Charles City Elks host Flag Day ceremony

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Elks celebrated the anniversary of the adoption of the United States flag by hosting the annual Flag Day ceremony on Friday, June 14.

The program began with Will Holzer singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by an introduction from Mayor Dean Andrews, who thanked the Elks for keeping the Flag Day tradition going.

Through the ceremony the Elks Exalted Ruler Zach Sullivan, along with Larry Michehl, Brad Sindt, Casey Eves and Jessica Hallett recited a history of the flag, explaining the significance of flags in general and detailing the evolution of the United States Flag specifically, from its commission by Betsy Ross in 1776 to the addition of its 50th star in 1960 after Hawaii became a state.

“Upon its folds is written the story of America,” recited Sullivan. “The epic of the mightiest and noblest in all of history.”

The ceremony concluded with taps, performed by Lyle Western, and the Pledge of Allegiance by the assembly.