The annual Flag Day celebration in Veterans Park by Elks Lodge 2811 drew a large crowd on Saturday morning, June 14.

Many attendees were dressed in red, white and blue, and most were waving mini flags. The Elks’ Exalted Ruler, Ward Devans, led the traditional ceremony, which described the history of the American flags being presented by Lady Elks Kathy Baylor, Sharon Beavens, Carla Lopez, Linda Josephson, Jenn Hanson, Colleen Murdoch, Terri Foust and Darlene Tomes. Devans told how each of the flags came to be, why and who made them.

Neal Stucky sang the National Anthem and Teddy Tedlock sang “God Bless America.” Devans gave credit to Monte Dibble for organizing the ceremony and spearheading the Jr Golf Club donation drive. The Elks provided breakfast burritos to the attendees as they left the park.

The Elks members met at the lodge after the ceremony to make their annual donation to the Virgin Valley Youth Golf Association. Accepting the 16 sets of golf clubs, golf balls, golf shoes and other golf gear items were Marcus Delgado from Coyote Willows and Craig Demos and Patrick Moore from Mesquite Gaming, CasaBlanca.

Demos said, “These items are donated by the members of the Elks lodge. They are used sets. Any we get that do not fit with the size of our 170 youths that are participating this year, we sell and use the money to purchase the sizes we need. The clubs are free for the kids to use. When they leave the association, the clubs stay with us to be used by another Jr Golfer.”

Marcus Delgado told the Progress, “I have been with the Jr. Golf Program since I was six years old. I was a member as a child and now I help with the program.”

Anyone wanting more information on the program or to donate may contact CasaBlanca Golf Club at (702) 345-6786.