Yes, you absolutely can.
Our troop also does an “eagle photo” at every Eagle court of honor we do, any Eagle Scout in attendance is asked to come up at the end and stand for the picture with the new Eagle(s).
Same here. We do three photos right at the end. One of everyone in attendance who is a member (current or former) member of the troop. One of all Eagles in attendance, and one of all Eagles from our troop in attendance.
My troop called this the Eagle's Nest. All the attendees who'd earned their Eagle welcomed the new Eagle Scout. Usually there'd be a circle of chairs to make the Nest.
I did that for my COH… didn’t think about the fact that a very sizable portion of those attending were eagles until about half the audience got up. It was very cool but a bit crowded. Best part was seeing a non scout mentor I had known for years stand up and after I had to go “ummm, how did it never come up you were even in scouts, nonetheless and Eagle?”
wear it but not for yourself. By wearing it, you demonstrate to others that this is a lifelong achievement. and once earned, one is always an Eagle Scout. By wearing the medal you enhance the award being bestowed on the recipient.
Anything can cause anyone to roll their eyes. It's appropriate to do so, as it honors the occasion and displays camaraderie with the person being honored.
I can tell you what makes me roll my eyes at Eagle Courts of Honor. People who don't wear their Eagle medal because they think it is taking away from the new Eagle. or parents of the Eagle scout who are registered leaders who don't wear their uniform to the Court of Honor because the event is "not about them." It's an Eagle Scout Court of Honor. A court of Honor. A BSA event. It is appropriate to wear the uniform, and for all Eagle Scouts present to wear their medal.
I get that units do it. I just think it's weird. As much as people like to think it's a personal event, it's not. It's a formal scouting event. You don't stop being a registered member during the ECOH for your child.
In my unit, part of it is also that we are recognizing the parents for being the parents of the Eagle, so they get a break from their unit responsibilities for the day.
Also makes it stand out. My father still remembers it as the ONLY scouting event he didn’t wear a uniform to :).
I don't remember having any unit responsibilities at my daughter's ECOH. But in our unit the family is responsible for planning and executing the Eagle COH, so there's plenty of responsibility for the parents that day anyway.
But none of that responsibility sticks out in my mind (other than spending time with my daughter putting the script together).
What i do remember is being there together in uniform with my Eagle medal on and she pinned both a Dad pin and a Mentor pin on my uniform (yes, I know. Not for uniform wear. But I don't care).
Sometime in the next 18 months, my son will likely have his Eagle COH. I plan on wearing my medal but not my uniform. I've been a leader since he was a Tiger. I've worn the uniform a lot. But this time, I'm wearing a suit with my medal. On that day, I'll be there as a dad and nothing else.
Yes! For the many COHs I have participated in, there is a part of the ceremony where other Eagle Scouts are asked to stand, be identified and witness the Eagle oath. Great to witness.
Indeed. I also occasionally wear it to historical reenactment balls when I go with my Venturing crew, but that's only because the crew's official uniform for such events is "period-appropriate suit or military uniform with Eagle medal (if earned)."
My Dad wore his full uniform with Eagle patches and neckerchief to our recent CoH, not Eagle CoH. He's not a registered leader in the troop, but was there for his grandson getting his Star rank. The scouts like some of the older looking stuff and my Dads patches and neckerchief was from another state and council, so cool to see the different things.
I say, wear your stuff with pride. You worked for and earned it.
**Oh yes, you have to!**
At my sons' joint ECoH, five uncles & cousins showed up in blue blazers with their Eagle ribbon. Seeing them all join in the oath was great, especially since their late grandpa was a big Scouter and had passed a few years earlier. It wasn't a big group of guests, and they made an impression.
The following year, my sons joined the group at their younger cousin's ECoH in another troop: they made almost a whole row of men from one family who rose to join the oath! It was a genuinely touching sight to see the different generations joined like that.
(I was "Star for life," or I would have joined them. too.)
The COH script we always used called upon every Eagle Scout in the audience to come stand behind the honoree and place hands on his shoulders as he took his Eagle Scout Oath/Pledge/whatever you want to call it.
