The 100th anniversary of Scouting in the United States is coming soon. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Golden Jamboree in Colorado Springs as part of the celebration for 50 years of Scouting. It was something I’ll always remember.

Another event in my life that I will always cherish is receiving my Eagle Scout award. Like many Eagle Scouts it was the end and the beginning. It was completing a goal I had set for myself that required lots of effort and years of time to complete. It was also the beginning of a commitment to show young men the benefits and fun in Scouting. There is a project that helps celebrate the Scouting anniversary and being an Eagle.

Numerous celebrations and activities planned for 2010. One of the most challenging is the Eagle Scout Roll of Honor. The aim of the project is to capture “nearly 100 years of Eagle Scout history, tradition, service and achievement.” The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) is in the process of attempting to contact as many Eagles as possible to give them an opportunity to be a part of this project. How is this being done?

Eagle Scouts with a current address on file will be contacted directly. They will receive a card from Harris Connect, Inc. in Chesapeake, VA. Eagles receiving this card should respond to Harris as directed. Each card has a personal ID number for quicker reference. If an Eagle Scout does not receive this card, he can call a toll free number and submit his information. The toll free number for this project is 1-866-753-3506.

Who will be included in the directory? In order to be included in the directory a person must:

1. Be a recognized Eagle Scout
2. Agree to be listed as part of the project
3. Be an adult of 18 years of age or older

Who will be able to purchase the directory? NESA Director Bill Steele has said that the directory will only be available to “bona fide Eagles.” When an Eagle calls to confirm or submit his information, he will be given the option of purchasing a directory or not. Although an exact release date has not been specified, the directory is scheduled to be published in the October 2008 timeframe.

Information is available on the NESA website at NESA.org, then select “NESA Eagle Scout Search is Underway.” The NESA link below will also take you to the appropriate page.

This is quite a daunting project. If you are an Eagle Scout and would like to be a part of this project or if you know an Eagle Scout who could participate, take the time to make the contact soon.