Annual ceremony promotes freedom, unity and national pride
Pictured are Exalted Ruler Bill Pageau (right) and Fountain Hill Mayor Gerry Fridel during the recent Flag Day ceremony.
Photo courtesy of Gail Sinclair
Fountain Hills Elks Lodge #2846 celebrated Flag Day, Saturday, June 14.
Photo courtesy of Gail Sinclair
As is the annual tradition, the Fountain Hills Elks Lodge #2846 celebrated Flag Day, Saturday, June 14.
The ceremony involved an address from Elks Exalted Ruler Bill Pageau, a reading of “I am Your Flag” by Elks member Bill Backes, a singing of “God Bless America,” a salute to the flag and other rituals.
Approximately 30 Elks and guests gathered in the new Elks Lodge to celebrate the occasion. American flags were brought out ceremoniously to represent the country’s history and evolution — from the Pine Tree Flag dating as far back as 1775 to the current 50-star flag — each one accompanied by a reading explaining its significance.
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As is the annual tradition, the Fountain Hills Elks Lodge #2846 celebrated Flag Day, Saturday, June 14.
The ceremony involved an address from Elks Exalted Ruler Bill Pageau, a reading of “I am Your Flag” by Elks member Bill Backes, a singing of “God Bless America,” a salute to the flag and other rituals.
Approximately 30 Elks and guests gathered in the new Elks Lodge to celebrate the occasion. American flags were brought out ceremoniously to represent the country’s history and evolution — from the Pine Tree Flag dating as far back as 1775 to the current 50-star flag — each one accompanied by a reading explaining its significance.
Fountain Hill Mayor Gerry Fridel — who is also a member of Elks Lodge #2846 — also spoke, honoring the flag and its meaning.
History of Flag Day
Known for their patriotism, the Elks were instrumental in establishing Flag Day as a national holiday, designated June 14 as Flag Day in 1907 and actively promoted its national recognition.
President Woodrow Wilson officially recognized Flag Day in 1916, and it became a national observance in 1949, largely due to the efforts of President Harry Truman, an Elk himself.
While not a federal holiday, the day is observed nationally with flag displays and ceremonies. Many Americans choose to display the flag and participate in local events such as the Elks’ Flag Day ceremony.
Pageau says it’s an honor to celebrate the American flag and its historical significance. In order to become an Elk, one has to be an American citizen.
“We’ve had to fight for this flag and we’ll keep fighting for it for the rest of time in order to defend our freedom,” Pageau said. “That’s what the flag represents to the Elks.”
The Elks Lodge is located at 16726 E. El Pueblo Blvd., and meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. To inquire about membership, visit elks.org/lodges/home.cfm?LodgeNumber=2846 or call 602-888-9081.
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