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Monday, June 18, 2012

Alexander Douwes - Eagle Scout

Alexander Douwes - Eagle Scout


Last Saturday I attended an Eagle Scout ceremony for my friend’s son, Alexander son-of-Frog.  Achieving the status of Eagle Scout is special.  The process of becoming an Eagle Scout is arduous.  Eagle Scouts are special.

There are many stages of scouting to be reached before achieving Eagle Scout status. Each stage requires several specific accomplishments before advancing to the next stage.  

I was once a cub scout.  I advanced to the rank of Tiger Cub by learning the scout pledge, salute, and how to properly tie a neck tie.  I dropped out on my attempt at my Wolf badge when I could not make a radio out of a spool of wire and a container of Quaker Oats.

Being able to tie a neck tie was essential to me later on in life.  Being able to build a radio out of wire and a Quaker Oats container probably did not keep me from becoming CEO of my company.  Except that the confidence from learning these tasks might have pushed me to a higher status on the totem pole of life.  I will never know.

Alexander son-of -Frog will know.  The tasks he has completed, the tools he has learned will give him far more than the ability to start a fire with two sticks; they will give him the confidence to try anything, the leadership ability to inspire others to follow, the strength to keep going when the going gets difficult, and the character to look temptation in the eye and turn away from those things that are just not fair or right and gravitate to those things that add to societies’ greater good.

My step-crank is an Eagle Scout.  You do not have to say that he is a good kid.  You do not have to say that he has good values.  You do not have to say that he will not succumb to drugs or gambling or anything that would bring him dishonor.  You only have to say, “He is an Eagle Scout.”

Henry Aaron is an Eagle Scout…Charlie Manson was not.

Neil Armstrong is an Eagle Scout…John Wayne Gacy was not.

Michael Bloomberg is an Eagle Scout...Joel Rifkin was not.

Bill Bradley is an Eagle Scout…Osama Bin Laden was not.

Ross Perot is an Eagle Scout…John Mohammad (The Beltway Sniper) was not.

Gerald Ford was an Eagle Scout…Richard Nixon was not.

Steven Spielberg is an Eagle Scout…Ted Bundy was…OK…bad example but I’m pretty sure he cheated on his good citizenship badge.

The point is Eagle Scouts are groomed for leadership, high standards and success.  I once read that 20% of the CEO’s in this country are Eagle Scouts.

Congratulations Alexander son-of-Frog.  You should be proud.
Frog bringing in the Color Guard

“Will Pipe for food”

Mrs. Frog presents award to Alexander son-of-Frog

Then she cried…..Moms!


Frog presenting troop scarf to Alexander son-of-Frog

Mrs. Frog cried some more…MOMS!!*





*Pictures by a cranky photographer with a frickin phone.








10 comments:

  1. I think this is a fantastic achievement. We have been trying to persuade the G to join scouts, but he insists on resisting, even though it will give him a massive leg up on his mission to fly for the Air Force...

    Well done to Alexander :-)

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  2. So many organizations are under attack these days, but I still have a healthy respect for The Boy Scouts, and reaching the level of Eagle Scout is quite an achievement. Congratulations to Son-Of-Frog.

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  3. He should be proud of his accomplishment. As you have pointed out it has taught him lessons he will have with him forever. ;)

    S

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  4. Congratulations, Alexander. We have a boy scout camp in the township and a very active local troup. Our township trustees are presenting plaques to honor Eagle Scouts every year. Your comparisons are spot on and your tribute an honor to Alexander.

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  5. Love the Scouts and Guides. I love how they get people out into the world, understanding their a part of a huge community.
    My daughter was a fourth generation Guide.

    ...and then we both ran away to join a training circus. ;-)

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  6. Congratulations to Son of Frog... It really is a big deal!

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  7. Congratulations son of frog..now go help this old lady across the street.

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  8. Congratulations Alexander! It makes you want to have sons.

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  9. I want all five of my daughters to grow up to marry an Eagle Scout. Well, not the same one, of course -- five separate Eagle Scouts. Because they are GOOD people and I'm sure will make GREAT husbands.

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  10. We are so proud of Alexander, too. Wish we could have been there. By the way...Jason son of Catfish is an Eagle Scout also.

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