Cape Henlopen Elks present Flag Day program

Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540 of Lewes held a Flag Day luncheon June 14.

Since 1911, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is the first and only fraternal organization to require formal observance of Flag Day.

Members of the Cape Henlopen High School JROTC Honor Guard presented the colors with the U.S. and POW flags.

Exalted Ruler Marty Schreck and other officers shared the significance of the American flag. Charles Kortlang gave a history of the flag's design through the years as each flag rendition was carried in by fellow Elks; the last was carried by the lodge's distinguished member, 101-year-old George McCarthy, a World War II Army Air Corps veteran.

Kortlang and William McMahon demonstrated the solemn and meticulous folding of the U.S. flag, as Treasurer Karen Palmer described the meanings assigned to each of its folds, resulting in its precise triangular “pillow.”

Americanism Chair Terrie Bradley announced winners of the essay and poster contests, and presented certificates to those in attendance. Honorees are Madison North, Charles Gifford, Daisy Curtis, Luz Chilel Zacarias, Gwendolyn Runkle and Joseph Izquierdo-Gavilan.

The guest speaker, retired U.S. Army Col. Craig H. Glassner, gave a moving recollection of his personal journey of 41 years in service to the country and his memories of the 9/11 attacks, when he was an employee of the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C.

The Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge is one of the local patriotic organizations that follow U.S. flag etiquette in regard to the respectful and safe disposal of faded and discarded flags. A collection of worn flags was presented to the flag retirement team and promptly taken outside to be solemnly retired with dignity in the Elks’ specially designed fire pit.