IN HONOR OF FLAG DAY, the Owosso-Saginaw Elks #47 at 524 S. Washington St., Owosso, held an outdoor, public ceremony on Wednesday, June 14. Exalted Ruler Terry Hayden proceeded over the event at the Elk’s historic lodge, previously the Owosso Grand Trunk Depot.
The Elks are an American fraternal, charitable order dating back to the 1860s, and currently including over a million members nationally. The Owosso Elks, likewise, share a lengthy history with their involvement in the city of Owosso.
The Flag Day ceremony included a special flag presentation by children who each carried flags representing different U.S. historic eras. Elk’s chair officers including Exalted Ruler Hayden, Esteemed Leading Knight Keegan Kazmer, Esteemed Loyal Knight Amy Dwise, and Esteemed Lecturing Knight Derrick Tate, spoke about the history of the flag, and also about the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mayor Chris Eveleth made a brief speech in honor of the occasion, too. “We are reminded of all the codes and rules of caring for our flag tonight. Our flag is the most recognized symbol of liberty, honor, and justice in the world,” he said.
The Owosso VFW Post 9455 color guard also attended the event and included members Lloyd Putman, Michael Eckmyre, Larry Thayer, Joe Zacher, and John Gorte.
(Independent Photo/Karen Mead-Elford)
