HomeMy WebLinkAboutP1 - Flag Day CelebrationCOU CIL AGENDA
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Flag Day Ceremony June 14, 2004
Newport Beach City Hall
5:45 Intro music begins (track 1)
6:00 Exalted Ruler: Please stand and unite in singing the "Star
Spangled Banner" led by Brownie Troop # 1378.
Brownie Troop enters — leads in song
Music: "Star Spangled Banner" (track 2)
Brownie troop goes to seats front row right
Exalted Ruler: Please be seated.
Exalted Ruler: My Brothers and Sisters, Friends and
Distinguished Guests, the purpose of this service is to honor our
country's Flag, to celebrate the anniversary of its birth, and to recall
the achievements attained beneath its folds. It is quite appropriate that
such a service should be held by the Order of Elks, an organization
that is distinctively American, intensely patriotic and without
counterpart.
Exalted Ruler: Esteemed Leading Knight, what are the fraternal
aims of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks?
Esteemed Leading Knight: To inculcate the principals of Charity,
Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity, to promote the welfare and
happiness of mankind, to uphold our country and its laws, and to
quicken the spirit of American patriotism.
0
Exalted Ruler: Esteemed Leading Knight, what is the significance
of the American Flag?
Esteemed Leading Knight: It is emblematic of the crowning virtue,
Charity.
Exalted Ruler: Esteemed Loyal Knight, what is the significance of
the American Flag?
Esteemed Loyal Knight: It is emblematic of Justice for all.
Exalted Ruler: Esteemed Lecturing Knight, what is the
significance of the American Flag?
Esteemed Lecturing Knight: It is the symbol of Brotherly Love.
Exalted Ruler: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity are
the cardinal principals of our Order and they are exemplified in all of
our services. By them we teach love of country and our countrymen
and loyalty to our American way of life. To be an Elk is to be an
American citizen who lives for his country and is ready to die for it.
Exalted Ruler: Please stand.
Exalted Ruler: The Chaplain will lead us in prayer.
Chaplain: Almighty God, in this hour of patriotic
observance of the birthday of the American Flag, we ask you to bless
our Flag, and the people of these United States. For all that our Flag
represents, both at home and abroad, we thank Thee, and that through
all our history as a nation, it has been an ensign of freedom, liberty
and opportunity. And through the years to come may this Flag wave
as the banner of liberty, freedom, and enlightenment. May this
service bring to each of us a sense of loyalty to our country and
enable us to be better patriots, truer citizens, and more loyal
Americans, to Thy glory and to the honor of this great nation. Amen.
Exalted Ruler: Please be seated.
Music: "Columbia. The Gem Of The Ocean" (track 3)
Exalted Ruler: That we may better understand the meaning of
our Flag. I call upon brother Pat Michaels for the history of the Flag.
Pat approaches the microphone (have stool available for his comfort)
Narrator: "THE FLAG: ITS HISTORY
"Heraldry is as old as the human race. The carrying of banners
has been a custom among all peoples in all ages. These banners
usually contain some concept of the life or government of those who
fashion them.
"The evolution of the American Flag marks the progression of
the government of the American people.
"From the landing of the Pilgrims, in 1620, until 1775, the Flag
of England was the Flag of the Peoples of America.
"In 1775, the Pine Flag was adopted for all colonial vessels, and
this was the banner carried by the continental forces in the Battle of
Bunker Hill."
Music: "Yankee Doodle" (track 4)
Color guard - Enter the "Pine Tree Flag" place in slot one stage
left
Narrator: "The Southern colonies from 1776 to 1777 used the Snake
Flag."
Music:
Color Guard — Enter the "Snake Flag" place in slot one stage right
Narrator: "In the latter part of 1775 the Continental Congress
appointed a committee to consider the question of a single Flag for
the thirteen colonies. That committee recommended a design of
thirteen alternate stripes of red and white, with an azure field in the
upper corner bearing the red cross of St. George and the white cross
of St. Andrew. John Paul Jones, the senior lieutenant of the flag ship
`Alfred,' hoisted this Flag to the masthead on December 3, 1775, and
one month later it was raised over the headquarters of General
Washington at Cambridge, Massachusetts, `In the compliment,' as he
wrote, `to the United Colonies."'
