Flag Day holds a special meaning for all Elks and the official national holiday can be attributed directly to the order. In 1908 the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks became the first fraternal organization to require formal observance of Flag Day in every Lodge. It wasn't until 1949 when President Harry Truman, himself a member of the Elks, made the proclamation that June 14th would be a day of national observance for the symbol of our country.

The officers of Austin Lodge 201, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, presented five World War II veterans with a plaque during the 2006 Flag Day Ceremony. The plaque commemorates the military service of all Austin Lodge members during the war. Those veterans included Albert Papazoni, Clifton Turner, Olley Anderson, Wallace Kelm and Wylie Edgar, each of whom has been active in the Order of Elks for many years. The inscription reads:

The inscription reads This plaque is dedicated to the WWII Veterans of BPOE 201, Austin, Texas to honor and remember those who served, those who died, and those who triumphed to build again. May the courage, determination, honor, and achievements of these members and all Veterans of World War II never be forgotten.

"Patriotism is one of the founding principles of the Order of Elks and honoring the brave men and women that serve our nation is something that all members strongly believe in," according to Jeff McAdams, the current Lodge President.

In addition to the Flag Day Ceremony, the Elks Lodge also participates in a number of programs and charities to honor and benefit veterans, such as providing personal items to those serving in the military overseas today. Lodge members also show their support every year in the city's Veteran's Day parade.

 

 

BPOE 201 | 700 Dawson Road | Austin, TX 78704 | Phone: 512-442-8535 | Fax: 512-442-3198 | Email: info@austinelks.com
by the BPOE 201 Webmaster.