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A century and counting
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Times photo: Brenda Steurer Monroe scouts gather to recite the Pledge of Allegiance near the flagpole at the Green County Courthouse as part of a flag raising ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouts also took part in activities at the Monroe Public Library following the ceremony.
MONROE - Local scouts joined with scouts around the nation Monday to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.

About 100 scouts, former scouts, leaders and parents gathered at the flagpole on the lawn at the Green County Courthouse to recite the "Pledge of Allegiance" and the scout laws.

"On my honor," those gathered in the crowd said, "I will do my best, to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the scout law. To help other people at all times. To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight."

For 100 years, scouts in America have said their pledge, which includes to do their duty to God, their country and to other people.

The national organization was founded Feb. 8, 1910. Through the years it has continued to teach strong values and the importance of community service.

According to the Boy Scouts of America Web site, www.scouting.org, the organization has helped "build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun."

Monroe's three Boy Scout troops joined with its three Cub Scout packs and Varsity Scouts Monday to recognize the importance of scouting.

It would be hard to determine how many hundreds of boys have gone through the scouting program in Monroe, attended camp-outs or taken part in adventure trips.

Zach Vannatta, 16, attained the rank of Eagle two years ago.

Like most of the boys involved in the scouting program, he enjoys camping and the outdoors, Vannatta said.

One of the highlights of his time as a scout was being able to attend the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, where he climbed Mount Baldy, he said.

Monroe's scouts also took the opportunity to sing "happy birthday" to the Boy Scouts of America.