Ai usir
Color Guard —Enter the St. George / St. Andrew place in slot two
stage left
Narrator: "This Flag, called `The Continental Colors' and `The
Grand Union,' was never carried in the field by the Continental land
forces, but it was used by the navy as its exclusive ensign, and was
the first American Flag to receive a salute of honor, a salute of eleven
guns from the Fort of Orange in the Dutch West Indies.
"In response to a general demand for a banner more
representative of our country, the Congress on June 14, 1777,
provided: -
"`That the Flag of the United States be thirteen stripes of
alternating red and white; and that the union be thirteen
stars, white on a blue field, representing a new
constellation."'
Music: Hail Columbia
Color Guard — Enter the circle flag —place in slot two on stage right
Narrator: "It is generally believed that in May or June of 1776 a
committee consisting of George Washington, Robert Morris and
George Ross commissioned Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia Quakeress, to
make a Flag from a rough design they left with her. It is said that she
suggested that the stars should have five points, rather than six.
"This starry banner was first flown at Fort Stanwix, called Fort
Schuyler at that time, near the city of Rome, New York, on August 3,
1777, and was under fire three days later at the battle of Oriskany,
August 6, 1777, during a British and Indian attack.
"The first official salute to the Stars and Stripes was given on
February 14, 1778, by France, on the French coast, when the
`Ranger,' under the command of John Paul Jones, was saluted by the
French fleet.
"This Flag, then carried by the `Ranger,' was made by the young
women of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, from strips of their best
colored silk dresses and the white wedding gown of a recent bride.
"It is said that this name `Ranger's Flag' was flown by Jones'
ship, the `Bon Homme Richard' in its thrilling fight by moonlight,
upon the high seas, with the British frigate `Searpis.' When the
`Serapis' struck her colors, the immortal fame of John Paul Jones was
insured as the intrepid defender of the youthful republic.
"The original thirteen Stars and Stripes represented the original
thirteen colonies. In 1795 two additional Stars and Stripes was added
to represent admission of Vermont and Kentucky. Under this banner
of fifteen Stars and Stripes was fought the War of 1812. It was sight
of it flying over Fort McHenry, on September 14, 1814, that inspired
Francis Scott Key to write what was to become our national anthem,
`The Star Spangled Banner."'
Music: The Star Spangled Banner
Color Guard —Enter the fifteen stripe flag —place in slot three stage
left
Narrator: "The Congress on April 14, 1818, adopted a resolution that
on and after July 4, 1818, the number of stripes should be thirteen
and that the blue field should carry one star for each of the twenty
states in the union and that a new star should be added for each state
thereafter admitted."
Music: America
Color Guard — Enter the 20 star flag —place in slot three stage right
Narrator: "Since 1918, there has been no change in the Flag design
except that twenty- eight new stars were added before July 4, 1912,
and this Flag of forty -eight stars flew over this nation for forty -seven
years until just before the Vietnam War."
Music: You're a Grand Old Flag
Color Guard - Enter the 48 star flag —place in slot four stage
left
Narrator: "On July 4, 1959 a star was added for Alaska, our first non -
connected state and a year later, Hawaii our island state added a
fiftieth star. Our present Flag — fifty stars and thirteen stripes."
Music: Lee Greenwood "God Bless America"
Color Guard — Enter the 50 star flag —place in slot four stage right
Narrator: (Introduce the color guard)
Narrator is seated
Exalted Ruler: Please stand and salute our flag.
