TOGUS – The Maine Elks Association held its annual Flag Day service on June 14 at the Togus VA Medical Center, commemorating the 231st anniversary of the adoption of the “Stars and Stripes.”

The event was held at the facility’s chapel, which had a closed-circuit television system so that veterans could watch the service from their rooms. The program was coordinated through the VA by Past State President James Ferland of the Presque Isle Elks Lodge and VA Voluntary Services Chief Steve Hurd.

The ceremony was opened by Elks association Sergeant-at-Arms Anthony Gause, who introduced state President Robert Drisko of the Augusta Elks Lodge. Durisko and fellow officers performed the introductory exercises.

A history of the American Flag was then presented by MEA Administrative Assistant Claris Ranger of the Farmington Elks Lodge. Music was provided throughout the event by organist John Plummer of the Augusta Elks Lodge.

During the reading of the flag’s history, exalted rulers from several of Maine’s 22 lodges displayed replicas of the flags that were being described.

A response given by Past State President Phil O’Brion of the Farmington Elks Lodge. O’Brion paid tribute to the men and women who had fought to protect the nation’s flag; from the Revolutionary War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, O’Brion gave recognition to the sacrifices made by so many of the hospital’s veterans throughout the years.

First Vice President Roger Normandeau of the Sanford Elks Lodge explained the meaning of the folds of the American flag. An inspirational reading was given by President-elect Michael Powers of Houlton.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by a reading of “Hello, Remember Me?,” an essay written several years ago by Maine Elks Association Past State President John Paul Simard. The essay was read by Second Vice President Wayne Cotterly of Lewiston Elks Lodge. The service was concluded with the singing of “God Bless America.”