On July 4th, 1776 the Founding Fathers sparked a revolution with: “We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor.”
Today, our Eagles dedicated themselves to their own revolution, a revolution that promises the freedom to use your own gifts, in a way that brings great joy, to satisfy a deep burning need in the world.
It was not an easy path. Earlier in the week we debated the views of John Locke and Thomas Hobbes, fundamental beliefs about human nature and whether men and women are capable of governing themselves, and if so, what form the self government should take.
The Eagles continued the creation and debate over four documents:
- A Contract of Promises that contained their pledges to each other;
- Rules of Engagement to encourage healthier Socratic discussions;
- Community Standards to create a more civil society; and
- A Governance Plan that describes the political contract that will bind them.
The path was not easy, and as the Eagles witnessed in a video about the Declaration of Independence, neither was the founding of America.
At the end of the day, Eagles voted to ratify the covenants and gathered in silence for a signing ceremony.
Each Eagle rose as his or her name was called, placed a sacred object into a community keepsake basket, carefully read each document and added his or her signature.
After the last Eagle had signed, the room erupted into applause and cheers. Our Eagles understand the seriousness of giving your promise and the significance ratifying it with a signature.
It was indeed, a pledge of Sacred Honor. Perhaps even the start of a revolution that will change the world.