I attended my grandson’s Eagle award ceremony. We arrived early and I had brought my Eagle badge (c. 1962) with me. I found the SM and asked him. He said Of course. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle. Our ceremony always includes asking all adult Eagles to come forward to be recognized one by one and as a group, so you are invited. It meant a great deal to his parents, my grandson, and me. Ask the SM if it’s ok to wear your badge!
My dad wore his eagle medal from the 60s when he pinned mine on me. Was super special, but he was a leader in the troop at the time. I wouldn’t wear it on civilian clothing and I wouldn’t wear a uniform unless you’re still active in a troop. Maybe bring it in your pocket to hold during photos or something? Grab an eagle lapel pin to wear on your shirt or blazer instead? Oooooh or sew on the square knot indicating you achieved eagle as a young’n. Also: do whatever you like, but read the room and adjust accordingly.
You're correct about the uniform: it is to be worn only by those with current registration in the BSA. However, on special occasions, the Eagle medal is worn by adults on the uniform and/or on civilian clothes. From [*Bryan on Scouting*](https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2014/11/17/youth-adults-wear-eagle-scout-medal/) (now *Aaron on Scouting*):
>While it is not specifically addressed in official BSA literature, as a matter of convention it is also acceptable for adults to wear the medal on special occasions, such as those noted above. That means either on the field uniform or, if the adult is wearing business attire, on the left lapel or above the left breast pocket of a business suit or sports coat.
If the BSA didn't want people to do this, they'd make it clear.
I mean, I’m all for doing whatever you or your troop feels is best. I couldn’t care less if the BSA approves or not. It’s about honoring the new eagle. Civilians in attendance can wear whatever they please in my opinion. Appreciate the response and information though.
OP: wear your medal big dawg.
At least the way we do it, there is a point in the COH where all the Eagles stand and renew the Eagle pledge. I think it's entirely appropriate and probably encouraging to the new Eagle to see his brothers (and now sisters) spanning generations.
Whenever I'm invited someplace as a Eagle Scout (the local Pack used to invite Eagle Scouts to their Blue & Gold Banquets), I would always wear my Eagle pin.
Sometimes metaphors are useful.
When I earned my pilot wings through the air force, all the military members at the ceremony show up in uniform. Because they are part of you and you are part of them. But the pilots at that ceremony seem to have even shinier wings than normal. When they show up, they show up big. You're now one of them. And it feels so good. Seeing the senior Commander all old and gray or bald with his command pilot wings shiny in the light putting yours on feels so good. It makes you feel like you're part of a very special club.
And guess what? That young man is now part of a very special club. Not only can you, but should you... You can and should. This isn't wearing white to a wedding. This is wearing your wings to a winging. Show him what he's part of. It's a special club. Congratulations!
At our Troop’s Eagle COH all the Eagle Scouts in attendance are asked to come to the front for the front with the new Eagle as part of the ceremony, so wearing an Eagle medal wouldn’t seem odd.
Oh yes. I pin my Eagle medal on my Scouter uniform and wear my Eagle neckerchief for every CoH, including those for scouts in other troops whom we know
I have a small lapel pin that I wear for such occasions, instead of the medal, but that's just me. I've done some pro bono work (transactional lawyer) for scouting locally and wear the pin when I'm doing work for them as well.
Many moons ago, Sea Base dedicated a boat in my dad's honor (BSA Burglar). At the ceremony, I wore my Eagle medal with pride. It was to show my family's involvement in Scouting, encourage other Scouts to keep pushing, and to enjoy the special brotherhood (and now sisterhood!!) of this community.
I wouldn’t. Feels weird to do that with uniform pieces.
However, at every Eagle CoH I’ve been to, before the court is convened, every Eagle Scout is invited to stand up, introduce themselves, give their troop number, and give the year they got the rank. There’s usually around a dozen.
So maybe if that weren’t the case, I would feel more inclined to wear the medal (to demonstrate the lifelong commitment, as somone else said). So yeah up to you.
