The importance of every single U.S. Flag, and how it is displayed is keenly observed by Elks lodges. They celebrate over 94 years of the Elks Grand Lodge’s 1907 designation of June 14 as Flag Day, which was followed in 1911 with the Order’s approval for mandatory observance by all Lodges. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was the first fraternal organization to observe Flag Day. The President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue annually a proclamation calling upon officials of the Government to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on such day, and urging the people to observe the day as the anniversary of the adoption on June 14, 1777, by the Continental Congress of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States of America.
Newport Harbor Elks paid tribute to the Flag at their lodge with the assistance of the Costa Mesa Girl Scout Troop 3542 and 3217, the Lodge Exalted Ruler Jim Brownfield and his Officer Corp. The reading of the history of the Flag was read by Past Exalted Ruler David Armstrong. During the reading, the Girl Scouts carried in each of the 8 Flags that were part of the ritual: Pine Tree Flag, Snake Flag, St. George/St. Andrew Flag, Tree Flag, The Continental Colors/Grand Union Flag, 13 Stars Flag, 15 Stars Flag, 20 Stars Flag, 48 Stars Flag, 50 Stars Flag accompanied by POW-MIA Flag. Pictured in the Girl Scouts Photo from left are: Past Exalted Ruler David Armstrong; Girl Scouts Valentina & Angelina Sakaske; Girl Scout Leader Elisa Sakaske; and Lodge Exalted Ruler Jim Brownfield.
After the Flag Ritual, a special celebration took place to dedicate the newly restored Flag Retirement Depository (RFD), located just outside the front door of the lodge. The Alan Clifton family generously restored the depository which is available for the public to use. One can’t miss it because it is painted to resemble the U.S. Flag. The RFD was dedicated to Elk Member Alan Clifton’s grandmother Beverly Blackford, and the unveiling of the RFD was by Beverly Clifton, daughter of Beverly Blackford, and Beverly’s sister Pat August. Pictured with the ladies is Lodge Trustee Missy Lott.
