that those who know you will be inspired, lifted and better for knowing you.

I charge you to be among those who dedicate their hearts and hands to the common good. Build your life on the sound foundations of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship, and reverence for God. Then, whatever others do, you will leave behind you a record of which you may be justly proud.

Eagle candidate Clayton Fontano , I charge you to enter this Eagle Scout Brotherhood holding before you the ideals of honor and service.

By repetition of the Eagle Scout Promise before your fellow members you become an Eagle Scout.

We then recited the Eagle Scout Promise.