Legacy of Honor: The Values and Influence of America's Eagle Scouts (Hardcover)

by Alvin Townley (Author) "The no million young men who have worn the Scout uniform have left their marks on almost every major event in recent American history..." (more)
Key Phrases: scout oath, wilderness survival, Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts, Ross Perot (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Legacy of Honor:
 
"The stories captured in Legacy of Honor hold valuable lessons for our country as we face new challenges at home and abroad. These Eagle Scouts will inspire readers to become leaders in serving others." -- President Jimmy Carter
 
“Whether you choose to become a teacher, a police officer, a doctor, or even the mayor of the greatest city in the world, your experiences as an Eagle Scout will prove invaluable. Alvin Townley’s Legacy of Honor does justice to the proud history and bright future of the Eagle Scouts.” -- Mayor Michael Bloomberg
 
“Alvin Townley’s book describes how the Eagle Scout program can shape a life. He demonstrates this by providing examples of many former Eagles who have succeeded in life in no small part because of their experience in scouting. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”--Senator Bill Bradley
 
"In Legacy of Honor, we not only learn who many of these Eagle Scouts were, but the kind of leaders they have become and the enormous contributions they have made to their country and the world. In compiling these life stories, Alvin Townley has completed a picture of an extraordinary program and how its training has helped shape equally extraordinary lives." --Hon. Christine Todd Whitman, former governor of New Jersey and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator
 
“Alvin Townley’s book reveals the legacy of the Boy Scouts. He relates the adventures and deeds of Eagle Scouts living by the Scout Oath … while contributing to the success of America. An excellent story that will inspire all of us."--Captain James A. Lovell, commander of Apollo 13
 
“The unique leadership role in America over the past century of men who earned their Eagle Scout award as boys is unparalleled in business, the professions, politics, the military and national security. Legacy of Honor explores this extraordinary phenomenon of Eagles’ leadership through individual stories, both informative and inspirational.”
--Robert M. Gates, former CIA director and National Eagle Scout Association president
 
"Legacy of Honor will have a positive impact on the lives of millions of boys and their families. … If everyone in our country lives the principles of Scouting, the best years in our country’s history will be in the future."--Ross Perot
 
"Scouting and conservation share respect for the natural world, so it always seemed natural to me that many of our staff and volunteer leaders would be Eagle Scouts--this book provides wonderful insights into all that Scouting offers and how it helps develop tomorrow's leaders." -- Steve McCormick, President and CEO, The Nature Conservancy
 
“Commitment and devotion to the bedrock principles of our country -- optimism, fairness, determination and preparedness – are inseparably intertwined with Scouting. Alvin Townley does a superb job of portraying how Eagle Scouting helps shape these everyday yet incredibly powerful values that serve our families and society so well.”
--J.W. Marriott, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International

Product Description

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.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books; 1st edition (December 26, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312366531
• ISBN-13: 978-0312366537
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #36,453 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What we want our kids to be, January 11, 2007

By	Vincent J. Scully - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After reading Mr.Townley's book, I have come to realize that one of the few organizations in our society teaching ALL the values we want our children to exhibit is Scouting.

This is a remarkable book based on Mr. Towley's trek to speak with significant Eagle Scouts and have them reflect on the impact of Scouting on their lives. These folks are truely great Americans. I think Mr. Townley has captured, in a well written and easy to consume book, the essence of this remarkable achievement - earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

In times of difficulty, it is refreshing to read a book showing that being trifty, honorable and patriotic, as well as reverent and trustworthy, still carries impact in the way we should deal with ourselves.

This book is not preachy or overly sentimental. It has the right tone and one speeds through it.

I recommend this book to all parents who are searching for ways to improve their children's development in the right way. The folks Mr. Towley has selected as examples of what Scouting has done for them are people who got it, get it and improve the lives of others. Great book!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Scout's Honor!, January 14, 2007

By	A. Mohan (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As an Eagle Scout, I'm so proud that Mr. Townley chose to share these marvelous stories. A must buy for any aspiring Eagle Scout! A great gift for a loved one!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Legacy of Honor - Values in Action, February 18, 2007

By	P. Touchstone (La Canada, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What a great book! On the surface it's a love letter to Scouting, and especially Eagle Scouts, but it's actually a lot more. At its core, it's about values. We hear a lot about values today, all too often from people who don't really understand the term, but Townley shows us what values in action can produce.

"Legacy of Honor" is about duty, responsibility, doing one's best, not giving up, failing and trying again, and our favorite American trait--the can-do attitude. It's full of wonderfully inspirational stories that even a non-Scout can appreciate. Townley could make a career as a motivational speaker.