To theEditor:
In 1777, the new flag of our country was first flown in battle at Fort Stanwix, in the Mohawk Valley of New York. At that place, in August of the year, was fought one of the turning point battles of the Revolutionary war. The winning of that battle and the related battle at Oriskany were significant because they turned back one of the three columns of troops who were slated to meet near Albany and cut the New England colonies off from the other colonies in our war for independence.
That flag has had many changes, over the years, but remains basically the same; 13 alternating red and white stripes, a blue field with white stars to the number of states in the union.
In 1911, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks adopted Flag Day and required that all Elk’s Lodges hold observances of Flag Day on June 14.
The national Flag Day Bill was signed into law in 1949, by President Harry S. Truman, a member of the Elks.
On Tuesday, June 14, Oneida Lodge #767, B.P.O.E., will celebrate Flag Day on the front lawn of our Lodge, at 7 p.m. in the evening. A patriotic ritual will be performed by officers and members of the lodge, Christopher DeNova, a student at the Crane School of Music, will perform patriotic selections. A patriotic address will be delivered by Lynn Fox of Clear Path for Vets. Members of Troops 2 and 23 of the Boy Scouts of America will assist with the ceremony and a special reading of Americanism Essays will be made by Elk’s Essay Contest winners from Vets. Members of Troops 2 and 23 of the Boy Scouts of America will assist with the ceremony and a special reading of Americanism Essays will be made by Elk’s Essay Contest winners from the Oneida School District.
The community is invited to join us in this 106th Elk’s Flag Day Ceremony, June 14 at 7 p.m. on the front lawn of our lodge, located at 191 Main Street, Oneida.
Sincerely,
Bruce J. Burke, Richard V. Haley, Oneida Lodge #767, B.P.O.E., Lodge Flag Day Committee