On Wednesday June 14, 2023, the community of Devils Lake came together to honor Old Glory. Led by the Elks Community Band, Shrine Flag Corps, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, VFW Honor Guard, VFW Auxiliary and the Cub Scouts.

The Devils Lake Elks Club, led by Exalted Ruler John Traynor III, hosted this ceremony. The Elks is the only fraternal organization to hold Flag Day Ceremonies around the country. For more than 100 years, Elks Lodges around the country host programs, each year.

In 1907, the Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks designated, by resolution, June 14 as Flag Day. The Grand Lodge of the Order adopted mandatory observance of the occasion by every Lodge in 1911, and that requirement continues.

The Elks also present Americanism Essay Contest winners at this ceremony. Each year, The Elks solicit 5th through 8th graders to write an essay of up to 300 words. These essays are judged. Winners receive a flag, flown over the US Capitol and cash prize.

The winners were: In the 5th & 6th grade division: First – Makaela Hettwer, Second – Christopher Charles, Third – Carlee Swinland.

In the 7th & 8th Grade division: First – Ryan Wakeford

(No other students submitted essays.)

A big thank you to the Elks Community Band, Shrine Flag Corps, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, VFW Honor Guard, VFW Auxiliary and the Cub Scouts for helping with the event.

See more at:

https://www.elks.org/lodges/LodgePages.cfm?LodgeNumber=374&ID=1288

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