Des Moines, IA 98

GER Message

Thanks to the Elks for everything they do

Happy Independence Day, the Fourth of July. Happy America 250!
We live in the greatest country on the face of the earth.

We as proud Elks uphold the virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity in order to honor our great nation and organization.

Did the last twelve months fly by for you as they did for me and First Lady Sue? My, weren't we in Kansas City last week?
The old adage "time flies when having fun" is fitting.
The easy part of staying enthused week after week was visiting each state and the Members thereof.
Sue and I want to thank each and every one of you for your assistance, hospitality, and support during our year as Grand Exalted Ruler and First Lady.

Each of you are the reason we are 800,000 Members strong with more than 1,780 Local Lodges who form the greatest charitable organization in the United States of America.

We are strong and mighty, and we are blessed to be citizens in our great country.
God bless each and every one of you. God bless the BPOE, and God bless the United States of America. Always remember my motto, Be The Difference, as we are 158 years young!