Members of McNary High School’s AFJROTC Color Guard, Jason Fletcher, Caden Taylor and Lance Brunkal raise Old Glory.
On Sunday, June 9, Keizer Elks Lodge #2472, held its annual commemoration Flag Day ceremony. The public ceremony included a tribute to the birth and history of the American flag, and retirement of service-worn flags.
The ceremony was followed by the dedication of the Elks’ new flagpole and flag.
Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) has celebrated the holiday since the early days of the organization. In 1907, the B.P.O.E. Grand Lodge designated, by resolution, June 14 as Flag Day, and mandated observance of Flag Day by every Lodge in 1911.
The Elks prompted President Woodrow Wilson to recognize the Order’s observance of Flag Day for its patriotic expression.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day, and in August 1946, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress. Flag Day is not an official federal holiday; however, it is at the president’s discretion to officially proclaim its observance.
McNary High School’s Air Force Junior Officer Training Corps Color Guard, Patrick Moore, Brandon Wright, Ethan Armstrong, Tyler Guptill, Christian Ellison, Phillip Armstrong of Boy Scout Troop 121, and Dean Chambers all lent a hand in the effort.
