Christopher Beiro and Austin Toner participated in an Eagle Scout Court of Honor held June 3 at the American Legion Post 24 in Alexandria. Mayor William Euille presented the new Eagle Scouts with flags that were flown over the U.S. Capitol. Vice Mayor Redella S. Del Pepper gave them Alexandria City flags.

Chris and Austin are members of troop 129, the oldest Boy Scout troop in Alexandria, founded in 1942. The troop is chartered through the Westminster Presbyterian Church on Cameron Mills Road. To become Eagle Scouts, both Chris and Austin led volunteers in a service project designed to benefit the community. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is a goal that can take several years of commitment. It is the highest and most coveted rank in Scouting. When he was initially contemplating this task several years ago, Austin told an adult friend, My Dad told me that you finish what you start to do. Now, he said, The success of my project depended upon the help of so many in the Alexandria community.

Chris also said, If it wasnt for the help of the parents, scouts and leaders of Troop 129 and the support of the business community, I dont think my project would have been successful.

The boys grandfathers were both important to their Court of Honor. Chriss grandfather, Captain Hugh Olds, U.S.N., retired, and Eagle Scout, read from the Eagle Challenge, referred to as The Light of the Eagle Ceremony. Austins grandfather, Rear Admiral Robert A. Hobbs, U.S.N.R., retired was unable to attend the ceremony, but was especially moved by it and followed along closely from his home in Bellevue, Wash. The Eagle Scouts presented their mothers, Alice Beiro and Susan Hobbs, with miniature Eagle pins.

My path to Eagle Scout has taught me the values and ethics I will use for the rest of my life, said Austin.