The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has historically sponsored a fundraiser in which, for $25 a year, the Boy Scouts of America would put out flags on donors’ front yards marking national holidays such as Veterans Day, Martin Luther King Day, etc.
I was honored to contribute to the Scouting program and particularly to have the flag in my yard on each of these holidays.
Recently a Scout leader and a Scout came by and gave us the flag and stake to keep, presumably because the church is discontinuing its Boy Scouts of America program.
First of all, God bless that man, and any adult who works with young people to teach them positive values and responsibility. They are the angels among us, improving the future heart and soul of America.
Second, rather than give those of us who have contributed in the past the flags, it would be awesome if the church had us each pay $25 a year to the Utah Food Bank or a worthy veterans assistance program, and have their youth still put the flags out.
I get that nonmembers would likely decline contributions to church programs in light of recent revelations about church finances, but the continued donation to the poor or our veterans in exchange for having the flags put up would be a positive message for any youth.
Sean B. Thomas, Millcreek