10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

“Thanks to Legacy of Honor, readers now have the chance to see just how Eagle Scouts have served, loved, and led America.” —Scouting magazine

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 Michael Bloomberg; J. W. Marriott, Jr.; Bill Gates, Sr.; Ross Perot; Defense Secretary Robert Gates; Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson; Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer; and Capt. Jim Lovell of Apollo 13, to name just a few. 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 spent a year traveling throughout the country to explore the legacy of America's Eagle Scouts. In thousands of miles of travel, he met with Eagles from all walks of life. The result was Legacy of Honor, a uniquely powerful narrative of character and virtue in American life.

Alvin's journey truly began years ago in Atlanta, Georgia, where he followed the Scouting path of his grandfather and father and earned his Eagle Scout rank with Troop 103. He is a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow and has completed High Adventure treks at the Florida Sea Base, the Northern Tier Canoe Bases, and Philmont Scout Ranch.

The author graduated from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. He has interned in the U.S. House of Representatives, served on the executive staff of an international consulting firm, and worked for his alma mater, where he built relationships with alumni across the country and spoke to classes on corporate strategy and ethics.

Alvin currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where he works and coaches at Marist School. He also works with Reach for Excellence, a tuition-free program benefiting talented middle school students from underserved communities.

Foreword
A Second Eagle Scout Project
Introduction
The eagle rank
PART I: The Legacy Through History
The Second World War
The Baby Boom Generation
The Struggle for Civil Rights
Vietnam
Apollo
Wall Street
Beyond the Cold War
September 11, 2001
Hurricane Katrina
PART II: A Legacy for the Future
Service
Conservation
Education
Coaches
Leaders
Counselors
Fathers
Brothers
The Scoutmaster
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
Bibliography
Index