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What happens when an Eagle Scout dies?

Published in Scouting Legacy and Recognition 4 mins read

When an Eagle Scout dies, it is a moment of profound loss for their family, friends, and the entire Scouting community. While the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) does not have a single, universal protocol for every deceased Eagle Scout, there are established ways to honor their memory and the values they embodied throughout their life.

Official Recognition from the Boy Scouts of America

The BSA recognizes the passing of its members, especially those who have achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, through specific, though situational, awards and honors.

Fallen Eagle Award

The Fallen Eagle Award is a special distinction reserved for Eagle Scouts who lose their lives while serving in the United States armed forces. This award recognizes their ultimate sacrifice and their commitment to the values of service and patriotism that are integral to Scouting. It is a very specific and special-order award, not automatically given to all deceased Eagle Scouts.

Spirit of the Eagle Award

The Spirit of the Eagle Award is another special recognition, but it is for any registered youth member of the BSA (including, but not exclusively, Eagle Scouts) who passes away before reaching 21 years of age. This award acknowledges their journey in Scouting and the positive impact they made during their time as a youth member. Like the Fallen Eagle Award, it is special-order and situation-specific, meaning it must be requested and meets particular criteria.

Local Troop and Council Tributes

Beyond national awards, local Boy Scout troops, districts, and councils often play a significant role in honoring deceased Eagle Scouts. These tributes are a testament to the strong community bonds within Scouting and the lasting impact an individual can have.

  • Memorial Services: Troops may hold special memorial services or moments of remembrance during regular meetings, court of honors, or specific events. These provide a space for peers, leaders, and family to share memories and celebrate the life of the deceased.
  • Scholarships: Many local councils or individual troops establish scholarships in the name of a deceased Eagle Scout. These scholarships often support other Scouts pursuing higher education or those working towards their Eagle rank, ensuring the legacy of the individual continues to benefit future generations of Scouts.
  • Dedicated Memorials: To create a lasting physical tribute, troops or families might dedicate a tree, a bench, a flagpole, or even a section of a camp in memory of the Eagle Scout. These serve as permanent reminders of their contributions and presence.
  • Honorary Recognition: The Eagle Scout's name may be added to a troop's honor roll, a memorial plaque, or recognized at annual ceremonies, ensuring their achievements and spirit are never forgotten by the Scouting family.
  • Support for Families: The Scouting community often extends support to the grieving family, offering condolences, assistance, and a network of comfort during a difficult time.

Lasting Legacy and Community Support

An Eagle Scout’s passing marks the end of a life dedicated to the principles of the Scout Law and Oath. Their legacy, however, continues to inspire. The values of trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, friendliness, courtesy, kindness, obedience, cheerfulness, thriftiness, bravery, cleanliness, and reverence, which they lived by, serve as a beacon for others.

The Scouting community, from fellow Scouts and leaders to alumni, rallies to remember and uphold the memory of their fallen member. This collective remembrance underscores the idea that once an Eagle, always an Eagle, and that the bonds formed in Scouting last a lifetime, and beyond.

Here's a summary of common recognition types:

Type of Recognition Description Who it's For
Fallen Eagle Award A special-order national award recognizing Eagle Scouts killed in military service. Eagle Scouts who die during military service.
Spirit of the Eagle Award A special-order national award for any registered youth member who passes away before age 21. Registered youth members (including Eagle Scouts) who pass away as a youth.
Local Memorials Troop or council-level tributes like dedicated trees, benches, or plaques. Any deceased Scout, often prominently for Eagle Scouts.
Scholarships Educational funds established in the Eagle Scout's name to support others. Future Scouts or those pursuing higher education.
Ceremonial Tributes Moments of remembrance during troop meetings, courts of honor, or special events. All deceased Scouts, particularly Eagle Scouts.