Culver City Observer -

Local Scouts Join Elks to Celebrate Flag Day

By David W. Myers

Contributing Editor

Members of Culver City Boy Scout Troop 113 and Culver Cub Pack 18 helped to lead the annual Flag Day ceremony last week at the local Elks Lodge.

The annual event, held at the Elks headquarters on Washington Place, celebrates the creation and evolution of the U.S. flag and ensures that the worn-out flags collected by the Elks throughout the year are properly disposed.

“This is a great tradition, and it’s made ‘extra-special’ by having the Scouts involved,” said Andres Islas, the Elks’ Youth Activities Chairman who doubles as Den Leader for his son, Donovan, Webelos group at Cub Scout Pack 18.

The Scouts marched into the Elks Lodge while carrying replicas of several of the 27 official flags that America has adopted since 1776. Designs over the years have changed, in part because a new star had to be added each time that another state joined the Union.

Elks’ officials also used the occasion to recognize Aaron Bravo, one of Troop 113’s latest Eagle Scouts, by presenting him with a certificate and a small American flag. Only one percent of the millions of youths who join Scouting each year eventually reach an Eagle ranking, the highest honor that the Boy Scouts of America bestows.

Bravo, who graduates this week from Culver City High, plans to attend West Los Angeles College later this year and eventually become a Navy pilot. He’s the son of proud parents Tony and Patti Bravo, both of whom have provided more than a decade of service to local Scouting activities.

Young boys and teens between the ages of 11 and 18 who are interested in joining Troop 113 should contact Scoutmaster Erik Mayer, scoutmaster@bsatroop113.org.

Younger boys who want to join Cub Scout Pack 18 can get more information at http://www.cubscoutpack18.org. The Culver City Elks are headquartered at 11160 Washington Place, (310) 839-8891.