Matthew Brown is a “Marked” Man

May 22, 2011 is a day Matthew Brown will never forget. He became the 87th member of Boy Scout Troop 31 in Old Zionsville to receive the rank of Eagle – the highest rank a Boy Scout can achieve.

Brown earned 26 merit badges during his seven years as a Boy Scout (only 21 are needed to advance to Eagle). Some of these badges include Automotive Maintenance, Camping, Citizenship in the Community, Communications, Environmental Science, Home Repairs, First Aid, Personal Management, Plumbing, Swimming and Wilderness Survival.

He also held several roles of leadership in Troop 31. Brown was a Den Chief, Scribe and the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. He also earned the Order of the Arrow on his path to Eagle.

A major requirement to earn the rank of Eagle includes the planning, developing and carrying out of a service project. Brown chose to remove an old staircase at the Museum of Indian Culture, Allentown, and then replace it with a new, sturdier staircase. He also added a landing to the staircase and a new shelving unit in the rear area of the staircase.

Brown began his scouting years as a Tiger Cub at the age of six. He moved up to Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos, where he earned the Arrow of Light, Cub Scouting’s highest award. 

During the ceremony, the “voice of the eagle” challenged Brown with five responsibilities.  “The foremost responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor. Honor is the foundation of all character.”

The second obligation of an Eagle Scout is loyalty. “An Eagle scout is true to his family, scout leaders, friends, school and nation.”

Thirdly, an Eagle Scout is courageous. “Courage has always been a quality by which men measure themselves and others….bravery means not only the courage to face physical danger, but also the determination to stand up for the right.”

Brown was reminded, in the fourth obligation, that a scout is always cheerful.  And, in the fifth obligation, an Eagle Scout is service-oriented – to help others who need aid.

Carol Richards-Brown, Matthew’s mother, then pinned the Eagle Award to her son’s uniform. Charles Brown, Matthew’s father, presented his son with the Eagle patch and certificate.

Henry Beitler, founder of Troop 31 and its first Scoutmaster, gave Brown the Eagle Charge. He began by telling Brown he is “a marked man forever” and that more will be expected of him.

Beitler, a Silver Beaver recipient, charged Brown to “undertake your citizenship with a solemn dedication. I charge you to be among those who dedicate their skills and abilities to the common good.”

Brown received recognition from one of his teachers at Emmaus High School, Scott Didra, who said several of his students have become Eagle Scouts. Didra said that Brown was an “incredible student in class. He showed mutual respect…and was extremely trustworthy.” 

Brown’s grandfather, Jack Brown, presented his grandson with an Eagle to be hung on the wall. It was made by Jack from bass wood and Matthew says he will cherish it forever.

A senior at Emmaus High School, next year Brown plans to attend Lehigh Carbon Community College and study business marketing. In his spare time, he enjoys working with his hands, especially on cars. He also plays the piano at his home in Old Zionsville.

During closing remarks, Brown thanked all who helped him along his path to Eagle and for attending the ceremony. “I want to thank my parents…throughout all the ups and downs...without them I would not be here.”