Scout troops launch American flag service

“Located in the northeast corner of New Mexico the ranch consists of over 140,000 acres of rugged wilderness and backcountry trails. A trip to Philmont is widely considered the pinnacle of the Scouts BSA experience, and has been a rite of passage for scouts since the ranch was established in 1938.”

According to Christina Bell, whose child is participating in the service, fundraisers like the flag service are important to local Scouts because parents are not supposed to help them pay for the trip to Philmont.

“Philmont is a weeklong, 50-mile hike,” she said. “It’s a rite of passage because it’s something kids have to fundraise and pay for themselves. Parents cannot just write their child a check.“

Flags will be placed in the early morning on Memorial Day, Flag Day, the Fourth of July, September 11, and Veterans Day and taken down before dark, according to the website.

All five holidays must be purchased as a set, with no option for individual days. Scouts are responsible for placing and collecting the 3-feet by 5-feet flags rather than the homeowners.

Bell said Brentwood had this service for close to 30 years and was often done by scouts or local veterans. But the service has not been active for about 10 years.

Residents interested in signing up for the service can do so at www.brentwoodscoutflags.org or by calling (925) 642-4067.

The website also contains a Venmo link for the Brentwood troops for those interested in donating without subscribing.