Elks Flag Day Celebration
Submitted by Kristina Petti
Flag Day was celebrated on June 11th at the Rahway Elks Lodge, even though Flag Day is celebrated on June 14th nationally. This holiday holds a special place in the heart of Elks as it was our organization that instituted it. Allegiance to the flag of our country is a requirement of every member. In 1907, the Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks designated, by resolution, June 14 as Flag Day. The Grand Lodge of the Order adopted mandatory observance of the occasion by every Lodge in 1911, and that requirement continues. The Elks prompted President Woodrow Wilson to recognize the Order’s observance of Flag Day for its patriotic expression. But it was not until 1949 when President Harry Truman, himself a member of the Elks, made the proclamation that thereafter June 14 would be a day of national observance for the symbol of our country. It was through his Elks Lodge in Independence, Missouri, that President Truman got the idea for a national observance of Flag Day.
The way that the Rahway Lodge Celebrates Flag Day is with the Elks ritual, presentation of awards for the Americanism Essay Contest, and presentation of awards by the past year’s Exalted Ruler. Then we had lunch following the ceremony, donated by our lodge and open to the public.
This year’s essay topic was “What is Your American Dream?”. For the second year in a row, we received over 60 essays from Mrs. Polanin’s 5th grade class in Roosevelt Elementary School. We appreciate them taking the time to do this! This years’ topic was a wonderful source of inspiration for our students to think about what they want their futures to look like. Many students were so detailed in exactly what they wanted for their futures. There were the traditional careers: teacher, doctor, nurse, welder, fisherman. Some of the careers were very different from the dreams that I had as a child: graphic designer, online influencer, video game creator, computer coder, travel blogger. We enjoyed reading all of the essays, but there had to be a winner to move on to district judging and then the state.
For the 5th grade division our 3rd place winner was, future Ornithologist, Julissa Higuita-Torres. The 2nd place winner was, future Forensic Anthropologist, Kylie Piersall. Finally our 1st place winner, who placed 5th in the state for this division was Ukrainian immigrant, Andriana Valko. She read her essay aloud to the audience. All of our winners received certificates and gift cards to Target donated by our lodge charity fund.
As for our lodge awards, presented by Past Exalted Ruler Jonathan Joshua they traditionally include Elks, officer, and citizen of the year for the 2022-2023 lodge year, which is April 1st- March 31st.
The Elk of the Year was Robin Perez, longtime member of the Rahway Elks who is always up for a challenge, and creates and executes inspirational ways to raise funds! She has been an asset to our lodge as the House Manager and has been involved in countless fundraisers, and multiple committees.
The Officer of the Year is Michael Duffy. With his precision of speech and knowledge of the lodge traditions, he is an exemplary Esquire, and this writer has learned so much about the position she currently holds from Mike. His wife Doreen Duffy writes that “He’s been an Elk member for more than 30 years. He has served as an officer for many of his 30 years as a member, as well as been Chairman of several committees. He has performed rituals from memory and competed in the NJSEA ritual competition. He served as Exalted Ruler for Hillside Lodge #1591 and Rahway Lodge #1075. He has also served as District Deputy from 2003-2004.”
The Citizen of the year is none other than your Nightmare on Maple Ave.creator, Michael D’Emilio. As said by our Past District Deputy Doreen Duffy, “Thank you cannot begin to describe how much I truly do thank you for all of your time and effort you have put into your Halloween Display the past 23 years. … I can’t fathom how many hours, along with your heart and soul, that you have put into this. I love how you would show the kids your “secret remote control” and tell them when to push a button if someone new walked up we could see their reaction. For those that do not know, all of his props are hand made by Mike himself. I can’t begin to think of all of the children and adult lives that you have touched over the years. This community owes you a debt of gratitude. It is because of your selflessness and dedication that you are truly deserving of our Citizen of the Year Award.”
Also, Outstanding Service Commendation awards were presented to Gary Jack and Kristina Petti.
Gary Jack has been a member for a short time, but has exhibited the true spirit of community service and reliability. He never shies away from a difficult job and is there in minutes if you call him for anything.
Kristina Petti has been an active member in the lodge for years as a committee chairman of four or more committees at a time. At this time she is chair or co-chair of the Special Childrens, Americanism, Peer Leadership, Public Relations, and just recently stepped down from Drug Awareness. This past year she initiated community days for the children of Rahway. The Fall Fun Day and Spring Fling were fun new additions to our lodge that will hopefully be annual events.
The Flag Day celebration is an annual event that is open to the public. We look forward to seeing more residents in the coming years.
Courtesy photos
