Eagle Scout

Today was my brother's Eagle ceremony for Boy Scouts. This is the speech I gave for him as his sponsor. I was honored to do so and I am very proud of him.

"I've watched Pete grow up to be a young man, from the little brother that I would tease to one of the brothers I look to for support in life.

Being an Eagle scout is not like winning the lottery. Peter's enrichment as a worthy individual and meaningful human being did not begin overnight. And in the context of scouting it began way back in Cub scouts.

Attaining Eagle is not an easy task. For Pete it started with Tiger Cubs and continued for 12 more years to Eagle. He worked hard on his pins and merit badges, attaining each rank step by step. He demonstrated leadership as a patrol leader, senior patrol leader, and most of all in planning and executing his Eagle Scout project. Thanks to his dedication, the church we attend has a new and beautiful bathroom and society has a strong and guided individual.

The rank of Eagle is one of the accomplishments that really shows that the trust in Peter will guarantee a return.

But the most important reflection of Peter as an Eagle scout is in his attitude and how he has touched others throughout his life. How others perceive him is a true statement of his character. Talk to his family, friends, teachers, and enemies. You will see that the tapestry woven about his character resounds of humor, intelligence, dependability, moral guidance, humility, and love.

These characteristics are a result of his upbringing and Peter's desire to follow them. I congratulate our parents on a job well done.

As odd as it seems, I do not believe the attainment of this rank to be the pinnacle of his life. Surely, it represents a big point but with the track he is on, it promises only to go up from here.

There are sides to this badge. Just as it represents the culmination of Pete's achievements so far in scouting, it elicits many requirement. Do not wear this badge lightly. Your acceptance of this badge and rank should be a constant reminder of your duty to yourself, your family and friends, society, strangers and enemies.

As an Eagle Scout you are expected to rise to the occasion, go the extra mile, and when you are tired of cliches, just to love. This will help you see the better side of people, the better side of a situation, and the better side of yourself. With this perspective of life, you will achieve greatness.

You have a responsibility to help others, to be inventive, and to be there for other people when others are not. Your skills honed in scouting and in life will help with being a leader in tomorrow's world.

This badge should signal to others the light within you, the ability to share that light with other, and most of all the willingness to share it and make the world a better place.

Wear it with honor and pride, congratulations."

This speech represents everything that is true about my brother. Please note that he is awesome.