Tonight, I attended my very first Boy Scout Eagle Court of Honor. When I received the invitation in the mail, I felt very honored.

I was a Scout Leader in the local Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop for eight years. I haven't been a Scout Leader for over a year now, and I understand just how short most kids' memories seem to be. I've come to accept that, but always hope that, at least the core values will stick with them. I didn't spend eight years in Scouting to bestow local fame upon myself anyway. I did it for the boys.

It seems as though I was completely wrong about kids' memories being so short. Tonight, not only did the new Eagle (Adam) remember me, and was looking for me to show up, but many of the Scouts were excited to see me as well.

I hurriedly drove there straight from work. Rather than a Scout Uniform (as usual), I showed up in Shirt and Tie. As I approached the front door, the Color Guard was preparing, and asked me to "straighten them out and tighten them up". This means, look them over and help them fix any discrepancies, so they look sharp when they enter. As requested (with some parents and family members looking on) I scrutinized each boy, buttoning pockets, straightening neckerchiefs and removing those oh, so typical Ball Caps (no hats inside). After helping them to remember that the National Ensign goes one step ahead, and that the State flag (to the right) and Scout flag (to the left)slightly dip below the Ensign, I entered the Auditorium.

After signing the guest book, there were two more Senior Scouts telling me that they were waiting on their Eagle approvals to return from National Counsel, and that I would be invited to their Courts of Honor as well.

The ceremony was very nice. Having been there every step of the way, I can say that it was an extremely nice tribute to this young man's Scouting career. I had the privilege of watching this guy grow from being a wrather precocious young pain in the .....rear, to a fine, reliable and respectible young man. He really turned out well.

His Father is in his late 60's and of recently, is in poor health, but he was very proud to see his Son put on his Eagle badge. I just hope that he'll see him graduate from High School next year. He's a good Dad, and I've learned a lot from his wisdom, as far as dealing with the up and coming generations. I like Bill a lot.

After the ceremony, there was a very nice reception. A large flat cake with the badge of the Eagle, and lots of food. It gave time for many of us old Scout people to reconnect and be proud of Adam's accomplishment.

No matter what: if you invest your time in the up and coming generations, its' a good investment. Time is the most valuable commodity. Money can't buy it. These kids need your time, in order to learn and grow. Otherwise, they just keep reinventing the wheel, and never advanse farther that we have. I'd really like for them to be smarter that we are.

I NEVER teach my politics to kids, and I have to be asked about my religion before I share it (They'll only hear it once). When a person takes on the task to lead kids, they need to put those things aside and teach the kids to think critically. Teach them values, and to think for themselves. Then, allow them to take in information and decide for themselves. With good values, they will always arrive at the right decisions.

Basic values:

Don't lie

Don't cheat

Don't Steal

Basic Truth:

(Work + Ingenuity = reward)

These are the people who will be running our Nation in the not so distant future.