Eagle Scout Reflections on Compass Loyalty

On the 10^th of October, in the year 2009, I had the grand opportunity to witness a Boy Scouts of America Eagle Court of Honor. Knowing this would be a memorable event for the scout and the rest of us I was greatly impressed as well with the setting the scout and family chose for this ceremony. From the dusts of neglect from the years of memory the Burlington Northern Depot in Red Oak, Iowa was raised to life again through renovation over a decade ago with the aid of grants, public and private funding and was the centerpiece at this particular Court of Honor. After spending much time going through this museum and public facility I am convinced that there is truly no better place for this scout to have had his honoring ceremony. In the words following I will elaborate my thoughts derived from what I believe was a truly inspiring occasion. I highly recommend taking the time to visit this historic landmark and to partake of the feelings of victory and sorrow within those walls.

Montgomery County, Iowa suffered more casualties during WWII per capita than any other location in the United States. Through the hub of the depot were many last memories of home for a vast number of soldiers. In fact, one local resident of Red Oak recalls a host of 6,000 residents crowding the hillside to send off their boys in March 1941. Just one of the heros who returned from that war was Colonel Robert Moore of Villisca, the “Boy” Colonel, Commander of Company F. The same Robert Moore who, as a child, suffered the loss of his beloved uncle, aunt and four cousins in the famous Villisca Ax Murders which divided many townsfolk for decades. Moore among countless others across Iowa and across the nation have engrained in him the memories of a depot that would forever be a part of his very being.

The Burlington Northern Depot was dedicated in 1903 and has served the country in which it stands – admirably. Eventually as the airplane began to be the major mode of transportation of soldiers the depot deteriorated and eventually closed. Standing as a relic and emerging as an eyesore the structure was on the verge of demolition until the “Save Our Depot Committee” was formed in 1994 and gave way to new life into the landmark. Various funding allowed the planned renovation over a ten year period. Today it stands as a proud monument of loyalty and service to the United States.

Recently a young man in the Boy Scouts retired his old neckerchief and slide and emerged with a new neckerchief and slide symbolizing an Eagle Scout. His many accomplishments demonstrated knowledge, commitment and loyalty to the nation and to his family. As an Eagle Scout he took on a new oath that shall carry him throughout his life. It was a commitment to nation, community and service not unlike the soldiers who passed through the same depot which now housed the Eagle Court of Honor. No, he has not fought a war against another country but he has fought the fight of a modern youth. The war today is a war within the soul and is just as damaging as losing a life in time of war. This young man has kept his focus and performed many acts of service and duty. Because of this he has become an Eagle. That is an accomplishment that will serve him and his posterity for years to come. Unlike money and mortal wealth the works of an Eagle are taken with you at death and will certainly rise with you in the end.

The soldier takes on new rank and new assignments as he continues to serve his country. The Eagle Scout, too, takes on symbolic commitment. With the colors of the fabric about his neck he wears white in show of honor. He wears blue as a sign of loyalty. He bears red as a token of courage. The scroll on the neckerchief is a dedication to service and the eagle is the unwavering stalwart virtue of obligation.