NFM hosts its first Eagle Scout Court of Honor

The NRA’s National Firearms Museum was proud to host its first Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Thursday October 30, 2008. Boy Scout Zach Nobel of Fairfax Troop 50 received his coveted Eagle Scout rank badge and ribboned medal in the auditorium of NRA Headquarters following a tour of the Museum.

Senior Curator and fellow Eagle Scout (class of 1980) Phil Schreier wrote the following first-hand account exclusively for NRAblog.com:

Nearly 100 members of the Troop joined proud parents Melissa and Joseph Nobel and their guests in watching 17-year-old Zach receive the highest award offered by the nearly century-old Boy Scouts of America. Prior to the ceremony I led a 45-minute tour of the museum's 15 galleries and 85 exhibit cases.

Scoutmaster Steve Polchek presented Zach with his new rank award as well as a congratulatory letter from NRA Secretary Major E. J. Land Jr. USMC (Ret.) and a special certificate from the NRA commending Zach on achieving the highest award Scouting has to offer.

When I was 18, I was privileged to participate in the Inauguration of President Ronald Reagan. While serving as an Honor Guard of Eagle Scouts at his viewing stand, I met General of the Army Omar N. Bradley. General Bradley told me that he was “happy to see that the youth of this country is still participating in worthwhile endeavors such as Scouting.” Watching the network news, you can easily become jaded about our future until you participate in an event such as Zach’s Court of Honor. Meeting young men of quality and drive such as Zach assures us our future is in good hands. It took me nearly 30 years to fully appreciate General Bradley’s words.

The Museum welcomes opportunities to host tours for Boy Scouts and other interested youth organizations.

Scoutmasters wishing to secure a congratulatory letter and NRA Certificate of Recognition for their Eagle Scouts should write to:

NRA Secretary Major Edward J. Land Jr, USMC (Ret)
11250 Waples Mill Rd.
Fairfax, VA 22030

Please give approximately 60-90 days' notice before the Court of Honor.