On holidays like Memorial Day, you wonÕt find the boys of Scout Troop 473 sleeping in. They are up at sunrise, unfurling flags to be placed in the front yards of subscribers in the Moss Haven Elementary and White Rock Elementary neighborhoods.
This fund-raising service started four years ago, when parents of troop members realized that such a patriotic service would teach the youngsters far more than simply selling fertilizers or garbage bags door to door.
Recalls Scout mom Claire Marlin: ÒLots of the kids were already selling things for choir, or for band. We thought it should be a different experience for scouting.Ó
The flag service was chosen as a fund-raiser in the spirit of the Scout Law, one that would beautify the neighborhood and teach respect for these holidays.
Troop leaders spent all available funds on purchasing the 3 by 5 foot flags and supplies to make the 8-foot poles supported by rebar stakes. Their gamble paid off. Neighbors signed up in healthy numbers, with the majority becoming ÒregularsÓ after trying the service once.
The flags are delivered and placed in yards by 8 a.m. and are taken down at dusk on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and VeteranÕs Day. The service is $29.95 annually (which is pro-rated for those who sign up late, missing some holidays).
ÒEach year it gets better and better,Ó Marlin says. ÒWeÕre about maxed out on flags. But if we get more subscribers, weÕll find a way to get more flags.Ó
With no overhead, all the money from the fund-raiser goes directly to supporting troop activities. In addition to being a success as a fund-raiser, the service has succeeded in its other goals.
Scout Russell Thomspon, a sophomore at Lake Highlands High School, says he has learned the protocol for displaying the flag.
ÒItÕs a nice fund-raiser because itÕs a service,Ó he says.
And neighborhood streets achieve a special look for these holidays.
ÒIt looks neat to see a street that had good participation,Ó Marlin says. ÒAll the flags waving in the air are wonderful to see.Ó
For more information on Troop 473 flag service, call 214-348-9117.
