LEWISTON – The Lewiston Elks Lodge 371 held the annual Flag Day service on June 11 at Veterans Memorial Park. Members of several groups attended the event, including the Lewiston Emblem Club 528, Franco-American War Veterans 31, American Legion, VFW and Boy Scout Troop 125 of Poland.

Exalted Ruler Jackielynn Farrell presided and introduced Maine Elks Association State President Elmer Berry of Greene, who delivered a history of the flag. As each Flag was described in detail, members of the Lewiston Emblem Club, Franco-American War Veterans and the Boy Scouts paraded an example of that historic flag.

Following the Parade of Flags, a response was given by Past Exalted Ruler Wayne Cotterly of Poland. Music was provided by Nancy Hory of the Brunswick Elks Lodge, who led everyone in the singing of the National Anthem and “God Bless America.”

At the conclusion of the event, those in attendance were treated to a light lunch at the Lewiston Elks Lodge.

Each year Flag Day is celebrated to commemorate the adoption of the Stars and Stripes by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. The observance was made official in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson, who declared the date as National Flag Day.

In 1949 President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress proclaiming that the Flag of the United States would be displayed on all government buildings on June 14 and asked that the American people join in the observance of the flag’s anniversary.

For more information on the Elks, visit www.elks.org, www.maineelks.org, or contact the Lewiston Elks Lodge at 784-4801.

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