The weekly Iberian. (New Iberia, La.) 1894-1946, 1909-06-19
FLAG DAY,
o.
JUNE I4th, 1909.
l3Oth Anniversary, Flag Day
Exercises, EIks I.o dye,
New Iberia.

J New IBERIA.
receive an invitation on this interest
,ng occasion congratulated thomst Ives
There was much to learn, and yer,
much to enjoy.
The Elk's Home was a blaze Of elec
trio light. Especially did ,he huge
IIik's horns at the entrance wink ant
blink, dazzling one with its startling
brightness. The parlors aud lodge
rooms were elaborately decorated with
purple and white. in garlands and
branches, and hanging bells. all grace
fully c,mmipgled with Gags, large and
small everywhere. The company as
sembl,ng greeted one another socially.
They were delightful folks who knew
each other, and every one wearing a
small flag as "A boutonnierc.
At eight o'clock Miss Anna Rlanchet
who presided at the organ struck the
first strain of"The Star Spangled Ban
ncr,' What an inspiring old song it
is, ever to those who remember with
reverence, the "Bonny Blue Flag
that bore a single star" All the
Lodge joined IN the singing, some in
the audience very sweet and low the
old refrain. They could not help it.
Then followed the opening excr-
cises, each officer responding when
asked TO tell what was the meaning of
the order from his Official point OF
view. Charity -Erotherly love-Fideli-
Truth, and through all and in all
Love of our country.
When the opening prayer was read,
the lights were turned low. excepting
that of a brilliant star over the central
dias. 1t was an impressive moment,
the young officer reading in clear
distinct voice the invocation to Heaven
for blessing upon work SO filed with
good will toward men.
Then followed the reading of the |
History of the Flag by Ventrcss J
Smith. The Flag is emblem Of tie
Elks, and every thing connected with
it is incorporated in their manual.
This history. read admirably by Mr.
Smith, was full of information from
The first crude suggestion of a Flag,
through the various transitions many
n number) until it reached our own
Star Spangled Banner. Now if you
want to kXow all this interesting data,
,etter join the Elks; this would be the
,est and quickest way.
Maryland, my Maryland. was then
nng by the Elks quartette, Nat Dau-
erive, Henry j. Smith. Armand
and 7. A. Dauterive, who
we're ably assisted by ccrnets played
" Messrs. BarrancO and Girard A
cry mysterious ceremony then be-
an. Mr.. Henry Smith stepped to the
las in front of'each of the principal
fIicers, and from the first brought a 9
irc!c of red, roses, Red signifytng $
ourage, strength and other virtues
{ a kindred nature. This he placed I
n the central dias. From another /
de he brought circle of white lilies, $
1ese he put above the roses, these cir {
es graduated. From the other dias he |,
rought mass OF purple violcts in the n
,rm of the top of bell. The whole II
,rming lovely floral he'll. Each Il
,lor carrying its own significance. b
hite purity. blue fidelity, truth, etc, q,
very pretty conception, nicely ear a
ed out. Across the top bar of blue g,
ith II glistcning white stars. Then .,
lc Lodge sang America with vim as
'ough my Country" meant some. in
ing to each one Of them. +
1.-The Tribute to the Flag by Capt G,
'hite. was really poem in prose, 40 h,
ch was it. its figures Of speech, in b,
ne descriptions and interesting facts le
ell told. tr
Then followed the singing of Aud m
.ng-Syne by the qnartette, assisted 81
severafiadies, the NJ isses Blanchet, a,
iss Annie Archer, in fact these ladies G,
ntributed their sweet voices in all a.
e music. VI
Then followed the Grafton "Why s,
e Elks Honor the Flag" by Mr.. d,
Inn J. Robiera, of Crowley Lodge, N
D. 145. W
This was indeed rare treat. A "
present said: "Just shut
,ur ewes and you are back in old re
where every boy hopes to be m
orator like Messrs. Clay. Brecken- Ii.
Ige or Tom Mitchell. ii,
This speech was repleie with inter co
ing facts and beautiful sentiments, m
d the very soul of patriotism gave 1t tr,
ing power to touch every mind and
art. to
u these days, when our fair daugh tn
3 are taking their fathers hard th
med money (made by peddling or Tc
milling in stocks and buying ,
nces and no account Counts and wi
kes on bargain days, 1t is very ne TIL
sary to teach the youth of our land wi
love their country and honor her m.
Z. The Elks are an American In ca,
htion, the Flag ~ their emblem. ha
e courage. truth and self sacrifice int
ich filed the breats of the men no