Exalted Ruler produces flag as in ritual holding it in his hands
Music — softly plays "Star Spangled Banner" in background
Exalted Ruler: As this emblem is first in our hearts as loyal
Americans, so is it close to our altar as loyal Elks. The gentle breezes
with lingering caress kiss the folds of no Flag which can compare
with it in beauty. There is no such red in budding rose, in falling leaf,
or sparkling wine; no such white in April blossom, in crescent moon
or mountain snow; no such blue in woman's eye, in ocean's depth or
heaven's dome; no such pageantry of clustering stars and streaming
light in all the spectrum of the seas and sky.
Exalted Ruler: Please be seated
Exalted Ruler: Our Flag is at once a history, a declaration and a
prophecy. It represents the American nation as it was at its birth; it
speaks for what it is today; and it holds the opportunity for the future
to add other stars to the glorious constellation.
I
This unique distinction as the originator of "Flag Day"
is most becoming to the Order of Elks. This Order is distinctively
American. Only American citizens are eligible to join it and it has no
foreign affiliations. It has linked its destiny with the destiny of our
country and made this Flag its symbol of self - dedication to God, to
country, and to fellowmen.
Exalted Ruler: Please stand and join in singing "God Bless
America."
Exalted Ruler: Please be seated.
Introduction of Leland Ray, PER, Americanism Chairman for the
Orange Coast District
Lee: "The Stars and Stripes, Flag of the United States of America!
The world wide hope of all who, under God, would be free to live
and do His will.
"Upon its folds is written the story of America — the epic of the
mightiest and noblest in all history.
"In the days when peoples of the old world groveled in abject
homage to the heresy of `The divine right of Kings' a new
constellation appeared in the western skies, the Stars and Stripes,
symbolizing the divine right of men to life, liberty, happiness and
peace endowment by their creator.
"To what man is given words adequate to tell the story of the
building of this nation? That immortal story is written in blood and
sweat, in heroic deeds and unremitting toil, in clearing the primeval
f
forests and in planting of vast prairies where once the coyote and
buffalo roamed. Onward swept the nation, spanning wide rivers,
leaping vast mountain ranges, leaving in its path villages and farms,
factories and cities, till at last this giant nation stood astride the
continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
"This is the heritage of the people of the Untied States. It has
been repurchased by each succeeding generation and must be rewon
again, again, and again until the end of time, lest it too shall pass like
the ancient Empires of Greece and Rome.
"`The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.' What was won at
Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill had to be repurchased at
Ticonderoga and Yorktown.
"What John Paul Jones achieved upon the high seas in the War
of Independence had to be repurchased by Commodore Perry on
Lake Erie in the War of 1812.
"The prestige of Admiral Dewey's victory at Manila Bay in
1898 was rewon by the naval battles in the seas about the far distant
islands of the Pacific, after the sneak attacks upon Pearl Harbor and
Manila in 1941 had summoned our country to assume its role in
World War II.
"What our troops achieved under the Stars and Stripes at
Chateau - Thierry and Flanders in World War I, their sons were
required to repurchase in World War II in the bloody trek across
northern Africa, on the beachheads of Europe and in the Battle of the
Bulge.
I
"The Flag of our American men raised at Iwo Jima was the same
Flag later raised in the defense of Inchon, Pusan, and Pork Chop Hill
in far off Korea. Then another generation under the same Flag bled
to stem the threat of communism in far off Viet Nam.
"Our youngest people were again called to carry our Flag in
defense of a free world in the actions in Grenada and Panama.
Willingly, our brave men and women carried our Flag and the honor
of the American people into battle in Operation Desert Storm.
"The greatest significance of this Flag, however, lies in the
influence it has in the hearts and minds of millions of people. It has
waved over the unparalleled progress of a nation in developing
democratic institutions, scientific and technological knowledge,
education and culture. It has served as a beacon for millions of poor
and oppressed refugees abroad and stands as a promise that the under
privileged will not be forgotten.
"What is the meaning of the Flag of the United States? There
can never be a definitive answer to that question. There are people in
this world that see it as a symbol of imperialism; others see it as a
destiny of the people. But reference to these and similar views of the
Flag was resolved by Woodrow Wilson when he said: `This Flag,
which we honor and under which we serve, is the emblem of our
unity, our power, our thought, and shape of this nation. It has no
other character than that which we give it from generation to
generation. The choices are ours.
