Today we have the honor and pleasure of recognizing three candidates for the award of Eagle Rank. This is an important and serious matter. In full awareness of the challenge of these times, the parents and leaders of these candidates have labored long and faithfully to develop them to be alert and to participate in citizenship through the Scouting program. Their efforts culminate tonight in the presentation of the Eagle Scout Badge. The success of these efforts will become evident in the way these Eagle Scouts will set their social pattern for all the lives they may touch.
Democracy is a fresh conquest for each generation.
This lighted candle symbolizes that spirit. Alone, this light may be feeble, but when multiplied by the millions of boys in Scouting, it can become very powerful indeed. After a boy has entered Scouting, the Scout Law that he has promised to obey, is put into effect as occasions may demand, and so, one by one, the symbols that stand for the parts of the Scout Law are lighted. There are twelve parts, all important and all meaningful. Each is an important cornerstone in the building of a strong character.