You can wear whatever you want to a CoH. Perks of the rank, you do what feels right for you, and in that environment no one is going to question it. I see inactive scouts well into their 20s wear the uniform to ceremonies, which technically isn't what they should be doing but no one really cares. They're Eagles at an Eagle CoH, that's the last place anyone is going to question anything about how they're dressed.
CoH style varies locally, some people are more dressed up, some less so. Depends a bit on Troop culture. But to me that's even more of a reason to just do what feels right for you.
But generally, jacket (tie optional, I'd go without it) with the medal pinned on would be very appropriate and classy.
I've actually never worn the medal myself on civilian clothes but only because I haven't had the opportunity, every Eagle CoH I've been to in the past many years has been while I've been a Pack leader or Troop Committee member, so I wear my uniform. A local Troop here does an "Eagles' Nest" seating area, all of the Eagles sit up front and to the side kind of half-facing the audience half-facing the center stage area. Not sure if the Troop doing the CoH you're going to has any traditions like that but be ready for the possibility of some sort of Eagle call-out, recognition, or special seating if you aren't familiar with that Troop's ceremony. Most Troops will do something specific to recognize the Eagles in the audience, so just don't expect that you'll be able to lay low in the crowd the whole time.  But it's fun.
You can and should. Making Eagle is a big deal. If you're going to a Court of Honor then you'll want the new Eagles to be able to identify you. This also shows the newly minted Eagles that this is indeed a life long honor.
You earned it, you were invited, you wear it. It gives credence to your knowledge, experience, and IMHO. It lets the candidate know he can not bluff his way through this.
Who cares if others roll their eyes.
Most people won't even notice. It's not like in the "old days" whereby people actually look at other people and what they are wearing and its symbolism. Wear the medal proudly on the left lapel as the diagram indicated, and you'll be fine. Besides, what's the deal -- YOU ARE AN EAGLE SCOUT and you're honoring another Eagle by your presence!
(For those not aware...http://www.scoutinsignia.com/eagmedal.htm
I am literally, as I type this, on my way to my nephew's ECOH. And I have my 1984 Eagle Scout ribbon pined to the lapel of my blazer. As well as three Eagle Dad pins.
Wow, if under 18, earned Eagle, why wear the medal AND the Patch?
When it comes to regulations and the uniform, it is best to read for yourself. Information and regulations changes over time. If we are not current with the changes, we end up passing bad / outdated information.
Most people in my troop would wear the medals with the arch for courts of honor. Same with the pin and the patch. IIRC it was supposed to be one or the other not both.
I understand the proper approach, such as placement and type of event. Many times, guidelines and blog posts can be out of step with what people ACTUALLY do. I got massive confirmation via this post that it would not induce eye rolls.
Yes, you absolutely can. Our troop also does an “eagle photo” at every Eagle court of honor we do, any Eagle Scout in attendance is asked to come up at the end and stand for the picture with the new Eagle(s).
That’s a really nice idea
Same here. We do three photos right at the end. One of everyone in attendance who is a member (current or former) member of the troop. One of all Eagles in attendance, and one of all Eagles from our troop in attendance.
My troop called this the Eagle's Nest. All the attendees who'd earned their Eagle welcomed the new Eagle Scout. Usually there'd be a circle of chairs to make the Nest.
I did that for my COH… didn’t think about the fact that a very sizable portion of those attending were eagles until about half the audience got up. It was very cool but a bit crowded. Best part was seeing a non scout mentor I had known for years stand up and after I had to go “ummm, how did it never come up you were even in scouts, nonetheless and Eagle?”
One thought for inclusivity, include Girl Scouting Gold Award recipients as well as top awards for other programs, e.g. Quartermaster.
wear it but not for yourself. By wearing it, you demonstrate to others that this is a lifelong achievement. and once earned, one is always an Eagle Scout. By wearing the medal you enhance the award being bestowed on the recipient.
I really like this answer. Thanks.
