Tribute to An Eagle Scout
In February of 1910 an organization was formed in Washington D.C. for the young men of our country. That organization was the Boy Scouts of America. Now, over 100 years old, the Boy Scouts have helped instill in millions of young men an appreciation of the creation, a reverence for God and a love of country.
The Scouts instill character traits in its members that are certainly admirable. The Scout Law says that a Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
I am quite certain that no Scout can be those things 100 percent of the time but these are certainly ideals to which all of us, Boy Scout or not, should aspire.
The Boy Scouts have long had a symbiotic relationship with the church and other religious institutions. In fact, my denomination, the United Methodist Church, is the single largest sponsor of Boy Scout troops in our nation.
The United Methodist Men of the First United Methodist Church of Monticello have for many years sponsored Boy Scout Troop 331. The leadership of this body is excellent and the Troop has on occasion been named Troop of the Year for its district.
This past Sunday afternoon a Boy Scout Court of Honor was held in the chapel of our church. A young member of our troop and congregation by the name of Will Wade had the rank of Eagle Scout conferred upon him.
It is not entirely accurate to say that Will had the rank of Eagle Scout conferred upon him, in actuality Will earned the rank through five years of earning merit badges, skill awards and the completion of his Eagle project.
To be an Eagle Scout places Will in elite company. Today there are approximately three million young men who are members of the Boy Scouts of America. However, only one-percent of them will obtain the rank of Eagle.
Today, I join with all of Monticello in saying congratulations to Eagle Scout Will Wade. His father Matt, mother Amy, and sister Emmi are also to be commended for their support of Will in this endeavor.
It is young people like Will who let us know that the future of our community, nation and world is in good hands.