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                       What is an Eagle?

    An Eagle is one of the most powerful birds in the world.  They
compare in size only to the California condor in North America.  The
appear fierce and proud and are pictured as courageous hunters.  The
can soar high in the air for hours without flapping their wings.
Because of this, Eagles have been symbols of freedom and power for
centuries.   

    The Roman Warriors used a golden figure of the Eagle as a sign of
strength and bravery.  The Russian and Austrian Empires also used them
as symbols.  The United States chose the Bald Eagle as its national
bird in 1782.   

    Bald Eagles have very keen eye sight, strong beaks, and powerful
legs and wings.  As a result of their mightyness, the Boy Scouts of
America also chose the Eagle as their symbol of the top rank in the
organization.  Why didn't they choose the crow or sparrow?  They could
have named the rank Star, Life and Crow or Sparrow, but they didn't.
Is it because they are not as pretty as Eagles, or not as powerful, or
can't soar as long and gracefully?  It could be all of these, but I
think the best reason is that there are many crows and sparrows
around.  But how many Eagles have you seen?  Is it easy to become an
Eagle?  NO, but with a lot of work and perseverance you can reach the
highest rank in Scouting, the EAGLE! 


                               David Kichline          
                               Former Scout of Troop 50,
                                  Moorestown, PA        



Copyright 1996 David Kichline

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