Last night, this young man was awarded Scouting's highest honor: the rank of Eagle Scout. I am so proud of him. The award was given last night as he will be a US Marine when they have their next Eagle Court of Honor in December. Joe Jr. has been a scout since the first grade and earned every rank in scouting, 21 merit badges and his Cub Scout Arrow of Light. He will make a fine Marine and is quickly becoming a fine young man. .
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I want to share with my readers this poem by Mike Wood that sums up my emotions and love for my son.
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This Uniformed Little Boy by Mike Wood
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It seems like only yesterday, his eyes were lit with joy,
As we watched with admiration, this uniformed little boy.
Campouts, picnics, Pinewood cars, the years slipped quickly by,
The colors changed from blue to green, in the twinkling of an eye.
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Soon came ranks of Tenderfoot, Second, First, and Star,
Each leading toward that final quest, once visioned from afar.
And then the rank of Life, and as life can often do,
the goal so close within his grasp, was dimming from his view.
Yet from within he found the strength to reach that final quest,
Remembering words from years gone by: I WILL DO MY BEST.
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It seems like only yesterday, his eyes were lit with joy,
As we watched with admiration, this uniformed little boy.
Now with an eagle upon his chest, he soars, where once he ran,
No longer that uniformed little boy; our Son...an Eagle...a Man.
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I love you, Son. I wish you all the best that life has to offer and am proud you have worked so hard in a cause worthy of your effort. Your next challenge will be service to your country. I know what you have learned here in Scouting will serve you well.
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Semper Fi.