"Only true love of our fellowman, can create peace. The
emblem and token of that love is the Stars and Stripes, the symbol of
the American way of life.
10
"`Our Father's God, to Thee
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light.
Protect us by Thy might
Great God our King.'
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, how shall we further honor our
Flag?
Esquire: The Flag is formally honored by the Pledge of
Allegiance. This Pledge was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy and
published in "The Youth's Companion" as a part of a patriotic
campaign of that magazine. The Pledge did not become part of the
Flag Code until 1942, and in 1954; the phrase "Under God" was
added.
Exalted Ruler: Let us all stand and pledge ourselves never to
forget the principles represented by this Flag.
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of
America and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation under
God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
Exalted Ruler: Please be seated.
Introduction of guests and dignitaries.
Short speech by the Mayor or other dignitary.
•\N
Exalted Ruler: In conclusion of this observance of Flag Day, let
us rededicate ourselves to the Flag of the United States of America
and may the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and
Fidelity ever increase in us.
Music: Taps (during lowering)
Lowering of Flag and folding of Flag by the American Legion Color
guard
Music: Stars and Stripes Forever. (during folding)
Exalted Ruler: I now declare this service closed.
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E P O.E RITL-.iLi OF SPECIAL ER% li:.ES
SUGGESTED PROGR -M
L Singing: "Star Spangled Banner ... ... - ..... ...._ ........... By the entire Assembly
IntTOductors, ................. Exalted Ruler and Officers
;. Prager. ... .......... ... Chaplain
+. Music: Columbia, -d the I )cean" .......... ................._..........
i. History of the _ ................._............
b. Singing: "God Bless . m erica .................. ...._.._....._....... Bv the entire Assembly
7. Response .............. ........ ... ._....... ................................ ... .._ .................. ..........
S. Pledge of _ allegiance ......... ....... .... _.._ ............ .._ .......... .. By the entire Assembly
9. Patriotic Address. by Member of .he Circler or bg
an invited guest i optional)- .............. ..._.........__-............ .........................._....
10. Conclusion ..... .._............ -... ............ ........... ...__............ ............... Exalted Ruler
?The service shall be a public ceremom• and may he heid in the Lodge
room or a public hall, or in the open air. 3uflcient seating space should be
reserved to accommodate members, and the reserved section should be
appropriately decorated. Other suitable decorations are optional.
:S large Arrercan Flag shall be placed to the right of the Exalted Rule; .s
station or podium.
To begin the service. all officers shall assume meir seats. wearing their
jewels of office.
If desired, a street parade, with mtssic and banners, maybe arranged to
precede the ceremonies.
Members present should be provided with small American Flags to be
worn on the left lapel.
The program herein outlined may be changed to suit local conditions as
to music, speakers, etc., but the use of the "History of the Flag" and the
"Response' is mandatory.)
EXALTED RULER: Please stand and unite in singing the "Star Spangled Banner.
EXALTED RULER: Please be seated.
EXALTED RULER: My Brothers, Ladies and Friends, the purpose of this service
is to honor our country's Flag, to celebrate the anniversary of its birth, and to recall the
achievements attained beneath its folds. It is quite appropriate that such a service should
be held by the Order of Elks, an organization that is distinctively American, intensely
patriotic and without counterpart.
EXALTED RULER: Esteemed Leading Knight. what are the fraternal aims of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
ESTEEMED LEADING KNMGHT: To inculcate the principles of Charity, iusflce,
RET AL 'IQ
Brotherly Lo%e and Fidelity to cromoce .he weltare and happiness .;f mankind; to
uphold our courc;c and rts ia�ys: and to quicker 1-he soar :c of ,American oatrionsm.
EXALTED RULER: Esteemed Leadin� Rr.i•_>rt, ', hat is the st_n it arse of the
.American. FiaQ� -
ESTEEMED LEADING KNIGHT: it is : :mi >lematic of the : :rarnica ;iaue.
