Eagle in the House

On June 4th, we were able to attend my nephew, Sam's, Eagle Court of Honor in Cottonwood Heights.  I love these events, because you really get a sense of who someone really is, by learning about their commitment to hard work, service and their fellow man.  Sam really earned his Eagle, and we are all so proud of his hard work and accomplishments.  He's a pretty cool guy, red afro and all.  

Bret spoke for a few minutes and told the wonderful story of Welles Crowther, who worked in the South Tower when 9/11 happend.  He is better known as the "Man in the Red Bandana."  Crowther was an Eagle Scout and always carried with him a red bandana that his father had given him as a boy.  After college, he became a high-powered equities trader in Manhattan but soon felt unfulfilled.  He had a great desire to serve others and his country, so he trained to be a volunteer firefighter.  When the planes hit, Crowther was first in line to help others escape, going into places from which others were running. There are several amazing accounts from survivors who were able to get to know him in his last hour on this earth.  Many followed the man in the red bandana, and they owe him their lives.  His last words, "follow me," speaks to his unfailing bravery and character.  Crowther carried with him the principles he learned as a Boy Scout and firefighter until the day he died.  After he passed, family found an application in his apartment to be a full-time NYC Firefighter, which speaks to where his heart was all along.  

Bret related this story to the red bandana Sam has worn in scouting and concluded that Sam possesses the same qualities as the Man with the Red Bandana. He holds true to the Boy Scout code.    

Garrett swore his younger brother in, or whatever you call it.

Proud that he still (sort of) fits in his scout shirt from 1989, Wes presented Sam with the Eagle Challenge.  Now if I could only get him to stop wearing high white socks with shorts...  

Proud Mama.

Liam brought his headlamp, an appropriate accessory to scouting event, I'd say.

And he gets to wear this cool new blue Eagle bandana.  

To conclude the ceremony, Sam said a few gracious words, thanking his parents and leaders for helping reach this worthy goal.  

Papa gave the closing prayer (I took this before he started!)

The kids' favorite part...roasting s'mores.  Classic boy scout activity.

Always good to see James and Jenna Russell, Jen's parents.

Liam is a fan of s'mores.

Aiden spent about fifteen minutes moving that water bottle from one hole to the next.  

Potty break.

Garrett gave his girlfriend, Darci, a promise ring.  When I asked him what he's promising, he said, "to come home from my mission and marry her."  I think I choked on my water, but I mangaged to get out a "wow...that's...interesting!"   I plan on giving both of them a few books to read before he gets home, maybe like "Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married" by Gary Chapman.  That'd be a good start.  College would be good too.

Three generations of Rawson men.

And two generations of Rawson ladies.