When my mother-in-law, Hannah Tomlin, received a small pin in the shape of the state of Utah one year ago, I was impressed. The pin was engraved "100." Her sister, Ivy Brooks, who is two years older, received a pin marked "102."
This year at the annual summer centenarian luncheon, the attendees were told they would receive pins by mail just prior to their birthdays. My mother-in-law has looked forward to receiving her pin.
When her birthday came and passed, I thought a phone call to the state would be in order. I was told "the budget had been cut. No more pins." I was told where a pin could be purchased from a jeweler (which I did).
For Utah to honor our centenarians is a very small expense. The total cost for all the wonderful Utah centenarians would only be $2,000. Of course, families honor these older loved ones, but what about state government? It's been said: Those who do not respect their elders are not deserving of any respect.
Steven Davis
Farmington