Non nobis solum nati sumus

Questions I ask every Eagle Scout candidate:

1. Years from now, how will people know that you're an Eagle Scout?
2. What is your legacy?

When it comes right down to it, it's all about understanding your duty - your Duty to God and your Country, your duty to other people, and your duty to yourself. The Scout Oath spells out these duties very clearly. First, follow the rules - those of your faith and those of your community.  Second, help other people at all times - pretty self explanatory.  Finally, take care of your self.  As they say in the airplane safety briefing, put on your oxygen mask and then assist others.  The Scout Law proscribes a set of behaviors that model an exemplary individual and an upstanding citizen.  It addresses fundamental character traits like Trust, Loyalty and Obedience, as well as characteristics that mark a good friend like courtesy and kindness.  It also spells out personal behaviors of a model citizen like Bravery (the courage to do what is right), Cleanliness and Reverence.  It is the fundamental obligation of an Eagle Scout to live up to these duties and to model these behaviors not only now, but many years from now.  "Once and Eagle, always an Eagle."  That's how people recognize an Eagle Scout even when they no longer wear a Scout uniform.  But the designation "Eagle Scout" is really just a label.  What matters is the individual and the content of his character.  The path to Eagle established a strong moral and behavioral foundation.

And that's how Eagle Scouts distinguish themselves as leaders.  By consistently performing their duties, they set the right example.  By modeling the right behaviors, they gain the respect of others. Together, they inspire people to do the right thing.  And the right thing often involves helping, teaching, and enabling others - usually those who follow them.  It's called servant leadership - a concept that challenges the common perception of organizational hierarchy.  The world's most inspiring leaders have all been servants first:

• Nelson Mandela - Spent 20 years in jail for his opposition to apartheid. After release he became first President of democratic South Africa and helped heal the wounds of apartheid by his magnanimous attitude to his former political enemies.

• Martin Luther King - Inspired millions of people black and white to aspire for a more equal and just society.

• Jesus Christ - Taught a message of love, forgiveness and faith. Born in a turbulent period of Roman rule, after his crucifixion, his message inspired millions around the world.

• Thomas Jefferson - Helped draft the Declaration of Independence and a belief in human rights. Jefferson passed one of the first bills on religious tolerance in his state of Virginia. Sought to improve education and was a noted polymath with a wide range of interests.

• Mother Teresa - Sought to identify with and offer compassion to the unloved and destitute. Lived a life of voluntary poverty and service to the poor.

• Abraham Lincoln  - In his famous Gettysburg speech, he inspired the nation with his noble words and helped to bring about the abolishment of slavery.

• Mahatma Gandhi  - Principle figurehead of the Indian independence movement. Taught a philosophy of non-violence and peaceful protest.

The dedication of these individuals to their country and to other people, and their commitment to uphold an exemplary standard of behavior were contributing factors to what we perceive as their legacy - the good they accomplished on behalf of others. That's the true measure of an individuals legacy, what they did to better the lives of those who follow them.  Some call it "Paying it forward." An Eagle Scout, like great leaders before him, recognizes that non nobis solum nati sumus, not for ourselves alone are we born.  By acting on this understanding, an Eagle Scout leaves his legacy.