BEAVERCREEK — While the Greene Optimist Avenue of Flags program — which places flags in subscribers’ front yards for each flag holiday — continues to grow, some flags are going missing.

According to club president Erin Henry, individuals have recently stolen many flags out of yards.

“Recently over Memorial Day and Flag Day more than 18 flags have been stolen from front yards. This is so disappointing. We have reported this to the police but none have turned up yet,” Henry said.

Most of the flags were stolen along North Fairfield Road and some along Grange Hall Road, Michael Bevis of the Optimist Club added.

Despite these recent reports of theft, the service project, which began in 2016, has grown more than 50 percent this year.

“The Avenue of Flags project is causing a rise in patriotism and local pride. There are more than 100 flags flying in front yards in our Beavercreek and Greene County community this year,” stated Henry. “This has started small but is rapidly growing.”

Residents can subscribe to the patriotic community service project for an annual subscription rate of $50.

Subscribers wake up on all five flag holidays — Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day — to find a large flag on a tall pole displayed in their front yard or business. Following the holiday, club members remove the flag and store it until the next holiday.

To become a part of the program, call 816-654-6264 or email [email protected].

The Greene Optimist Club meets 7:30-8:30 a.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Community Center at the Greene Town Center in Beavercreek. All are welcome.