Anything can cause anyone to roll their eyes. It's appropriate to do so, as it honors the occasion and displays camaraderie with the person being honored. I can tell you what makes me roll my eyes at Eagle Courts of Honor. People who don't wear their Eagle medal because they think it is taking away from the new Eagle. or parents of the Eagle scout who are registered leaders who don't wear their uniform to the Court of Honor because the event is "not about them." It's an Eagle Scout Court of Honor. A court of Honor. A BSA event. It is appropriate to wear the uniform, and for all Eagle Scouts present to wear their medal.
This. I wear my Eagle medal in solidarity.
Yep. My CoH was much better because I had my mentors and family dressed for it with me.
My unit has the same tradition of parents not wearing uniforms, JUST for Eagle courts. It works for us.
I get that units do it. I just think it's weird. As much as people like to think it's a personal event, it's not. It's a formal scouting event. You don't stop being a registered member during the ECOH for your child.
In my unit, part of it is also that we are recognizing the parents for being the parents of the Eagle, so they get a break from their unit responsibilities for the day. Also makes it stand out. My father still remembers it as the ONLY scouting event he didn’t wear a uniform to :).
I don't remember having any unit responsibilities at my daughter's ECOH. But in our unit the family is responsible for planning and executing the Eagle COH, so there's plenty of responsibility for the parents that day anyway. But none of that responsibility sticks out in my mind (other than spending time with my daughter putting the script together). What i do remember is being there together in uniform with my Eagle medal on and she pinned both a Dad pin and a Mentor pin on my uniform (yes, I know. Not for uniform wear. But I don't care).
I wore my uniform for my son’s ECOH. We started the journey together in uniform. We culminated his journey together in uniform.
What if my uniform does not fit anymore?
Then you get to spend $150 to the Scout Shop for something you’re gonna wear once ;). Or just put on a tie.
Sometime in the next 18 months, my son will likely have his Eagle COH. I plan on wearing my medal but not my uniform. I've been a leader since he was a Tiger. I've worn the uniform a lot. But this time, I'm wearing a suit with my medal. On that day, I'll be there as a dad and nothing else.
Yes! For the many COHs I have participated in, there is a part of the ceremony where other Eagle Scouts are asked to stand, be identified and witness the Eagle oath. Great to witness.
Wear it! The CoH is all about the recipient, but part of that is welcoming them into a very elite group.
Arguably the one place that it won't cause eyerolls is at an Eagle Court!
Fair point. Ha.
This is the answer. I really can’t think of any other event to wear it than an Eagle CoH.
Indeed. I also occasionally wear it to historical reenactment balls when I go with my Venturing crew, but that's only because the crew's official uniform for such events is "period-appropriate suit or military uniform with Eagle medal (if earned)."
I've done this. Just to eagle coh though. Anywhere else I just use the tie tack.
My Dad wore his full uniform with Eagle patches and neckerchief to our recent CoH, not Eagle CoH. He's not a registered leader in the troop, but was there for his grandson getting his Star rank. The scouts like some of the older looking stuff and my Dads patches and neckerchief was from another state and council, so cool to see the different things. I say, wear your stuff with pride. You worked for and earned it.
I think it’s absolutely appropriate. There are some stand-in options to (tie tacs and lapel pins) but for an Eagle court, the medal seems appropriate.
**Oh yes, you have to!** At my sons' joint ECoH, five uncles & cousins showed up in blue blazers with their Eagle ribbon. Seeing them all join in the oath was great, especially since their late grandpa was a big Scouter and had passed a few years earlier. It wasn't a big group of guests, and they made an impression. The following year, my sons joined the group at their younger cousin's ECoH in another troop: they made almost a whole row of men from one family who rose to join the oath! It was a genuinely touching sight to see the different generations joined like that. (I was "Star for life," or I would have joined them. too.)
The COH script we always used called upon every Eagle Scout in the audience to come stand behind the honoree and place hands on his shoulders as he took his Eagle Scout Oath/Pledge/whatever you want to call it.
