Re: adults wearing the eagle medal
Michael Bowman (mfbowman@USSCOUTS.ORG)
Fri, 8 Jan 1999 22:49:08 -0500
Scott,
The adult who chided you for wearing your Eagle medal was absolutely
misguided. The general rule is that an adult must not wear youth insignia
of rank. That much is true and that would keep you from wearing the oval
insignia of Eagle rank. However, you may wear either the knot or medal for
any of the awards you've earned in Scouting, the knots being intended for
everyday wear (less formal) and the medals for more formal situations.
Medals should not be worn on the same shirt where there is a knot for the
same award. However, this rule is honored more in the breach than the
practice because many Scouters only have one shirt or all of their shirts
have the knots sewn on.
In many Eagle Courts of Honor it has been wonderful to see many adults in
the group proudly wearing their own Eagle medals. For the boys this shows
in a way that is fairly symbolic that one of their own has just taken a
large step ahead toward adulthood and has joined with many others who have
gone before in earning the rank.
Although not authorized by the Armed Services for general wear, members
serving at National Jamborees and other national events have been given
specific authorization to wear their Eagle Medals on their uniforms during
the time of service and contact with Scouts, a special honor not accorded to
any other non-military medal as far as I know.
The rules allow it, the Government recognizes it, and it makes good sense.
Time for your uniform policeman to re-evaluate.
Mike
Mike Bowman a/k/a Professor Beaver (mfbowman@usscouts.org)
Webmastering in the Scouting Spirit from Alexandria, VA
http://usscouts.org http://members.aol.com/netcommish/
http://members.tripod.com/colonialdistrict
