Re: Request for the Story of the Eagle (Eagle Courts of Honor)
Amick Robert (amick@SPOT.COLORADO.EDU)
Mon, 24 Mar 1997 14:54:08 -0700
John, et al,
The following is the script authored by Tony Hibl, ASM Troop 72, Boulder,
CO, for use at Eagle Courts of Honor (copyright 1996, may be used with
attribution to the author)
(editor's note: This script is used with a
slide show depicting Native Americans from early paintings or photographs
and with paintings or photographs of Eagles sequenced appropriately with
the narration; The final slide is a photo of the Eagle Medal. A taped
musical background theme accompanies the narration
which can be either read live or dubbed onto the tape. Appropriate music
might be a soundtrack from a movie with a Native American theme. A
"dissolve" control used with two slide projectors makes the most effective
presentation and can be electronically "cued" to the tape to command the
slide changes accurately.)
Prior to the presentation, we use a "cameo" series of slides depicting the
Eagle candidate as he grows up (yes baby pix are ok if the candidate and
his family supply them) up through a current
"portrait" of the candidate as a closing picutre. We usually use around
25 to 30 slides but more or less can be used appropriately as determined
by the candidate and his family. A musical background theme also
accompanies this presentation. Sometimes a poem is read during the slide
show as well.
"Ancient Legends--The Eagle"
by Tony Hibl, ASM Troop 72, Boulder, CO
"Many long years ago, before the white man invaded and settled the land
that once belonged to the Indian...these first people on the American
continent lived a life of peace and contentment
Here, in the wild, the ancient Indian civilizations adapted to its
extremes. They fit themselves to earth and sky as a glove shapes itself
to the hand. They were a people perfectly united with their domain...a
people whose free manner of life blew and basked as the wind and the land
itself.
The Indian revered the stupendous eagle as the thunderbird. Lightning was
caused by the blink of its eye. Children were told that eagles flew up
through holes in the sky, and carried messages to the the gods. Nothing
matched its courage, swiftness, and strength.
Eagle Feathers were worn as symbols of honor and accomplishment, however
indian warrios were only allowed to wear eagle feathers in their hair or
headdress if they earned them. After a warrior performed great deeds, the
tribal council presented the warrior with eagle feathers.
In much the same manner, Scouts earn awards. They present themselves
before a board of review, and if qualified, are recognized for their
accomplishments.
The old ones tell of the nest
of the sacred bird called the Eagle
Home for her eaglet sits high,
touching the sky
A mother sits proud and defiant,
she has a little one who will soon leave her,
she worries;
The day has come
today he will fly or fall;
A flap of wings, a screech of power,
he leaps...he is gone.
He has become...an Eagle.
As the Indian culture revered the eagle itself, today's society reveres
those who reach the highest rank in Scouting...the Eagle Scout."
I hope this information may be of help to you.
Congratulations to your son and to all Eagle candidates who are about to
receive their Eagle medals.
Bob Amick, Explorer Advisor, High Adventure Explorer Post 72, Boulder, CO
On Tue, 18 Mar 1997, John W. Lyver, IV wrote:
> I am looking for a story of why the Eagle is special (almost sacred) to the
> Native Americans. My son would like the story told as a part of his Eagle
> Scout presentation ceremony. If anyone has a story or a reference for one,
> I would appreciate it. Please send any responses to me at: JLYVER@EROLS.COM
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