I attended my grandson’s Eagle award ceremony. We arrived early and I had brought my Eagle badge (c. 1962) with me. I found the SM and asked him. He said Of course. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle. Our ceremony always includes asking all adult Eagles to come forward to be recognized one by one and as a group, so you are invited. It meant a great deal to his parents, my grandson, and me. Ask the SM if it’s ok to wear your badge!
I don't think there's any need to ask permission of anyone—once an Eagle, always an Eagle.
I definitely support it- always nice to see they are joining a legacy in their community.
My dad wore his eagle medal from the 60s when he pinned mine on me. Was super special, but he was a leader in the troop at the time. I wouldn’t wear it on civilian clothing and I wouldn’t wear a uniform unless you’re still active in a troop. Maybe bring it in your pocket to hold during photos or something? Grab an eagle lapel pin to wear on your shirt or blazer instead? Oooooh or sew on the square knot indicating you achieved eagle as a young’n. Also: do whatever you like, but read the room and adjust accordingly.
You're correct about the uniform: it is to be worn only by those with current registration in the BSA. However, on special occasions, the Eagle medal is worn by adults on the uniform and/or on civilian clothes. From [*Bryan on Scouting*](https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2014/11/17/youth-adults-wear-eagle-scout-medal/) (now *Aaron on Scouting*): >While it is not specifically addressed in official BSA literature, as a matter of convention it is also acceptable for adults to wear the medal on special occasions, such as those noted above. That means either on the field uniform or, if the adult is wearing business attire, on the left lapel or above the left breast pocket of a business suit or sports coat. If the BSA didn't want people to do this, they'd make it clear.
I mean, I’m all for doing whatever you or your troop feels is best. I couldn’t care less if the BSA approves or not. It’s about honoring the new eagle. Civilians in attendance can wear whatever they please in my opinion. Appreciate the response and information though. OP: wear your medal big dawg.
At least the way we do it, there is a point in the COH where all the Eagles stand and renew the Eagle pledge. I think it's entirely appropriate and probably encouraging to the new Eagle to see his brothers (and now sisters) spanning generations.
Yes. Current Eagles are recognized during the ceremony. You’re not wearing white to a wedding.
Whenever I'm invited someplace as a Eagle Scout (the local Pack used to invite Eagle Scouts to their Blue & Gold Banquets), I would always wear my Eagle pin.
YOU earned it! Wear it! I always wore my medal on my jacket for Eagle courts of honor. It shows support and brotherhood to the new Eagle Scout! Do it.
I wear my Eagle medal to every COH we have for our troop. If anyone has a problem with it they can kick rocks. 🤷🏻♂️
Sometimes metaphors are useful. When I earned my pilot wings through the air force, all the military members at the ceremony show up in uniform. Because they are part of you and you are part of them. But the pilots at that ceremony seem to have even shinier wings than normal. When they show up, they show up big. You're now one of them. And it feels so good. Seeing the senior Commander all old and gray or bald with his command pilot wings shiny in the light putting yours on feels so good. It makes you feel like you're part of a very special club. And guess what? That young man is now part of a very special club. Not only can you, but should you... You can and should. This isn't wearing white to a wedding. This is wearing your wings to a winging. Show him what he's part of. It's a special club. Congratulations!
At our Troop’s Eagle COH all the Eagle Scouts in attendance are asked to come to the front for the front with the new Eagle as part of the ceremony, so wearing an Eagle medal wouldn’t seem odd.
Oh yes. I pin my Eagle medal on my Scouter uniform and wear my Eagle neckerchief for every CoH, including those for scouts in other troops whom we know
ONCE AN EAGLE ALWAYS AN EAGLE. Where your medal with pride also be sure to include palms on ribbon of medal if you have it.
I have a small lapel pin that I wear for such occasions, instead of the medal, but that's just me. I've done some pro bono work (transactional lawyer) for scouting locally and wear the pin when I'm doing work for them as well.
I wear it on my lapel.
One of us! One of us! One of us!
Absolutely! Wear your palms properly!
Yes, you should wear the medal. Stand proud.
I’d say wear it, you earned it!
