On Sunday, June 13, 2021, the Vista Elks Lodge #1968 gave a powerful and patriot presentation ceremony honoring America’s Flag.
The many changes to our flag since 1775 was given in a presentation by the The North San Diego Young Marines. Members of the Lodge Americanism Committee gave the History of the American Flag.
President Harry Truman signed a Congressional Resolution, that the 14th Day of June, each year, will be designated as ‘Flag Day’. Harry Truman was an Elk from the Independence, MO Lodge. Elks have been celebrating Flag Day for over 100 years.
Exalted Ruler, David Workman, on behalf of Vista Elks Lodge #1968, welcomed all Elks, guests and dignitaries to their lodge. He thanked the volunteers who made the ceremony possible starting with Matt Way, the Lodge Americanism Committee Chair and The North San Diego Young Marines accompanied by Regimental Commander, Marie Smith, and the Officers of Vista Lodge #1968. The guests joined in to sing The Star Spangled Banner. The program also included a ceremonial raising of the national flag, the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem.
What is the meaning of the Flag of the United States?
There can never be a definitive answer to that question. There are people in this world who see it as a symbol of imperialism; others see it as a destiny of the people. But reference to these and similar views of the Flag was resolved by Woodrow Wilson when he said: “This Flag, which we honor and under which we serve, is the emblem of our unity, our power, our thought and shape of this nation. It has no other character than that which we give it from generation to generation. The choices are ours.” Only love, true love of our fellow man, can create peace. The emblem and token of that love is the Stars and Stripes, the symbol of the American Way of Life.
The flag is formally honored by the Pledge of Allegiance. This Pledge was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy and published in “The Youth’s Companion” as part of a patriotic campaign of that magazine. The Pledge did not become part of the Flag Code until 1942, and in 1954, the phrase “Under God” was added.
After the ceremony volunteers served a picnic lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs and all the good fixin’s including desserts.
During the picnic, Young Marine Corporal Cierra Faulkner, presented Mia & Steve Roseberry of Wounded Warrior Homes, a check for $2500.00, to be given to the Wounded Warriors of North County and Homeless Vets of San Diego.
We’ve only shared a small portion of the presentation given by the Vista Elks. Go to your calendar right now and save the date for Flag Day next year on June 12, 2022.