Chanty.
EXALTED RULER: Esteemed Local Knight. ,:'hat :s the significance of the
lmencan Flag'
ESTEEMED LO }'AL KNIGHT: It is embie ;.acic of justice for ail.
EA'ALTED RULER: Esteemed Leccurmg Rni ht, what is the siantficance of the
°.merican Flag: v
ESTEEMED LECTURING KNIGHT: It is the symbol of Brotherly Love.
EXALTED RULER: Brother Esquire, what is the significance of the Flag from the
station of the Exalted Ruler?
ESQUIRE: It is the symbol of Fidelity.
EXALTED RULER: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity are the cardinal
principles of our Order and they are exemplified in all of our services. By them we teach
love of country and of our countrymen and loyalty to our .American way of life. To be an
Elk is to be an American citizen who lives for his country and is ready to die for it.
EXALTED RULER: Please stand.
EXALTED RULER: The Chaplain will lead us in prayer.
CHAPLAIN: (From his station without advancing to the Altar.) Almighty God, in
this hour of patriotic observance of the birthday of the American Flag, we ask you to
bless our Flag, and the people of these united States. For all that our Flag represents,
both at home and abroad, we thank Thee, and that through all our history as a nation, it
has been an ensign of freedom, liberty and opportunity. And through the vears to come
may this Flag wave as the banner of liberty, freedom and enlightenment. May this
service bring to each of us a sense of loyalty to our country and enable us to be better
patriots, truer citizens, and more local Americans, co Thy Qlorc and to the honor of this
great nation. Amen.
EXALTED RULER: Please be seated.
i\'fusic: 'C Dlumbia. The Gem Of The '_kean.`:
air BT O.E RITL:iLS OF 9PECL +.L SERVICES
EXALTED RULER: That we may better understand the meaning of our Flag, I
call upon brother iNamei for the history of the Flag.
THE FLAG: ITS HISTORY
Heraldry is as old as the human r ace. The carrying of banners has been a custom
among all peoples to all ages. These banners usually contain some concept of _he life or
government of those who fashion them.
The evolution of the American Flag marks the progression of the government of
the American people.
From the landing of the Pilgrims, in 1620. unni 11-75, the Flag of England was the
Flag of the Peoples of America.
In 1775, the Pine Flag was adopted for all colonial vessels. and this was the banner
carried by the continental forces in the Battle of Bunker Hill.
iMusic: "Yankee Doodle. 'I
(Enter Pine Tree Flag.)
The Southern colonies from 1776 to 1777 used the Snake Flag.
(Music: 'Chester, L.M.' )
(Enter Snake Flag.)
In the latter part of 1775 the Continental Congress appointed a committee to
consider the question of a single Flag for the thirteen colonies. That committee
recommended a design of thirteen alternate stripes of red and white, with an azure field
in the upper corner bearing the red cross of St. George and the white cross of St.
Andrew. John Paul Jones, the senior lieutenant of the flag ship "Alfred," hoisted this
Flag to the masthead on December 3, 1775, and one month later it was raised over the
headquarters of General Washington at Cambridge, Massachusetts. °In compliment,"
as he wrote, "to the United Colonies,"
(Music: , A Successful Campaign.')
(Enter above described Flag.)
This Flag, called "The Continental Colors" and "The Grand Union," was never
carried in the field by the Continental land forces, out it was used by the navy as its
exclusive ensign, and was the first American Flag to receive a salute of honor, a salute of
eleven guns from the Fort of Orange in the Dutch West Indies.
In response to a general demand for a banner more representative of our country,
the Congress on June 14, 1777, provided: —
'That the Flag of :he United States Se thvteen stripes of alternating red
and winim and that the union be thirteen stars, white on a clue :ield,
:epresenzing a new constellatioc"
(Music "Hail Columbia, Happy Land.'
iEnter above described Flag.f
FT -i,G D.%,1' RITUAL if
Ic is generally believed that in \4av or June of 1776 a comzminee consisting of
George Washington, Robert \forrs and George Ross commissioned Bets%• Ross. a
Philadelphia Quakeress, rc make a Flag from a rough design iney left with her. It s said
chat she suggested that the scars should have five oomts, -acne- -han six.