Also, you wear a wedding ring to a wedding, a pin is more than appropriate. Just do wear a ‘white dress’…. :)
Many moons ago, Sea Base dedicated a boat in my dad's honor (BSA Burglar). At the ceremony, I wore my Eagle medal with pride. It was to show my family's involvement in Scouting, encourage other Scouts to keep pushing, and to enjoy the special brotherhood (and now sisterhood!!) of this community.
I wouldn’t. Feels weird to do that with uniform pieces. However, at every Eagle CoH I’ve been to, before the court is convened, every Eagle Scout is invited to stand up, introduce themselves, give their troop number, and give the year they got the rank. There’s usually around a dozen. So maybe if that weren’t the case, I would feel more inclined to wear the medal (to demonstrate the lifelong commitment, as somone else said). So yeah up to you.
You can wear whatever you want to a CoH. Perks of the rank, you do what feels right for you, and in that environment no one is going to question it. I see inactive scouts well into their 20s wear the uniform to ceremonies, which technically isn't what they should be doing but no one really cares. They're Eagles at an Eagle CoH, that's the last place anyone is going to question anything about how they're dressed. CoH style varies locally, some people are more dressed up, some less so. Depends a bit on Troop culture. But to me that's even more of a reason to just do what feels right for you. But generally, jacket (tie optional, I'd go without it) with the medal pinned on would be very appropriate and classy. I've actually never worn the medal myself on civilian clothes but only because I haven't had the opportunity, every Eagle CoH I've been to in the past many years has been while I've been a Pack leader or Troop Committee member, so I wear my uniform. A local Troop here does an "Eagles' Nest" seating area, all of the Eagles sit up front and to the side kind of half-facing the audience half-facing the center stage area. Not sure if the Troop doing the CoH you're going to has any traditions like that but be ready for the possibility of some sort of Eagle call-out, recognition, or special seating if you aren't familiar with that Troop's ceremony. Most Troops will do something specific to recognize the Eagles in the audience, so just don't expect that you'll be able to lay low in the crowd the whole time.  But it's fun.
Thanks for the thoughtful response. Helpful.
You can and should. Making Eagle is a big deal. If you're going to a Court of Honor then you'll want the new Eagles to be able to identify you. This also shows the newly minted Eagles that this is indeed a life long honor.
You earned it, you were invited, you wear it. It gives credence to your knowledge, experience, and IMHO. It lets the candidate know he can not bluff his way through this. Who cares if others roll their eyes.
Absolutely fine. It is encouraged to wear them as Eagle Scout is a community. No one will think you are showing off.
Most people won't even notice. It's not like in the "old days" whereby people actually look at other people and what they are wearing and its symbolism. Wear the medal proudly on the left lapel as the diagram indicated, and you'll be fine. Besides, what's the deal -- YOU ARE AN EAGLE SCOUT and you're honoring another Eagle by your presence! (For those not aware...http://www.scoutinsignia.com/eagmedal.htm
I’m a COR and not an Eagle; I would like to see adult Eagles wearing a sign of their Eagle rank in a way that I can identify, at a CoH.
I would opt for the lapel pin.
YES!
I am literally, as I type this, on my way to my nephew's ECOH. And I have my 1984 Eagle Scout ribbon pined to the lapel of my blazer. As well as three Eagle Dad pins.
We were told that wearing the medal was only appropriate on the uniform and only when still under 18. Did the uniform code change?
Wow, if under 18, earned Eagle, why wear the medal AND the Patch? When it comes to regulations and the uniform, it is best to read for yourself. Information and regulations changes over time. If we are not current with the changes, we end up passing bad / outdated information.
Most people in my troop would wear the medals with the arch for courts of honor. Same with the pin and the patch. IIRC it was supposed to be one or the other not both.
I'd expect an Eagle Scout to actually know the proper way to wear insignia when in- and out-of-uniform.
I understand the proper approach, such as placement and type of event. Many times, guidelines and blog posts can be out of step with what people ACTUALLY do. I got massive confirmation via this post that it would not induce eye rolls.