Elks and Americanism

he Order of Elks has always prided itself on its Americanism. One of the requirements for membership is American citizenship. The national organization and its subordinate Lodges foster Americanism in many ways.

The Order promotes American principles of individual freedom, opportunity and dignity. The Elks also make a valiant attempt to motivate people to safeguard these principles and develop pride in and understanding of the United States.

Elks Lodges furnish or display what they term the “Heritage Corner,” replicas of such historic documents as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Monroe Doctrine, the Gettysburg Address, and the Elks resolutions of Law and Order and Declaration of American Principles.

At the Grand Lodge session in 1907, the members adopted a resolution designating June 14 as Flag Day. In 1911 the Grand Lodge mandated all subordinate Lodges to observe Flag Day with appropriate ceremonies, making the Elks the first fraternal organization to require observance of Flag Day with appropriate ceremonies.

Many Lodges give or sell flags to worthy groups and educate them in proper flag etiquette. Some Lodges even provide flags for newly sworn citizens, while other Lodges give flags to their local schools for display in the classroom.

The flag isn't the only American symbol important to the Elks. From 1983 to 1986, the Elks raised more than $1.38 million to help restore the Statue of Liberty.

The Elks salute law and order through special programs and awards. They honor law enforcement officers for their unselfish work. They also recognize the news media for fairness and objectivity in reporting.

These programs, along with our youth work, Drug Awareness Program and charitable endeavors, permit us to justifiably proclaim “The Elks Are Distinctively American.”