This Barr: banner .vas first flown at For, Stanwix. called For, Schuvle- ac .hat
time, near the city of Rome, -New York. on August 177 7, and va, under fire three da%ts
toter at the bactle of Oriskany. Acieusc 6, 1777, during a Brash and Indian attack.
The ;first official salute to the Stars and Stripes was gmen on February 14, 17-1,8, by
France, on the French coast, when the "Ranger," under command of Jonn Paul hones,
was saluted by the French fleet.
This Flag, then carried by the 'Ranger," was made by the voung women of
P•:'rtamouch, New Hampshire, tromz stripes of their best colored silk dresses and the
white wedding gown of a recent bride.
Ic is said that this same "Rangers" Flag was flown by cones' snip. the' Bon Homme
Richard" in its thrilling fight by moonlight. upon the high seas, with the British frigate
•'Serapis. •• When the •5erapis'• struck her colors, the immortal fame of John Paul Jones
was insured as the intrepid defender of the youthful republic.
The original thirteen Stars and Stripes represented the original thirteen colonies.
In 1795 two additional Stars and Stripes was added to represent admission to the Union
of Vermont and Kentucky. Under this banner of fifteen Stars and Stripes was fought the
War of 1812. It was sight of is flying over Fort McHenry. on September 14, 1814, that
inspired Francis Scott Rey to write what was to become our national anthem, 'The Star
Spangled Banner."
Miss Margaret Young, who cut the stars for that particular banner, subsequently
became the mother of Henry Sanderson. the Grand Exalted Ruler of the Order of Elks
in 1884.
lMus¢: 'The .`tar Spangled Banner.')
(Enter above described Flag.)
The Congress on April 14. 1818, adopted a resolution that on and after July 4.
1818, the number of stripes should be thirteen and that the blue field should carry one
star for each of the twenty states in the union and that a new star should be added for
each state thereafter admitted.
(Muss: "America.')
;Enter above described Flag i
.Since 1918, there has been no chance in the Flag design exceot that twenty -eight
new stars were added before iuly 4, 1913, and this Flag of forty -eight stars flew, over :his
nation for forty -seven years until just be *ore the Vietnam War.
;MUSIC.
y, BT 0,F. RiTC:.LS -)F SPECIAL SERVICES
iEnter
48 star Flag.
On luly 4, 1(954, a star `d as added. for -- Alaska. �?ui first non- conneQed 5iate and a
year later, Hawaii, our island state added a fifueth star Our present Flag — tlfty Mars
and -hirteen stripes.
Muvc. i
.Enter
50 star Flag
1, ,,duce color guard:: ,
EXALTED RULER: Please stand and salute our Flag.
EXALTED RULER: !Produces the Flag, holding it in his hands. The Organist
Plays softly "The Star Spangled Banner.") -`,a this emblem is first in our hearts as loyal
.Smericans, so is it close to our altar as local Elks. The gentle breezes with lingering
caress kiss the folds of no Flay which can compare with it to beauty. There is no such red
in budding rose, in rolling leaf or sparkling wine; no such white in .`lpril blossom, in
crescent moon or mountain snow. no such 'blue in woman's eve. in oceans depth or
heaven's domei and no such pageantry of clustering :tars and streaming light in all the
spectrum of the sea and sky.
EXALTED RULER: Please be seated.
EXALTED RULER: Our Flag is at once a history, a declaration and a prophecy. It
represents the .'American nation as it was at its binh; it speaks for what it is today; and it
holds the opportunity for the future to add other stars to the glorious constellation.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is the first and only fraternal body to
require formal observance of "Flag Day.' In July of 1908. the Grand Lodge of this
Order, at Dallas, Texas. then assembled, provided for the annual nationwide observance
of "Flag Day' on the 14th of June in each year, by making it mandatory upon each
Subordinate Lodge of the Order.
