Fond parents watch their boy where he stands apart from his comrades tonight.
As they place on his camp-battered tunic badge, an Eagle, the emblem of right.
It seems just a few short months have passed, since he joined with the youngster next door.
How proud he was then of his Tenderfoot badge, as he told them the message it bore.
But the years have gone as he struggled along, to learn, to learn what the Scout Law's about.
He practiced them daily, the Oath and the Law, until now he's an Eagle Scout.
You may smile in your old world's wisdom at this, and say, "Why its only a pin."
But I tell you no honors he'll gain as a man, will mean just as much to him.
The red, white and blue of the ribbon you see, are the symbols of courage, honor and truth.
He has learned how to value, these find attributes.
In the glorious days of his youth.
And the outstretch wings of the Eagle Scout that rests, on the breast of this knight of today,
Are the things that will lift him above petty deeds, and guide him along the right way.
Yes, its only a pin, just an Eagle Scout's badge, but the heart that's beneath it beats true.
And will throb to the last for the things which are good.
A lesson for me, and for you.