Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor

Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor is a prestigious honor bestowed upon Order of the Arrow members who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to the Boy Scouts of America. The Vigil Honor is a high mark of distinction and recognition, reserved for those who have made significant contributions to the Order of the Arrow and the Scouting community. It is conferred by the National Order of the Arrow Committee and is considered one of the highest honors that can be awarded to a member of the Order of the Arrow. The Vigil Honor is often presented at National Order of the Arrow Conferences, which are attended by members from across the United States, including those from the Northeast Region (Boy Scouts of America) and the Western Region (Boy Scouts of America).

● Introduction

The Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor is a distinguished award that recognizes Order of the Arrow members for their outstanding service and commitment to the Boy Scouts of America. The honor is named after the Vigil, a ceremony in which members are inducted into the Order of the Arrow. The Vigil Honor is conferred upon members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to the Order of the Arrow and the Scouting community, including organizations such as the National Eagle Scout Association and the Scouting Heritage Merit Badge. Recipients of the Vigil Honor are chosen by their Lodge and are recognized for their contributions to the Order of the Arrow and the Boy Scouts of America, including service to Philmont Scout Ranch and the Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases.

● History

The Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor was established in 1915 by E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson, the co-founders of the Order of the Arrow. The first Vigil Honor ceremony was held at Treasure Island Scout Reservation in 1915, and it has since become an annual tradition. The Vigil Honor has been conferred upon thousands of Order of the Arrow members, including notable recipients such as Robert Gates, Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America) and former United States Secretary of Defense, and Ernest Thompson Seton, a Scouting pioneer and founder of the Woodcraft Indians. The Vigil Honor has also been recognized by other organizations, including the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

● Eligibility and Selection

To be eligible for the Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor, a member must have been a member of the Order of the Arrow for at least two years and must have demonstrated exceptional service and leadership within their Lodge and the Scouting community. The selection process for the Vigil Honor is rigorous and involves a thorough review of a member's service and contributions to the Order of the Arrow and the Boy Scouts of America, including service to Cub Scouting (Boy Scouts of America) and Varsity Scouting (Boy Scouts of America) programs. Members are nominated by their Lodge and are selected by a committee of Order of the Arrow leaders, including the National Order of the Arrow Committee and the Region Order of the Arrow Committee.

● Vigil Honor Ceremony

The Vigil Honor ceremony is a solemn and meaningful event that is steeped in tradition and symbolism. The ceremony is typically held at a Lodge's annual Section Conclave or at a National Order of the Arrow Conference, and is attended by members from across the United States, including those from the Southern Region (Boy Scouts of America) and the Central Region (Boy Scouts of America) . During the ceremony, recipients are presented with a Vigil Honor sash and a certificate, and are recognized for their contributions to the Order of the Arrow and the Scouting community. The ceremony is led by Lodge leaders, including the Lodge Chief and the Lodge Adviser, and includes traditional Order of the Arrow ceremonies and rituals, such as the Ordeal and the Brotherhood ceremonies.

● Notable Recipients

The Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor has been conferred upon many notable recipients, including Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting movement, and James E. West, the first Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. Other notable recipients include Samuel P. Huntington, a Harvard University professor and National Security Council member, and William F. Buckley Jr., a Yale University graduate and founder of the National Review. The Vigil Honor has also been awarded to NASA astronauts, including Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America) and NASA Astronaut James Lovell, and to Medal of Honor recipients, including Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America) and Medal of Honor recipient Leo Thorsness.

● Symbolism and Tradition

The Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor is rich in symbolism and tradition, and is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Order of the Arrow. The Vigil Honor sash, which is presented to recipients during the ceremony, is a symbol of the honor and distinction that is bestowed upon them. The sash is worn by recipients as a symbol of their commitment to the Order of the Arrow and the Scouting community, and is often displayed at Lodge events and ceremonies, including the National Order of the Arrow Conference and the Section Conclave. The Vigil Honor is also recognized by other Scouting organizations, including the Girl Scouts of the USA and the American Scouting Association, and is considered one of the highest honors that can be awarded to a member of the Order of the Arrow.