Letter to the Editor - Honor the flag on Flag Day

Editor,

Havre Elks Lodge #1201 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks again was very proud and honored to be part of the American Legion’s Community Memorial Day Service and the Boy Scout’s Flag Retirement Ceremony, melding our Flag Day tradition with their services, exemplifying the motto:  “One Nation, Under God” — one community, one nation, honoring our flag, our country, our troops.

Throughout our American history, the significance of the U.S. flag’s colors has come to correspond with those of the great seal or our great country:  White signifying purity and innocence; red, hardiness and valor; and blue, vigilance, perseverance and justice.  The stars becoming symbolic of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial and of the union itself.

Today we see that glorious star-spangled banner wherever we turn — on homes, businesses, vehicles and billboards. Such displays stimulate and rekindle our love for our nation and for that for which it stands. It reminds us of the sacrifices being made by the men and women of our armed forced 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 its 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 safety and God's blessings upon all those who so valiantly protect us today.

Bob Nieuwenhuyse, past exalted ruler Havre Lodge 1201. B.P.O. Elks