Aaden and Carter Clough were honored May 31 during an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony, where family, friends and fellow Scouts celebrated the brothers’ achievement of attaining Scouting’s highest rank.

The well-attended ceremony included members of the Slatington and Lehigh Township Boy Scouts. The presentation of colors was conducted by the senior patrol leader and members of Troop 62.

Michael Suprys, scoutmaster of Troop 62 and master of ceremonies, welcomed those in attendance and reflected on the significance of earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

“Today, we gather to honor two of our Scouts who have proven themselves worthy of Scouting’s highest honor,” Suprys said. “Eagle Scout is not earned by the timid or the undedicated. Nor is it earned by those who are not passionate. Only those who work hard, exhibit virtue and show enthusiasm of the scouting spirit will earn Eagle Scout. For that reason, only 4% who join scouts will ever become Eagle. The few that do, are seen as leaders.”

Suprys highlighted each Scout’s accomplishments.

“Aaden joined Cub Scouts as a Tiger Scout. He attained Arrow of Light, the highest rank in Cub Scouts. He is a member of the Order of the Arrow. He has earned 43 merit badges. He was the ASPL, the SPL. He received the Eagle on March 2 and became a junior assistant scoutmaster,” Suprys said.

For his Eagle project, Aaden led a team that enhanced the Memorial Garden at the Walnutport Canal by adding landscaping and fencing.

Suprys also recognized Carter’s achievements.

“Carter joined Cub Scouts as a Tiger Scout. He attained Arrow of Light, highest rank in Cub Scouts. He is a member of the Order of the Arrow. He has earned 42 merit badges. He was the Outdoor Ethics Guide and Troop Guide. He received his Eagle on March 2 and became a junior assistant scoutmaster,” Suprys said.

For his Eagle project, Carter led a team that refurbished five park benches, built two picnic tables and installed a community lost-and-found box at the canal and towpath.

Jeff Whiteman of American Legion Post 899 in Walnutport thanked the brothers for their service to the community.

“I want to thank Aaden and Carter along with all the Boy Scout troops that helped to put flags on nine cemeteries for Memorial Day,” Whiteman said. “I present you with a citation and checks for $100 for your service to the community.”

William Reighter and James Dal Maso of the Lehigh Chapter of United States Submarine Veterans also honored the pair.

“You have really made us proud of what the two of you have accomplished,” Reighter said. “We present you with a patch, and citation for giving it your all.”

State Rep. Zach Mako presented the brothers with special recognition honoring their years of dedication, leadership roles and community service projects completed to earn Scouting’s highest rank.

“I enjoy coming to these events,” Mako said. “I do like what goes on in Scouting. You always give back to the community. You show real leadership roles. If I can help in any way, like letters of reference, please don’t hesitate to ask. Congratulations.”

The Eagle Charge was delivered by Rob Reagan, assistant scoutmaster.

“I have the honor to deliver the Eagle Charge on the occasion of your elevation to the highest rank in Scouting,” Reagan said. “Scouts of all nations make up one of the most wholesome and significant movements in the world’s history. You both have been judged by the Boy Scouts of America as being worthy of this honor. All who know you rejoice in your achievement.”

Reagan reminded the new Eagle Scouts of the responsibility that comes with the rank. “This award, as you will know, is one of honor and responsibility. You are marked men. As Eagle Scouts, you assume a solemn obligation to do your duty to God, to country, to fellow Scouts, and to mankind in general,” he said.

He also encouraged them to lead by example.

“Aaden and Carter, your conduct along the trail has been excellent. You have rededicated yourselves to the principles of Scouting. But one more thing is important ... your future. As Eagle Scouts, you become guides to other Scouts. You become examples in your community,” Reagan said.

“Remember that your actions are now a little more conspicuous and people will expect more of you. To falter in your responsibility would reflect not only on you, but on your fellow Eagles and all of Scouting. The torch you carry is not only yours, but it is also ours.”

During the pinning ceremony, the brothers’ mothers pinned them with their Eagle Scout pins. Aaden and Carter then presented their mothers with Eagle parent pins.

Suprys then invited the new Eagle Scouts to speak.

Aaden thanked his family and troop leaders for their support.

“I want to thank my moms for putting up with us all these years, and pushing us to keep going, helping with our programs and helping with plans for projects,” Aaden said. “The guidance from all the scoutmasters, and support. I want to thank my grandfather for recording everything we have done to get to this part of Scouting.”

Carter also expressed gratitude to those who supported his journey.

“Thanks to my sister for sewing all of my patches and badges on our sashes,” Carter said. “Our moms for doing paperwork we needed for projects and keeping us in scouts even when we talked about quitting. Thanks to all the scouts in my troop for making it interesting.”

He also thanked Brenda and Vince Morris of the Walnutport Canal Association and neighbor Jeannine Gerrity for helping launch their Scouting journey.

Suprys closed the ceremony by encouraging younger Scouts to continue pursuing the rank of Eagle Scout.

“We hope this ceremony has inspired other scouts to reach this rank,” Suprys said. “We are enthusiastic to see many more Eagle Scouts to pass through our troop. I now declare this Eagle Court of Honor closed.”