Son Earns Eagle Scout Rank in His Father’s Honor

17-year-old Ryan R. of the Baltimore Area Council formally receives the Eagle Scout rank during his Court of Honor ceremony. (Photo credit: Carroll County Times)

“I think he would be very proud,” Ryan R., said at his Eagle Scout Court of Honor according to the Carroll County Times.

Ryan’s father, Vernon, died on Father’s Day last year in New Hampshire. Vernon was the troop’s assistant Scoutmaster and former Scoutmaster. Vernon never earned Scouting’s highest rank himself; however, today, his son is receiving the Eagle award in his father’s honor.

“He really regretted not doing it himself, and he really got involved with us individually,” explained Ryan. “I think it would have been a great thing for him.”

Ryan’s mother, Teresa, officially recognized her son by attaching the Eagle Scout pin to his uniform. Teresa received a pin of her own – the Parent’s Pin – which also honored her son’s achievement. Another Parent’s Pin, the pin for Ryan’s father, was given to Ryan.

“It’s great to see Ryan carry on his dad’s wishes and legacy of what he wanted,” Scoutmaster Burdt of Troop 735 said. “His dad was a Scoutmaster before me, so I took over for his dad. His dad trained me, I trained Ryan, his dad trained Ryan, so it’s just nice to see that tradition carry on.”

A New Family Tradition

Although Ryan now holds Scouting’s highest rank, he wants to continue keeping his father’s passion for Scouting alive. The Eagle Scout hopes to pass on the tradition to his younger brother and fellow member of Troop 735, 13-year-old Patrick.

Ryan’s father and former Scoutmaster, Vernon. Ryan accepted the Eagle Scout rank in his father’s honor. (Photo credit: HANDOUT via Carroll County Times)

During the ceremony, Ryan bequeathed a special Eagle Scout challenge coin to Patrick, encouraging him to take on new challenges in life.

“I decided to give it to my brother, and I obviously want to guide and mentor him,” Ryan shared. “I told him, when he becomes an Eagle Scout, he should pass it down to someone else that he would help guide and mentor.”

Read more about how these sons are carrying on their father’s passion for Scouting by visiting the Carroll County Times. What does the Eagle Scout honor mean to your family? Share with us in the comments below.