This unique distinction as the originator of "Flag Day" is most becoming to the
l Order of Elks. This Order is distinctively American. Only American citizens are eligible
to join it and it has no foreign affiliations. It has linked its destiny with the destiny of our
country and made this Flag its symbol of self - dedication to God, to country, and to
fellowmen.
EXALTED RULER: Please stand and join in singing "God Bless America."
EXALTED RULER: Please be seated.
RESPONSE
ISuitaole introduction. This is mandatary To 6e cieiiveted by a brother
desi¢nated by the Esaited Ruler )
r • .tip � •1Y.
FL A G DAY RITUAL 45
The Stars and Stripes, Flag of the United States of America! The world -wide hope
of all who. under God. would be free to I ve and do His will.
I upon its folds is written the story of America - the epic of the mightiest and noblest
in all histon,,,
In the days when peoples of the old world groveled in abject homage to the heresy
of "The divine right of Kings ", a new constellation appeared in the western skies, the St ars
and Stripes, symbolizing the divine right of all men to life, liberty. happiness and peace
under endowment by their Creator.
To what man is given words adequate to tell the story of the building of this nation?
That Immortal story is written in blood and sweat, in heroic deeds and unremitting toil.
in clearing the primeval forests and in platting of vast prairies where once the coyote and
buffalo roamed. Onward swept the nation, spanning wide rivers, leaping vast mountain
ranges. leaving in its path villages and farms, factories and cities, fill at last this giant nation
stood astride the continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
This is the heritage of the people of the United States. It has been repurchased by each
succeeding generation and must be rewon again. again and again until the end of time. lest
it too shall pass like the ancient Empires of Greece and Rome.
"The price of liberty is eternal vigilance" What was won at Lexington and Concord
and Bunker Hill had to be repurchased at Ticonderoga and Yorktown.
What John Paul Jones achieved upon the high seas in the War of Independence had
to be repurchased by Commodore Perry on Lake Erie in the War of 1812.
The prestige of Admiral Dewey's victory at Manila Bay in 1898 was rewon by the
naval battles in the seas about the far-distant islands of the Pacific after the sneak attacks
upon Pearl Harbor and Manila in 1 941 had summoned our country to assume its role in
World War 11.
What our troops achieved under the Stars and Strips at Chateau - Thierry and
Flanders in World War 1. their sons were required to repurchase in World War 11 in the
bloody trek across northern Africa, on the beachheads of Europe and in the Battle of the
Bulge.
The Flag our American men raised at Iwo Jima was the same Flag later raised in the
defense of Inchon. Pusan and Pork Chop Hill in far-off Korea. Then another generation
under the same Flag bled to stem the threat of communism in far-off Vietnam.
Our young people were again called to carry our Flag in the defense of a free world
in the actions in Grenada and Panama Willingly. our brave men and women carried our
Flag and the honor of the American people into battle in Operation Desert Storm.
The greatest significance of this Flag, however, hes in the influence it has in the hearts
and minds of millions of people. It has waved over the unparalleled progress of a nation
in developing democratic institutions, scientific and technological knowledge. education
and culture. It has served as a beacon for millions of poor and oppressed refugees abroad
and stands as a promise that the under - privileged will not be forgotten,
44 B.P.O.E. RITUALS OF SPECLAL. SER'OCES
What is the meaning of the Flag of the United States? There can never be a definitive
answer to that question. There are people in this world who see it as a symbol of
imperialism: others see it as a destiny of the people. But reference to these and similar
views of the Flag was resolved by Woodrow Wilson when he said: "This Flag, which we
honor and under which we serve. is the emblem of our unity. our power. our thought and
shape of this nation. It has no other character than that which we give it from generation
to generation. The choices are ours."
Only love. true love of our fellowman, can create peace. The emblem and token of
that love is the Stars and Stripes. the symbol of the American way of fife.
"Our Fathers' God. to Thee,
Author of liberty.
