BSA TROOP 272
Court of Honor
Olivet Baptist Church
Tuesday, October 3, 2006 - 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Opening Flag Ceremony (7:00 p.m.)
Scout #1 says:
"ATTENTION"
"COLORGUARD, ATTENTION"
(If necessary, give an appropriate command, either "COLORGUARD, LEFT FACE" or "COLORGUARD, RIGHT FACE", to direct the colorguard to face in the appropriate direction for its march to the flagpost.)
"COLORGUARD, FORWARD MARCH"
"HALT"
(If necessary, give an appropriate command, either "COLORGUARD, LEFT FACE" or "COLORGUARD, RIGHT FACE", to direct the colorguard to face the flagpost.)
"COLORGUARD, RAISE THE COLORS"
"SALUTE THE FLAG" (LEAD IN PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE)
"AND TWO" (SIGNAL TO DROP SALUTE)
"COLORGUARD, ABOUT FACE"
"FORWARD, MARCH"
"HALT"
"AT EASE"
A Brief Patriotic Opening (7:05 p.m.)
Scout #1 turns the lights off.
Scout #2 shines a spotlight on the U.S. flag.
Scout #3, Scout #4, and Scout #5 come forward and stand behind the table facing the audience.
Scout #3 lights the red candle and says:
"The red of my flag stands for the life blood of brave men, ready to die or worthily live for this, our country."
Scout #4 lights the white candle and says:
"The white of my flag stands for purity, cleanness of purpose, thought, word, and deed."
Scout #5 lights the blue candle and says:
"The blue of my flag stands for truth and justice, like the eternal blue of the star-filled heavens."
Scout #3, Scout #4, and Scout #5 salute the U.S. flag.
Scout #2 says:
"My flag -the flag of America, home of liberty, land of opportunity, where men of all races live in peace and friendship together".
Scout #1 says:
"Two! Lights!"
Scout #2 blows out the three candles.
Scout #1 turns the lights on.
Scout #3, Scout #4, Scout #5, and Scout #2 take their seats.
Introduction of the Court (7:10 p.m.)
Scout #1 comes forward and says:
"Please join me in welcoming the members of our Court of Honor, Troop Committee Advancement Specialist Donna Cunningham, Scoutmaster John McCarthy, Assistant Scoutmaster Gary Cunningham, and Assistant Scoutmaster Joe Walsh."
The members of the Court of Honor take their places behind the table.
Scout #1 takes his seat.
Dr. McCarthy says:
"Please stand and join me in prayer..."
Mrs. Cunningham says:
"This Court of Honor is hereby convened to recognize the achievements of the Scouts of BSA Troop 272. Please be seated."
Dr. McCarthy and Mrs. Cunningham take their seats.
Recognition Ceremony (7:15 p.m.)
Mr. Walsh comes forward and says:
"We wish to recognize the Scouts of Troop 272 for achievements which they have made since our last Court of Honor in June of 2006. "
Mr. Walsh takes his seat.
Tenderfoot Ceremony (7:30 p.m.)
Mr. Cunningham comes forward and says:
"Will the candidates for the rank of Tenderfoot please step forward for the Tenderfoot Ceremony."
Martin and Michael Welch come forward.
Mr. Cunningham says:
"Martin and Michael, tonight we are recognizing you for earning the rank of Tenderfoot, your first rank as a Boy Scout. By earning this rank, you have shown some abilities in camping and outdoor skills, some basic first aid techniques, and are learning about the patrol system. You have learned the Scout Oath, Law, motto and slogan and explained what they mean to you. Your final step was to participate in your first Scoutmaster conference and your first Board of Review where you have satisfied your Scoutmaster and the Board that you were indeed qualified and worthy of the rank of Tenderfoot Scout. This is the first step in a long journey towards Eagle, the highest rank in Scouting. Congratulations and best wishes as you continue on your journey towards Eagle."
Mr. Cunningham give Martin and Michael the Scouting handshake.
Martin and Michael take their seats.
Mr. Cunningham takes his seat.
First Class Ceremony (7:45 p.m.)
Dr. McCarthy comes forward and says:
"Will the First Class candidate please step forward for the First Class Ceremony."
Aaron comes forward.
Dr. McCarthy says:
"Scout Troop 272 of the Ojibwas District presents the following candidate, Aaron Walsh, for the awarding of the rank of First Class."
[Pause for effect.]
Dr. McCarthy says:
"In the days of chivalry, when a squire had earned the right to carry both sword and shield, it was customary for him to retire to the privacy of the chapel for a vigil of prayer. There, surrounded by his weapons, he communed thru the night with his Maker, praying that he might prove worthy of the honor of knighthood."
[Pause for effect.]
Dr. McCarthy says:
"Just as those knights of old valued their honor, so should the Scouts of today. As a First Class Scout, you will have the opportunity and the duty to demonstrate to all our code of honor, to which a true and mature Scout is forever bound."
[Pause for effect.]
Dr. McCarthy says:
"Are you ready to take this additional pledge, which will aid you in living as a true Scout? If so, signify by saying "I am"..."
Aaron say:
"I am."
Dr. McCarthy says:
"Please repeat the Scout Oath, knowing that you are able and more worthy of living up to its highest challenge."
Dr. McCarthy gives the scout sign and waits for Aaron to reply.
Aaron repeats the Scout Oath:
"On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight."
Dr. McCarthy shakes Aaron's hand.
Dr. McCarthy says:
"I congratulate you on having reached Scout maturity. You are now a First Class Scout. You may return to your seat."
Aaron and Dr. McCarthy take their seats.
Closing Flag Ceremony (8:00 p.m.)
Mrs. Cunningham comes forward and says:
"I want to congratulate all you Scouts for your accomplishments. We are proud to have each of you as a member of Troop 272."
Mrs. Cunningham says:
"This Court of Honor is now adjourned. Please rise as the Scouts conduct the closing flag ceremony."
Scout #1 says:
ATTENTION
COLORGUARD, ATTENTION
(If necessary, give an appropriate command, either "COLORGUARD, LEFT FACE" or "COLORGUARD, RIGHT FACE", to direct the colorguard to face in the appropriate direction for its march to the flagpost.)
COLORGUARD, FORWARD MARCH
HALT
(If necessary, give an appropriate command, either "COLORGUARD, LEFT FACE" or "COLORGUARD, RIGHT FACE", to direct the colorguard to face the flagpost.)
SALUTE THE FLAG
COLORGUARD, STRIKE THE COLORS
AND TWO (SIGNAL TO DROP SALUTE WHEN FLAG IS OFF OF THE POLE)
COLORGUARD, ABOUT FACE (ONCE FLAG IS FOLDED)
FORWARD, MARCH
HALT
AT EASE
The Scouts take their seats.
Refreshments and Fellowship (8:05 p.m.)
Dr. McCarthy comes forward and says:
"This concludes our Court of Honor. You are all welcome to stay for fellowship and refreshments.
Last revised 10/3/06
John D. McCarthy