NORWICH – New local Eagle Scout Peter Braswell, of Boy Scouts of America Troop 62, was commended in a Court of Honor Ceremony on Saturday at the Emanuel Episcopal Church by Chenango County Court Judge Frank Revoir and Norwich Police Chief Joseph Angelino.

Peter Braswell graduated from Norwich High School in the Class of 2013, then completed his Eagle Scout community project (250 plus hours – erecting a clubhouse and landscaping of safe play area at the Springvale Open Door Church), attended the National Jamboree at in Va., and began his freshman year at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Mass.

Peter is the son of Rev. Bruce and Maureen Braswell, residents of Norwich and serving at the Springvale Open Door Church. His brother, Paul Braswell, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout in 2010.

Peter's Aunt Sandra Carlson highlighted the letters of commendation and certificates received from many dignitaries, including Norwich City Mayor Joseph Maiurano, County District Attorney Joseph McBride, Town of Norwich Supervisor David Law, N.Y. Assemblyman Clifford Crouch.

Other commendations were given by Gov. Andrew Cuomo; National Eagle Scout Association President, Brittany Hulbert; District Executive of Baden Powell Council Eastern Nazarene College President, Corlis McGee; all U.S. Supreme Court Justices; Pres. Obama; former Pres. Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton; Pres. Jimmy Carter; both George Bush Presidents; Attorney Gen. Eric Holder; and many Secretaries of Agencies of the Federal and State Government, along with branches of military, astronauts, clergy, Billy Graham, Tony Hawk, and actor Chuck Norris, among others.

The gathering of more than 60 included Peter's second cousin, Emma Carlson, age 2; months to his Grandmother, Pearl Braswell Lichtenberg, and stepgrandfather, Dan Lichtenberg, 101 years old. Senior Patrol Leader Zachary Hoag led the Color Guard in the Pledge, Scout Oath and Scout Law, together with a contingent of 15 fellow Troop 62 scouts and leaders. Several scouts from other troops including Norwich Troop 63 Scouts and Eagle Scouts, and members of the Order of the Arrow also attended.

Cub Scout Rep. Nancy Dye reflected on Peter's beginning as a Cub Scout earning his Arrow of Light, the highest award in Cub Scouts. Troop 62 Scoutmaster Clifton Ketchum presented the Boy Scout Trail reflecting upon when Peter began at the crossover from Cub Scouts as a Scout, then advancing the ranks to Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life Scout and ultimately to the highest rank of Eagle Scout and then recently earned merit badges for a total of 31, presented by way of official scout handshake, the Eagle Scout pin, patch, neckerchief and official Eagle Certificate from Boy Scouts of America on behalf of the Baden Powell Council (District Executive Hulbert was not able to attend).

Troop 62 Committee Chair Kurt Leistico served as Master of Ceremonies. Scout Leader James Shimer participated in the ceremony and received a mentor pin from Peter, Jeff Constable led the Eagle Pledge and fellow Eagle Scouts; Brian Carlson (cousin), Billy Missilewich, Nick Weckesser, Paul Braswell, Alex Trass, expounded upon virtues required of an Eagle Scout.

Peter's Uncle Rob Carlson, Eagle Scout of Westchester Putnam Council of BSA, presented a reading entitled “100 Scouts,” noting that of 100 who begin the Scouting program, only two reach the rank of Eagle Scout.

New Eagle Scout Peter Braswell spoke, honoring all who helped him achieve Eagle Scout from Scoutmaster Clif Ketchum to leaders, James Shimer, Kurt Leistico, Ben Ericksen, fellow scouts, his brother, grandparents and parents. He reflected upon memories from his scout experience, and the knowledge and skills acquired.

After a reading and words of encouragement from Peter's mother (Isaiah 40:31 "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint") and closing prayer from his father, the group circled for Scout Vespers.

Following the ceremony was a cake prepared by cousin Rachel Carlson, Eagle crafted marshmallow treats and sandwiches of his mother, BBQ from grandmother Pearl, chili from Donna Hubbard, vegetable platters from Jim and Deb Shimer. The Braswell family extend to members of Troop 62 and the Boy Scouts of America, family and friends of the community their debt of gratitude for the support received on Peter's behalf to reach the rank of Eagle Scout.