To Thee we sing
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light.
Protect us by Thy might
Great God. our King."
EXALTED RULER: Brother Esquire. how shall we further honor our Flag?
ESQUIRE: The Flag is formally honored by the Pledge of Allegiance. This Pledge
waswritten in 1892 by Francis Bellamyand published in "The Youth's Companion" cis part
of a patriotic campaign of that magazine. The Pledge did not become part of the Flag Code
until 1942, and in 1954, the phrase "Under God" was added.
EXALTED RULER: Let us all stand and pledge ourselves never to forget the
principles represented by this Flag.
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for
which it stands: one National under God, indivisible. with Liberty and Justice for all.
EXALTED RULER: Please be seated
(floral Bell Ceremony - optional)
(Suitable introduction)
ORATION
i (Oration optional)
EXALTED RULER: In conclusion of this observance of Flag Day. let us rededicate
ourselves to the Flag of the United States of America and may the principles of Charity.
Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity ever increase in each of us.
EXALTED RULER: I now declare this service closed.
it
_v..�.
RITUAL
FLORAL BELL OF LIBERTY
(This pan is optional. If used preparation should be made as follows. Upon
the Esteemed Leading Knight s stand should repose a representation in red roses
of tine base or lower third of a lorai Libemry Bell. upon the Esre°_med Loyal
Knights stand should rest a representation in white lines of the middle section
of the floral bell—about one -dvrd die whole size of the bell. Lwn the Esteemed
Lecturing Knights stand should repose a representation in violets of the third
or uppersection of the bell. Upon the E ;abed Rulers stand should be. a straight
cross -piece made of evergreen: or green material, and decorated vita thirteen
stars made of silver or gold paper. The bell should be so constructed that she
red, white and blue sections will Lt one upon the other. thus forming a saw
metrical representation of the object. The cross -piece should be made to ni into
the upper or blue section of the bell. forming a beam. from which the bell may
be supposed to depend. While these several sections rest upon the officers
stands, they should be concealed with purple cloth sufficiende large to cover
the stand and foram a neat decoration.)
EXALTED RULER: Brother Esquire. what further duty devolves upon us in
memory of this day'
ESQUIRE: To erect upon our Altar the FIoral Bell of Liberty.
EXALTED RULER: With the assistance of the proper officers you Nvill proceed
to the performance of that durv.
(Esquire removes purple covering at station of Esteemed Leading Knight,
disclosing the first section of the floral bell, composed of red roses, which the
Esteemed Leading Knight places in position on the Altar. The Esquire will re-
main standing at Esteemed Leading Knights station until that officer shall have
returned. when he will proceed to Esteemed Loyal Knights station. While re-
manning at this and other stations. the Esquire will fold and replace purple cloth
on officer's stand.)
ESTEEMED LEADING Iuti7GHT.- As flowers are the expression of every Iofty
sentiment in life. I bring these roses to form the base of this symbol of patriotism. Their
color, as employed in our national flag, signifies courage. lovalty, and devotion.
( Esteemed Leading Knight returns to his srauon. Esquire removes covering
at station of Esteemed Loyal Kmighi, disclosing the second section of the bell,
composed of white lilies, which the Esteemed Loyal knight places in position
at the Altar, resting upon the first section. The Esquire will remain standing
at his station until the Esteemed Loyal Knight shall have returned, when he
will proceed to station of Esteemed Lecturing Knight.)
ESTEEMED LOI:9L KNIGHT: As the central figures of this tribute I bring these
lilies. Their color, as showm in the emblem we celebrate, represents the dominant virtues
of charity, purity, and truth.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: turrits a. his station. Esquire removes covering
at station of Esteemed Lecmriag Knight. disciosing the third weigh of the aeil.
composed of boles. which the Esteemed Lecturing Knight oiaCes it; position
at the Altar. resting on thesecmdsecdon. The Esquire will remain at this station
until the return of the Esteemed Lecturing !might, when he ;till proceed :o
the station of the Exalted Ruler.)