By Sean Brown

Troop 51 wants to put a U.S. flag outside of every business on El Camino Real from Traffic Way to Curbaril Avenue in Atascadero on key U.S. holidays

Boys Scouts of America Troop 51 was first established in Atascadero in 1928. Over the years Troop 51 has gone through changes and in 2016 was rechartered with the help of Knights of Columbus, Santa Lucia Council 3648 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2814.
Dr. Sage Hider, of Primary Eye Care and Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 51, thinks most businesses are too busy to remember to put a flag out on US holidays but really want to.
“Displaying a full-sized U.S. flag is a hallmark of a strong, local business,” Hider said. “It shows that they are connected with their broader community and care about their country. When a business displays their patriotism on the key U.S. holidays it shows their patrons that they are engaged in their business and have respect for the flag and everything it represents. Troop 51 can help local businesses to display their patriotism on four key holidays throughout the calendar year.”
Troop 51 will post a US flag on a pole in front of participating business at 7 a.m. on four key US holidays:
• Veterans Day
• Presidents day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day – July 4
Sean Brown, Scoutmaster for Troop 51, is excited to start this new fundraising program for the Troop and Atascadero. “This is a new program that will build over time, helping local business, and our Scouts. Making it easier to go on outings, learn new skills, and do even more community service.”
The purpose for raising funds for Troop 51 is to expand Scouting activities in Atascadero and to eliminate financial constraints on Scouts and their families that would restrict their involvement in the Scouting program.
It is our goal to create a process that will allow for ongoing funding to purchase equipment and supplies, and fund outings.  We would like to create a funding source that affirms in our Scouts that they work to pay for their own program and not expect to be supported by donations alone.