A good leader inspires others with confidence in him; a great leader inspires them with confidence in themselves.
– Unknown -
– Unknown -
The Ballad
In March of 2010, my oldest son achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. To make something memorable to present at his Court of Honor I produced a power point presentation called the "Ballad of an Eagle Scout" along with " A Tribute to Eagle Scout Nicholas Ferrante" for my son.
That is how this started.
Many people at his Court of Honor (mostly Troop members and scouting representatives) continually commented about how they would love to be able to offer this to their scouts as they neared Eagle and also to use as an inspiration to the younger scouts to continue on their own Eagle journey. Many others asked if I could produce this for their own scouts who were nearing Eagle.
So I decided to offer this "Ballad of an Eagle Scout" to anyone who would like it (Free of charge).
The Poem
The poem in the "Ballad of an Eagle Scout" as presented was written by me and is based on a poem written by Mike Reichart Hawk Mountain Council, B.S.A. Mike's poem is based on the song, "Ballad of the Green Beret," by Sgt. Barry Sadler, and is intended to be sung to the same tune.
On the left is Mike's original poem. On the right is my version of the Ballad of an Eagle Scout poem
On the left is Mike's original poem. On the right is my version of the Ballad of an Eagle Scout poem
Mike Reichart's Version
Ballad of an Eagle Scout Hiking Scouts go marching by, Cheerful boys who laugh and cry, Boys who mean just what they say, Make them Eagles all some day. Silver wings upon their chests, These are boys, America's best, One hundred boys will join the troop, But only three in the Eagle group. Trained to live off nature's land, Taught to build, and lend a hand, Boys who learn by nature's call, Courage from the Oath and Law. Silver wings upon their chests, These are boys, America's best, One hundred boys will join the troop, But only three in the Eagle group. Back at home a young mom waits, Her Scout is set to review his fate, He has just to pass this test, Leaving her this one request: Put silver wings on my son's chest, Make him one of America's best, He'll be a man they'll test him out, Have him be an Eagle Scout. |
Scoutworks Version
Ballad of an Eagle Scout Hiking Scouts go marching by, Cheerful boys who laugh and cry, Boys who mean just what they say, Future Eagles..... perhaps one day. Badge of rank upon their chests, These are boys, America's best, One hundred boys may join the troop, But just a few make the Eagle group. Trained to live off nature's land, Taught to build, and lend a hand, Boys who learn by nature's call, Courage and strength from the Oath and Law. Badge of rank upon their chests, These are boys, America's best, One hundred boys may join the troop, But just a few make the Eagle group. Back at home the parents wait, Their Scout is set to review his fate, He must only pass one final test, In Honoring this one request: Put Eagle wings on my son's chest, He is one of America's best, He is prepared there is no doubt, Now that he is an Eagle Scout. |
The Music
I love American history, especially the American Revolution and the Civil War. During the time I was writing the Ballad I also watched the movie Gettysburg. While watching I realized that the music in the movie would be ideal in the Ballad presentation. It captured the spirit and essence of what being an Eagle Scout was all about. I researched the music from the movie and discovered that the title music that I liked so much was entitled "Men of Honor" written by Randy Edelman.
The title of the music and the powerful message it conveys made it ideal music for this presentation since in attaining the rank of Eagle Scout this music communicates exactly who these young men are.
The music - "Men of Honor" composed by Randy Edelman.
The title of the music and the powerful message it conveys made it ideal music for this presentation since in attaining the rank of Eagle Scout this music communicates exactly who these young men are.
The music - "Men of Honor" composed by Randy Edelman.