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Legacy of Honor: The Values and Influence of America's Eagle Scouts
Over the past century, America's Eagle Scouts have earned a reputation for service, virtue, and leadership that is recognized throughout the world. But few people realize the full extent to which Eagle Scouts have made a mark on American history. They have served as astronauts, soldiers, politicians, and businessmen, but they have also been the fathers, brothers, Scoutmasters, coaches, and other role models who have played an integral part in American life.
Alvin Townley set out across the country to hear the stories of these Eagle Scouts. He spoke with individuals from every region, of every age and every background, some of whom have risen to fame as public figures while others have left a lasting impact outside of the spotlight.
The Eagle Scouts who share their experiences include Bill Gates, Sr., Bill Bradley, J. W. Marriott, Jr., Ross Perot, Michael Bloomberg, Richard Lugar, Michael Dukakis, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, coach Chan Gailey, and Capt. Jim Lovell of Apollo 13. The book also explores the virtues of a Tuskegee Airman, a Vietnam War POW, a September 11 NYPD hero, a crew of Hurricane Katrina relief workers, and a host of others from every walk of life.
During his journey, Alvin discovered stories of character, courage, and inspiration that belong not only to Eagle Scouts but to all Americans. These stories form the heart of Legacy of Honor and offer us a chance to appreciate the profound impact that Eagle Scouts have had on American history and the lasting role they will play in our country's future.
Alvin Townley set out across the country to hear the stories of these Eagle Scouts. He spoke with individuals from every region, of every age and every background, some of whom have risen to fame as public figures while others have left a lasting impact outside of the spotlight.
The Eagle Scouts who share their experiences include Bill Gates, Sr., Bill Bradley, J. W. Marriott, Jr., Ross Perot, Michael Bloomberg, Richard Lugar, Michael Dukakis, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, coach Chan Gailey, and Capt. Jim Lovell of Apollo 13. The book also explores the virtues of a Tuskegee Airman, a Vietnam War POW, a September 11 NYPD hero, a crew of Hurricane Katrina relief workers, and a host of others from every walk of life.
During his journey, Alvin discovered stories of character, courage, and inspiration that belong not only to Eagle Scouts but to all Americans. These stories form the heart of Legacy of Honor and offer us a chance to appreciate the profound impact that Eagle Scouts have had on American history and the lasting role they will play in our country's future.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
15 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 19, 2009
I picked up my Dad's copy of the book after finding it sitting out on the table and it was over an hour later before I finally put it down to go to bed. Townley takes readers on a journey through not only the history of the Boy Scouts, but the history of America through many of its heroes. From the Flying Tigers to 9/11, from Vietnam Helo pilots to NASA astronauts, Eagle Scouts have helped shape our society.
January 16, 2009
Inspirational! As a long time Scouter, I had a good idea of who were Eagles but it was interesting to read about their experiences. I was also amazed that I shared similar experiences that some of those written about had. I too have been criticized for doing my best by fellow employees (they have to work harder). Anyway, I found the book very inspirational.
July 13, 2008
Didn't have the first clue as to how many noteworthy Eagle Scouts there are and the lasting effect those years had on theirh lives. Surprisingly well-written, educational and inspiring read.
October 19, 2008
Alvin Townley shares the stories of Eagle Scouts from all walks of life. These are courageous and inspirational men who have had a profound influence on America.
August 7, 2011
This is a great book to have on hand to loan to parents who are unsure about their son joining Scouting. Also very good to give to a younger Scout who is unsure about why he should stay in Scouting.
January 20, 2017
Enjoyed reading the story of the experiences of the varied men identified who earned Eagle Scout rank as teenagers and how that experience affected them positively throughout their lives.
I gave this book to my son, a Life Scout, for Christmas. He is working toward Eagle but needs an occasional push. I was relieved to read that most of the men identified in this book required similar encouragement.
