Letter to the Editor: Eks Lodge glad to pay tribute to U.S. flag

Editor:

Havre Elks Lodge 1201 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks was very proud to be part of the Community Memorial Day service melding our Flag Day tradition with the Memorial Day service, exemplifying the motto “One Nation, Under God” — one community, one nation, honoring our flag, our country and troops.

Throughout our American history, the significance of the U.S. flag’s colors has come to correspond with those of the Great Seal of our great country:

White: signifying purity and innocence

Red: signifying hardiness and value

Blue: signifying vigilance, perseverance and justice

The stars: symbolizing the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial and the union itself.

Last September, “The Star Spangled Banner,” our national anthem since 1931, celebrated the 200th anniversary of its composition by Francis Scott Key. Today, we see that glorious star spangled banner wherever we turn — on our homes, businesses, vehicles and billboards.

Such displays stimulate and rekindle our love for our nation and for that which it stands. It reminds us of the sacrifices being made by the men and women of our armed forces around the world; it is a tribute to the heroes of our protective services here at home; and it is homage to the countless numbers of service men and women who have served, fought and died beneath the glorious folds.

On June 14, Flag Day, Havre Elks Lodge 1201 encourages all citizens to honor our country’s flag, to celebrate and remember the lives of those who have so proudly served beneath it, to revere the many achievements and victories which have been created for it and our country’s honor, and to pray for God’s blessings upon those who so valiantly protect us today and their families.

Bob Nieuwenhuyse, exalted ruler

Havre Lodge 1201, BPO Elks