BROKEN BOW – Flag Day may be a shade quieter than its more “explosive” patriotic cousins, but for the Elks, it is just as strong a pillar of the country’s values; for the Broken Bow chapter, the flag is the country.
Lodge #1688 assembled outside their hall in the first silent hour after sunrise on Wednesday in a ceremony nearly as old as the Elks itself; the tradition can trace its roots to 1916, year by year and chapter by chapter, to the days of United States President and Elks member Woodrow Wilson.
Lodge President Abdul Sughayar delivered an address meant as much for his fellow Elks as the community gathered; starting with the Pledge of Allegiance, Sughayar and his knights, one by one, recounted the importance of the flag to the order, and by extension, the citizenry of the United States.
“Charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity,” Sughayar expounded, “Are the cardinal principles of our order, and exemplified in all our services. By them, we teach a love of country, our countrymen, and loyalty to them and our American way of life.”
Sughayar would follow the formalities by relating the story of Robert G. Heft, the designer of the current American flag; Elks Chaplain Kayla Haberstick led those gathered in prayer, which was followed by chapter member Kevin Cooksley delivering a story of appreciation for the flag, and what it represents, written by a survivor of Dachau, liberated by American forces in 1945.
Below: Audio of Chaplain Haberstick’s prayer.
Following the ceremony, Cooksley, on his way into the Elks hall for coffee and sweet rolls provided by Govier Brothers, spoke of the personal significance of the flag, not only as an American citizen and an Elk but as a veteran of the country’s armed forces, as well.
“I wore the uniform, I was prepared to put my life on the line, and I did; seeing the American flag means something special to those of us who’ve been in uniform. It’s extra special to us because we take an oath to defend it.”
Cooksley, who was stationed along Korea’s 37th parallel near the conclusion of the Vietnam War, went on to say that the Elks’ annual program, of which he’s been a part ever since becoming an officer, has only served to strengthen his admiration for the United States’ most recognized symbol.
“Flag Day, and the Elks program that recognizes it, has helped me reinforce my roots, understanding, and appreciation for the flag, which is what it’s designed to do.”
A video of the Elks’ flag raising on Wednesday is below.
