Elks Club Celebrates Flag Day

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

The Mesquite Elks Lodge held its annual Flag Day Ceremony on Tuesday morning, June 14 inside the Mesquite Elks Lodge.
“It is appropriate that the Elks Club host this celebration since we are distinctly American, and deeply patriotic without counterpart,” said Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Edward Lopez.

It was a beautiful ceremony with the Honor Guard presenting the arms and performing a flag presentation. The Guard later returned carrying a number of historic flags that represented America from its beginning battles to become its own nation. The history of each flag was presented from the podium.

Five Elk Lodge members stood one at a time to inform the audience what the Fraternal Aims of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks are, and the significance of the American Flag. Charity, Justice for all and Brotherly Love.

Neal Stuckey sang a rousing rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Mesquite Deputy City Manager Martine Green gave an impressive delivery of a Flag Day speech written by the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks on Patriotism and Honor.

Sargent Wyatt Oliver, Information Officer for the Mesquite Police Department told The Progress that the police department has five officers that volunteer mostly on their off hours to be the Honor Guard. They take their responsibility very seriously.
“We appreciate being asked to serve our community,” Oliver said.

A small number of Mesquite citizens attended the service. The Police Honor Guard participates every year. Fire Chief Jayson Andrus was also participating in the Ceremony carrying an historical flag.

A prayer was offered by Elks Chaplain Linda Josephson asking that this service may bring to each attendee a sense of loyalty to their country and enable them to be better patriots and loyal Americans.

Coffee and sweets were served after the ceremony and everyone left with a little more knowledge about the history of the American Flags.