With this annually renewed pledge, the Elks continue, as they have since World War I, to devote a major volunteer effort to those who have served in patriotic duty to the nation.

America's involvement in "The War to End All Wars" brought a quick response from the Order of Elks. Establishing a War Relief Commission with a $2 million endowment, the Order organized and equipped the first two field hospitals in France. Near Boston, the Elks constructed a 700-bed reconstruction hospital to accommodate the wounded doughboys returning from Europe. It was deeded to the federal government in 1918, becoming the first veterans hospital.

In the home front war effort, the Order was a major fund-raiser for the legendary war relief efforts of the Salvation Army. And the Order built a Community House at Camp Sherman, Ohio, for families visiting the 40,000 soldiers stationed there.

The Elks War Relief Commission also established a revolving loan fund to facilitate vocational and educational training for returning veterans. So effective was the Elks program that the government followed the Order's lead and established its own as a precursor of the GI Bill.

As the storm clouds of war threatened again, the Elks record of patriotism inspired the government to seek the Order's assistance to rally the nation to the cause of freedom. Local Lodges aided in the recruitment of flying cadets at the request of the secretaries of the Army and the Navy, and Army engineers and Navy Seabees were recruited in required numbers three months ahead of schedule because of the efficiency and enthusiasm of the Elks.

The Merchant Marine notified the Elks War Commission of a shortage of reading material on ships, and the Elks responded with the collection and donation of half a million books.

Service personnel enjoyed the hospitality of 155 Elks fraternal centers established around the country. Over a million GIs were guests at the New York Center alone.

Providing gift boxes to overseas personnel was a major activity for the Elks in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. A "Letters from Home" campaign during the latter conflict attempted to counteract negative sentiment and acts emanating from this country.

"That the Cold War is over does not mean the need for support of hospitalized veterans will disappear," says Michael F. Manning, director of the Elks National Veterans Service Commission. "Our mission, in fulfillment of our perpetual pledge, is to provide as much assistance as we can to make the lives of veterans more comfortable, happier and as productive as possible. We promote this effort nationally, and Elks and their Lodges in communities across the country contribute their time, money and wholehearted efforts to see that it happens."

The Elks have an especially close relationship with the Department of Veterans Affairs and conduct events for patients of VA medical facilities, provide tanned animal hides for patient therapy, treat the vets to recreational outings, and have special dinners and events at local Elks Lodges for them. Special gifts to the medical centers for patient benefit have included air conditioning units, professional kitchen equipment, many thousands of TV sets, specially equipped motor vans, and countless sundries and personal items to bring more cheer.

In the 1995-96 Lodge year, the Elks collected and donated 16,000 square feet of hides for use in VA occupational therapy programs. In addition, Elks Lodges adopted 106,000 veterans and contributed about $12.7 million to veterans services.

"As long as the Order of Elks exists," adds Manning, "America's hospitalized veterans will be provided for."