by PegNews wire

They have served more than 100 million members since its founding.

Flickr user stevendepolo

IRVING — When the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was officially incorporated on February 8, 1910, Americans were driving Stanley steam automobiles, earning an average of $750 a year, and paying little more than 30 cents for a gallon of milk. The national debt was a mere billion dollars. While all of these things seem out of place today, the BSA remains a vital organization with a mission and purpose that is even more relevant today than ever before.

Throughout 2010, the Boy Scouts of America celebrates its centennial anniversary milestone with a rallying call that will be heard across the nation as Scouts gather in their communities to pay tribute to the rich history and tradition of Scouting.

Having served more than 100 million members since its founding, the Boy Scouts of America has made a lasting and positive imprint on the fabric of the nation. Its mission: "Preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law," enables Scouting to address many issues that are important to young people and families, including health, civility, education, leadership, diversity, and service to others.

"This country needs strong leaders and healthy young people more than ever before, and that is what Scouting is all about," said Bob Mazzuca, chief scout executive of the Boy Scouts of America. "This is our time in history to remind the nation that Scouting is more vibrant, more vital, and more relevant than ever before. Every day, millions of Scouts and adult leaders make a huge difference in our society. We look forward to continuing that commitment in the next century."

Source: Boy Scouts of America