ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Escanaba was one of many communities across the U.P. to celebrate Flag Day on Friday, June 14.
Flag Day ceremonies are a longstanding tradition for the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
“July of 1908, the Elks implemented that the Elks would hold the annual Flag Day ceremony,” explained Exalted Ruler Jamie McDonough of Escanaba Elks Lodge #354. “Every year we’ve done it since then.”
Lodge #354 hosted its annual event in Ludington Park, starting with a selection of patriotic songs performed by the City Band. Scout Troops 410 and 411 presented the history of the American flag, carrying the first designs to the one we know today.
“Not many people really appreciate the flags and how hard people have worked to get them to be a thing,” said Troop 410 scout Kailyn Heikkinen. “A lot of men and women have put their heart and soul into it, and being here today shows some people do care and a lot more people should.”
The Elks also recognized local veterans’ organizations and honored the symbolism and meaning of the flag.
“No such pageantry or clustering stars and streaming light in all the spectrum of the sea and sky,” McDonough said onstage, holding a small flag in front of him.
The Elks hope publicly observing Flag Day year after year instills a sense of pride that can be felt every time the American flag is seen flying.
“The respect of the flag, our country,” said McDonough. “Hopefully the younger generation, the younger kids, see what it’s all about.”
