Annual Elks Flag Day Celebration

The history of our nation’s flag will again be the centerpiece of the Salute to the Flag, being presented by New Bern Elks Lodge # 764 on Saturday, June 11.  Starting at 11am, the Salute follows our national emblem from the earliest days of the Revolution to the present day, complete with the flags themselves and appropriate period patriotic music. Once again, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band from Cherry Point Marine Air Station (invited) will provide the music that adds so much to the Salute to the Flag. Under the command of WO Jarrid T. Riggs and Bandmaster MSGT Stephen L. Davis this ensemble of distinguished musicians upholds the old and honored Marine traditions of pride, professionalism, and esprit de corps. 

The program will also have the Honorable Toussaint Summers, New Bern’s retired chief of police, as featured guest speaker, speaking to the subject “What the Flag Means to Me.” 

Supporting the Salute will be the color guard from the New Bern chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. The color guard features revolutionary era uniforms and will serve both as Color Guard and flag bearers for the event.

The Salute to the Flag reflects the strong commitment of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks to our National Flag.  It was the first organization to call for the celebration of Flag Day on June 14^th, the date the Continental Congress adopted the resolution designating the Stars and Stripes as our official flag. President Wilson first proclaimed Flag Day on June 14 in 1916, while President Truman signed legislation in 1949 designating June 14 as National Flag Day.

The public is invited to attend free of charge. As ark seating is limited, all who attend are encouraged to bring their own chairs. For information, John Serumgard at 252.633.2119.