I am an 86-year-old woman, born in Los Angeles who can remember the horrors of World War II. I also remember blackouts, my father wearing his Block Warden hat (he was too old to serve), and the day the war ended with autos honking their horns all over Los Angeles.
At age 10, I was allowed to attend our local move theater where I saw news reels. As time passed, the news reels became increasingly graphic. One that stood out to me was about the Hitler Youth groups that compelled all boys under 17 to belong.
They were taught about the military, how to use daggers as weapons and whom to hate. They hated anyone different than themselves, either in color or religion including their own parents. They were encouraged to report anyone, including their own parents, who did not follow the “laws” of Hitler.
The Pentagon is now refusing to support Scouting America with its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said he had been weighing ending “all support” to Scouting in America after DEI crept in.
Is this what we want for our children and grandchildren?
Patricia S. Jacobs, Westlake Village
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Support Scouting for America | Letter
Reporting by Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