I want him to read, and be inspired by the stories Townley tells. I want him to understand how the experiences other great men had on their paths toward Eagle Scout defined and shaped who they are today. Additionally, I want him to understand, digest and incorporate the traits, values and ethics Townley identifies among these Eagles into his personal behavior, mien and character.
This was an interesting read. However, I think the story could have been better told. Still, for his first published work, we should commend Townley for having the prescience to identify this subject as book-worthy.
Recommend for all parents of Boy and Girl Scouts seeking to achieve high rank. Perhaps some enterprising young woman, of Gold Scout rank, will compose a similar volume identifying women who achieved similar rank and stature through their Girl Scout experiences.
I gave this book to my son, a Life Scout, for Christmas. He is working toward Eagle but needs an occasional push. I was relieved to read that most of the men identified in this book required similar encouragement.
I want him to read, and be inspired by the stories Townley tells. I want him to understand how the experiences other great men had on their paths toward Eagle Scout defined and shaped who they are today. Additionally, I want him to understand, digest and incorporate the traits, values and ethics Townley identifies among these Eagles into his personal behavior, mien and character.
This was an interesting read. However, I think the story could have been better told. Still, for his first published work, we should commend Townley for having the prescience to identify this subject as book-worthy.
Recommend for all parents of Boy and Girl Scouts seeking to achieve high rank. Perhaps some enterprising young woman, of Gold Scout rank, will compose a similar volume identifying women who achieved similar rank and stature through their Girl Scout experiences.
November 13, 2023
At the heart of Scouting is the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. These two, perfectly worded set of beliefs have remained the same even as the world has changed so rapidly. Repeating these every week at meetings with friends helps scouts internalize these beliefs. To quote the movie Field of Dreams: “The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt, erased again, but baseball has marked time. This field, this game, it’s part of our past, Ray. It reminds us of all that was once good and could be again.”
August 8, 2023
I usually don't get sentimental from books, but reading through this brought back a flood of memories and reflections from the scouting organization that I devoted over a decade of my young life to..
A wonderful collection of stories and lessons from the old men who were once the young men who put the time and effort into receiving the rank of Eagle Scout, and their reflections on the process and the organization as a whole
A wonderful collection of stories and lessons from the old men who were once the young men who put the time and effort into receiving the rank of Eagle Scout, and their reflections on the process and the organization as a whole
June 21, 2017
Great Book about the impact on the world that Eagle Scouts (Myself Included) have made for generations.
June 7, 2018
A great book of Eagles and their stories of how Scouts made them who they are today. Anyone who has done scouting should read this.Good book.
May 31, 2019
Why and how BSA made a positive contribution to America, though it is sadly disintegrating today.
May 11, 2020
An excellent description of what it means to have attained the rank of Eagle Scouts.
June 16, 2024
This is a beautiful way of sharing the stories of Eagle Scouts and reflecting on the legacy that scouting has left on so many young boys over the last 100 plus years.
March 15, 2025
It was okay. I'm in Scouts with my kids and I was looking for a YAY SCOUTS book to help motivate and coach them, which this attempted to be. The author drove all over the US and collected stories from men about how being in Scouts and becoming an Eagle as a kid affected their adult lives. If he had just *told those stories,* it would have been a much more interesting book. But he didn't.
He told about his personal conversation with the people - they sat in an office and the guy put his feet on the desk, "blah blah blah, he observed" ... rarely "said" or "commented" or "replied" or anything else. Always "observed." If I see "he observed" one more time in print, I will throw that book through a window. And then they drove to the train station, or he walked out of the prestigious building. SO MUCH extraneous verbiage that did not add to it at all, and the further into the book I got, the more it distracted from the good stuff. In the acknowledgements, he said he's a first time writer. I could tell. He needed a better writing coach and editor.
I also noted that women did not really exist in this book. The book was written before BSA allowed girls to register so I wasn't expecting to see any female Eagles. But I have seen many, many, many Eagles chased across the finish line by their mothers. Moms got nothing in this book. Not even this dude's OWN mother. There was maybe a mention of a wife for a few words, but only in the context of admiring her Eagle Scout husband.
