Cape Henlopen Elks hold annual Flag Day ceremony

Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540 of Lewes held a combined Flag Day/Americanism ceremony June 15 that included a well-attended luncheon.

The outdoor service was held to honor and celebrate the history of the flag of the United States of America, and instill a renewed sense of patriotism. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is the first and only fraternal organization to require formal observance of Flag Day.

Exalted Ruler Buddy Hall-McBride welcomed members and guests, and Cape Henlopen High School JROTC cadets presented the colors with both state and national flags. Past Exalted Ruler Joy Schreck offered a beautiful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” with the audience on their feet joining in.

Hall-McBride shared the significance of Flag Day with the help of other officers, most notably PER Joanne Mayer who spoke from the heart about the influence the Stars and Stripes has held over generations of Americans, flying high and proud during many of this country's best and worst times, instilling courage within its patriots during many historic fights for freedom.

Treasurer Karen Palmer detailed the evolution of the U.S. flag and its changes throughout the years, as members of Girl Scout Troop 499 carefully placed each rendition on display.

Eagle Scout Matthew Hobman and Elks Esteemed Loyal Knight Betty Ann Kortlang demonstrated the solemn and meticulous folding of the U.S. flag, as Americanism Chair Terrie Bradley described the meanings assigned to each fold, resulting in its precise triangular pillow shape.

Bradley went on to describe the Elks’ annual Americanism Essay Contest, open to students in grades five through eight, and the poster contest open to all children up to age 18.

The guest speaker was Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, who spoke at length on how the flag represented citizens’ patriotism, respect and love of country.

Hall-McBride expressed the lodge's gratitude for having JROTC, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts participate in this ceremony, and each attendee was presented with a certificate of appreciation.

The Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540 is one of the local patriotic organizations that follow proper U.S. flag etiquette in regard to the respectful and safe disposal of faded and discarded flags. This year alone, the lodge received more than 1,000 old flags that needed to be respectfully burned. However, many flags manufactured today are not cotton, but made of nylon and other material which, when ignited, may create toxic fumes and be harder to incinerate. The Elks are currently working with other patriotic organizations to determine dignified alternatives.

A selection of worn flags were presented to Mike Bradley, a member of the Elks Flag Retirement Team, who, with the help of Boy Scout Leader Matt Teoli and son John of Troop 95 in Georgetown, respectfully and carefully fed each retired flag into the Elks’ brick flag-burning pit.

The service concluded with Schreck singing “God Bless the USA,” then continuing to entertain attendees during a light luncheon.

The Cape Henlopen Elks annual Flag Day/Americanism ceremony was a great success, meeting its goal to stimulate an awareness of spirit, pride and respect toward patriotism so members and guests will be reminded that America stands for freedom.