Elks Host Annual Flag Day Celebration

From Left to Right: Cari Bruchman, Taylor Baca, Jessi Christensan, Krystina Askan, Robert Tibbs, Jeremy Sullenberger, Bobby Kolomitz, Justyn Christensan, Andrew Askan and Timmy Askan carried the flags of America’s past in the Elks Flag Day Ceremony.

Elks’ Exalted Ruler Vicky Williams explained that the purpose of the celebration is to honor our country’s flag by celebrating its birthday.

She said it was appropriate the Elks hosted the celebration because the aims of the organization are to promote charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity, exactly, she said, what the American flag represents.

The ceremony began with singing of The Star-Spangled Banner.

A history was read of the evolving American flag while children related to Elk members presented various replica banners.

While the current American flag was presented, Williams read the following poem that is part of the Elk’s regular ceremony:

There is no such red in budding rose, in falling leaf or sparkling wind,

No such white in April blossom, in crescent moon or mountain snow,

No such blue in woman’s eye, in ocean’s depth or heaven’s dome,

And no such pageantry of clustering stars and streaming light in all the spectrum of the sea and sky.

Those attending formally honored the flag by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Daniel Baca, Veterans Committee Chairman presented veterans at the celebration with certificates of appreciation from its Veterans’ Association.

Before the ceremony ended a moment of silence was held in rememberance of veterans who lost their lives protecting our country’s freedoms.

After the ceremony, a reception was held at the lodge.

In July 1908, the Grand Lodge of Elks assembled to celebrate Flag Day on June 14th making it a mandatory ceremony for lodges across the country.

Williams said that just like the flag, the organization represents "self-dedication to God, our country and our fellow man."

Williams is the first Winslow female Elk to become Exalted Ruler.

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