There's a reason it took me over a year to finish it, but I finally did.
He told about his personal conversation with the people - they sat in an office and the guy put his feet on the desk, "blah blah blah, he observed" ... rarely "said" or "commented" or "replied" or anything else. Always "observed." If I see "he observed" one more time in print, I will throw that book through a window. And then they drove to the train station, or he walked out of the prestigious building. SO MUCH extraneous verbiage that did not add to it at all, and the further into the book I got, the more it distracted from the good stuff. In the acknowledgements, he said he's a first time writer. I could tell. He needed a better writing coach and editor.
I also noted that women did not really exist in this book. The book was written before BSA allowed girls to register so I wasn't expecting to see any female Eagles. But I have seen many, many, many Eagles chased across the finish line by their mothers. Moms got nothing in this book. Not even this dude's OWN mother. There was maybe a mention of a wife for a few words, but only in the context of admiring her Eagle Scout husband.
There's a reason it took me over a year to finish it, but I finally did.
April 5, 2011
This is a book that gives us insights into all who have had the privilege to be Eagle Scouts. Jim Lowell, Percy Sutton, Michael Bloomberg, Gerald Ford, Robert Gates are but a sampling of all that understood the essence of Scout Law. I was especially inspired by the story of Zayed Yasin..a Muslim who understood and lived the Scout Law to the fullest...an example for us all of us to be inspired by....
April 21, 2013
This is an enjoyable book that takes a look at how once you are an Eagle Scout, you are always an Eagle Scout. While this book only looks at the lives of some Eagle Scouts, it makes you realize that trying to do your best and help other people at all times is not such a bad thing. If you are a scout or a parent of a scout it is a good read and helpful reminder about what the program is truly about.
January 11, 2015
We have Boy Scouts on Monday and Cub Scouts on Tuesday - so I try to read a chapter over the weekend. Some chapters are really long - so I may have to break them up - but the boys get a little whoozy listening to the lengthy stories. In the end - I think it will have an impact.
June 17, 2011
A really easy read, and an excellent collection of stories about Eagle Scouts and the scouting movement in general. I think anyone who spent some time in scouts as a kid, can appreciate the stories within this book.
February 16, 2013
I think the title says it all. "Legacy of Honor: The Values and Influence of America's Eagle Scouts". There are so many great Eagle Scouts throughout history and Alvin Townley tells some of their stories in this book.
October 7, 2009
I've learned that there is even more to being an Eagle Scout then we will ever know, but we need more of them in the WORLD!
January 5, 2011
I'm the proud owner of a signed copy.
July 10, 2016
Not bad, and interesting to learn about other Eagle Scouts
May 18, 2012
Wonderful first book from a relatively unknown author. It should be on Eagle Scout's bookshelf, or at the very least a coffee table.
November 15, 2013
Great book. Each story brought back memories.
January 18, 2014
Great book! Perfect gift for a new Eagle Scout or one on his way!
February 20, 2014
Inspiring, but choppy. I wish he would have had less people, but explored their story more deeply. I felt like I was just getting to know somebody when boom, he moved on to the next person.
October 19, 2014
Such a wonderful book which truly shows the values that all Eagle Scouts have and opens one's eye to the major influence that one can hold as an Eagle Scout.
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October 18, 2022Lots of fascinating moments and captures the spirit of scouts really well. I thought the information could’ve been organized sharper and the book probably could’ve been 50-100 pages shorter.
March 1, 2015
Inspirational stories of Eagle Scouts who have gone on to achieve great success in life.
January 26, 2018
Every Boy Scout that is has started the journey and is not sure they want to put in the time and effort to obtain the rank of Eagle needs to read this book. There is a small window of time that shrinks quickly - miss the opportunity and you will regret for the rest of your adult life. Those that succeed will become a life long member of a very impressive club. Eagle Scout 1974.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews