Lewiston, Maine - Lewiston Elks Lodge #371 will have an extra special Flag Day celebration on June 10th! Following an 11 a.m. Flag Day ceremony at the Lewiston Memorial Armory, 65 Central Avenue, a groundbreaking ceremony will be held for a new flag pole and bench that’s being donated to the City by the Lewiston Elks Lodge and other local organizations.
The project originated with Elks Past President Karen Staples who learned that the original flag pole on the Armory’s roof was in need of repair, too expensive to repair using municipal funds, and difficult to get to when needed. Upon hearing about the need for a new flag pole, Lodge members overwhelmingly approved involvement in a replacement project and obtained a $2,000 Gratitude Grant for the flag pole through the Elks National Foundation.
Word spread quickly about the pole, and additional donations from interested area organizations starting arriving. As such, the generosity of many entities expanded the project to include an accompanying bench. Organizations who have already made a donation to the project include The Past Time Club, Franco-American War Veterans, Webber Club, and Lewiston Emblem Club #528. The Elks are accepting additional donations for the project and note that checks may be made payable to the Lewiston Elks Lodge and sent to 1675 Lisbon Street, Lewiston, ME 04240, with a check memo stating “Flag Pole Project.”
The Flag Day aspect of the festivities will commemorate the 235th anniversary of the adoption of the red, white, and blue as the official United States of America flag, which was signed into law by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777.
The Flag Day ceremony will be facilitated by the officers and members of the Lewiston Elks Lodge with assistance from local veteran organizations. In addition, the ceremony will include music and a history of the flag. Speakers for the event include Lewiston Mayor Robert MacDonald, Exalted Ruler Kathleen Cotterly, Franco-American War Veterans Commander Willie Danforth, and representatives from the US Congressional offices of Senator Olympia Snowe, Senator Susan Collins, Rep. Michael Michaud, and Rep. Chellie Pingree. Refreshments will also be on hand.
The Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks is a patriotic organization dedicated to promoting Americanism and support of our nation's youth, veterans, and charity. The Elks National Foundation (ENF) is the charitable arm of the Order and uses only the income from its fund, which comes mostly through donations by members and lodges across the country. The ENF in turn uses the money to provide for scholarships, charitable projects, youth activities, and grants through its Community Investment Program. Through this program, the Elks have invested $2.3 million directly into communities nationwide.
For more information on the Flag Day ceremony and/or the Flag Pole Project, interested individuals may contact Karen Staples at 312-4516 or stapleskm1@gmail.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment