This weekend we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.

The organization established in this country by Chicago publisher William Boyce has taught responsible citizenship, character development and self reliance to more than 110 million young boys and men.

At least one member of our editorial staff fondly remembers the early days of his life first becoming a Cub Scout and then a proud second class Boy Scout.

There was a certain excitement involved in camping and learning the skills to be self reliant.

There was also certain anticipation in receiving a copy of the scout magazine Boys Life every month; a magazine that contained adventure stories of survival and ideas on how to camp and fish — everything a young boy needed to be like his dad.

Today we salute the men and woman who volunteers as leaders to the thousands of boys who make up the Yellow River district of the BSA, which serves both Newton and Rockdale counties

Without each of you and the talents you bring forth to share with the young folks who are part of the BSA our community surely would be the poorer.

Happy birthday local Scouts. We are proud that you today are carrying on the fine tradition that your fathers and grandfathers enjoyed and nurtured.