The Spirit of the Eagle by Ben Nichols
The Spirit of the Eagle Award is very unique in that it is the only posthumous award in Scouting. That is to say, it is the only award that is actually intended to be awarded after the death of a Scout. Due to the nature of the award, the requirements are very simple. In order to be eligible, a Scout must have lost his life in a tragic accident. There are people, even Scouters that have been leaders for 20 or 30 years, who have never even heard of, much less seen, a Spirit of the Eagle Award. It is an honor to know that such an award exists, and to see a ceremony for an award that is so rarely earned, but at the same time, I would prefer never to be given reason to see another being awarded.
The Spirit of the Eagle is intended to commemorate the life that a Scout led, the joys that a Scout got out of Scouting, and the effects of Scouting in his life in general. It is also Scouting’s way of showing to a Scout’s family that their son has touched the lives of Scouts and Scouters across the nation, and that he will be remembered. All of this and more has been true of Tommy.
Tommy was a good model Scout. He followed the Boy Scout Oath and Law, and the Cub Scout Promise and Law of the Pack, in his life as well as any boy I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. He has been a good friend to those he knew, and seemed to have the ability to bring out the best in the other people around him as well.
I think I speak for all of the members, leaders, and parents in the Pack that knew Tommy when I say that Tommy will be sorely missed. Tommy will never be forgotten by any of us. Although he is no longer with us, he will live on in every one of our hearts, and his memory will always serve as a reminder of what it means to be a good Scout, and of what Scouting can, and should, mean to a boy.
My hat is off to you, Tommy. You never crossed into the Boy Scouts, but you are an Eagle just the same. Fly high and free, until we meet again.
10 Responses to “The Spirit of the Eagle by Ben Nichols”
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About Tommy
On July 29, 2009, Tommy Botell was killed by a rock retaining wall that collapsed while hiking with his family at Lassen Volcanic National Forest.
Tommy's sister Katrina, was seriously injured and suffered numerous facial fractures.
Tommy was a dedicated scout, a fan of Indiana Jones, a budding adventurer and a beloved son and brother.
Tommy died in the loving arms of his mother. He was 9 years old.
This site is dedicated to his memory and keeping that memory alive.
Thanks Ben that was beautiful.
Tommy’s Dad
You’re welcome, Tom. I’m glad you think so. And thanks again for coming to the Pack Meeting to accept it. It was good to see all of you.
This is another wonderful way to remember Tommy. For someone so young he made a big impression on everyone who knew him. Always missed. Grandma Barbara.
Ben, you did an amazing job..That was so very well worded and we are lucky to have you in our Pack..
Ben,
I don’t know what to say. I read this and cry. It is so heartfelt, informative, and well written. Thank you for this beautiful tribute to my little man.
Much Love,
Jen
Jen,
I’m honestly not sure what to say either, anymore. I only wrote what my heart spoke to me, and it was speaking pretty loud yesterday as this started to formulate. When I requested permission to put this up, I still was not sure exactly what to write, because I had so many things racing through my mind. Thank you for letting me post this. To be entirely honest, I had trouble writing it, through the tears and memories that it started to bring up, and I am still unable to read it, even to myself, without breaking up.
I am glad to hear that you like it.
Much Love, and God Bless,
Ben
Although i don’t actually know Tommy i want you to know you’ll be in my prayers.
And hope that you’ll be together in Paridise together.
Regards Jacob
Well said Ben. This honor was perfect for Tommy. We miss him every single day.
Ben, your message is lovely, and informative too, I learned some things about scouts that I didn’t know before, and I too sincerely hope that you never have to give out on of these awards again. Thank you, Grandma Carolyn.
Tommy, I honor you and your little spirit. You are an Eagle in my heart. You are forever in my thoughts Tommy.
Love Daddy-Poo