Elks mark Flag Day with pomp, circumstance

PALM COAST -- While the rest of the nation celebrated Flag Day Tuesday, Flagler County saluted Old Glory early.



With small flags lining the driveway and walkways, the Palm Coast Elks Lodge on Old Kings Road was decked out in red, white and blue on Saturday for the group's annual Flag Day observance.
Commemorating Flag Day has been a tradition of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks "since the early days of the organization," according to information in the program for Saturday's event.
In 1911, the BPOE Grand Lodge of the Order made it mandatory that all local lodges observe Flag Day, according to the program. Walking into the lodge, Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts said the observance is an important part of what gives the city a sense of community.
"I can remember when there was nothing to do in Palm Coast," Netts said. "Now there are more events than days of the week."
Before a nearly packed house, Betty Elman from the Palm Coast lodge began the commemoration with a brief description of the meaning of Flag Day.
"The purpose of this is to honor our country's flag," she said. "It is quite appropriate that such a service should be held by the Order of Elks."
After honoring the flag with the singing of "The Star Spangled Banner," Elman, with assistance from the ladies auxiliary and Boy Scout Troop No. 270, presented a history of the flag. Elman traced the development of the various flags that have flown and talked about the meaning and significance of the designs.
Charlie Miller then offered a response to the flag presentation.
"I get a little emotional with this, so bear with me," Miller said.
Miller said the flag embodies "the heritage of the people of the United States" and "upon its folds is written the story of the America."
Miller recounted sacrifices made in defense of the nation and how the flag symbolized the courage and determination of those who served their country.
"The flag that was raised at Iwo Jima was the same flag raised at Inchon, Pusan and Pork Chop Hill in far off Korea," he said. "And who among us will ever forget firefighters raising our flag on the ruins of the World Trade Center?"
Miller said the "resurgence of patriotism" after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks "has rekindled respect for our flag."
At the ceremony, Elman announced the winners of the organization's Americanism essay contest. She said this year the committee was unable to choose between two essays and decided to award Brenna Barrow and Natalie Alvarez the annual award. Both students read their winning essays.
The program was followed by a luncheon at the Elks lodge.

source:http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/flagler/2011/06/15/elks-mark-flag-day-with-pomp-circumstance.html