New Eagle Scouts recognized

On Feb. 19, the Boy Scouts of America, Three Fires Council, and 700 attendees honored 357 young men who achieved, Scouting's highest rank, Eagle Scout, in 2009. This was the second largest Eagle class for the Three Fires Council, which covers DuPage, Kane, Kendall, DeKalb and parts of Will and Cook counties. Honored dignitaries included Three Fires Council Board President Dan Rigby, Scout Executive Matt Ackerman, Distinguished Eagle Scout Joel Aaseby and banquet chairman Jerry Bevignani.

One of the ceremony highlights was Paul H. Herbert, Eagle Scout and executive director of the Cantigny First Division Foundation. A retired United States Army colonel, Herbert took to the podium recounting the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout skills and how they can be applied as metaphors for life.

"Tying knots is a metaphor for competence," Herbert said. "It means know your business and practice your vocation. First aid is a metaphor for decisiveness. It can be the difference between life and death."

"What is my duty and to whom is my duty?" Herbert questioned the Eagle class of 2009, and as he departed the podium, he answered his own question with a challenge, "To be good citizens."

Herbert achieved Eagle Scout rank 45 years ago. He was followed at the podium by 2009 Eagle Scout class representative Jessie Fitzpatrick of Troop 39 from Kishwaukee District who presented him with the 2009 class honoree recognition award.

The Eagle Scout recipients achieved all six requirements ranging from: being active in their troop or crew after achieving the Life Scout rank; providing written recommendations from others that demonstrate living by the Scout Oath and Scout Law daily; earning a minimum of 21 merit badges; serving in a troop leadership position for six months; planning, developing and providing leadership to a community project; and stating their ambitions and life purpose.

"These 357 young men set themselves apart by honing their leadership skills and providing a significant service project throughout the communities served by the Three Fires Council," Ackerman said. "It's a pleasure to recognize these boys and their families for this accomplishment."

For information on the Three Fires Council, visit threefirescouncil.org.