Arizona republican., 1918-06-15
Flag Day Ceremony Is Made
 All More Impressive by Storm Which Stimulates Conditions at War Front


 dramatic craftsman ever attempted. While the wind of the fast gather ing storm followed the flags that decorated the stand and were hung behind it. as though in acknowledg ment of the annual patriotic tribute being paid to the nations emblem by the Phoenix lodge of Elks, the lightn- ng flashed across the dark sky in company with the ever-increasins thunder, in pigmy likenesses of the flash and roar of the artillery over the trenches of the American front tn Flanders now guarded by the Iame emblem.
 And another tribute was being paid last night, for with the coming of the rain, the people braved the wet, loath to lose any part of the elo- uuent address being delivered by Cleon T. Knapp of Bsbee, the orator of the occasion. It was an unusual scene. The few electric lights on the nearby standards were extinguished. and the speaker could hardly he dis ccrnod on the stand but still the audience remained until a rush of rain brought the address and the eX- trcises to an abrupt end.
 An Annual Event
 
 event with the Order of Elks. had heen arranged with much care by the local lodge of Elks, but were destined to be sadly disarranged by the weather. For several years the Phoenix Elks have held these eXer- cises which are mandatory in that order.
 A. A. Betts. exalted rules of the Phoenix lodge, presided at the exer- riscs which were opened by the flag ritual of the order. a beautiful cere- mony. The history of the flag was read by Jesse Wanslee, a member Of the order Mir Wanslee described the birth of the flag. from its first adop- ton, 140 years ago yesterday. until the present emblem designed by Betsy Ross.
 James T. Lavin delivered the tri- hute to the flag. but cut 1t short on account of the gathering storm and a desire to give the people an opportunity to hear at least portion of the address by Mir. Knapp. This part of the exercises was closed by tho Rev. Bertrand R. Cocks with the following prayer:
 Prayer By Rev. Cocks
 Almighty God our Heavenly Father. we thank Thee for the mani fold mercies which Thou hast show cred on US We bow before this altar in acknowledgement of Thy goodness in submission to Thy will We are mindful today of our fathers whom Thou leddest forth. We remember them, not only as wise in council but as valiant in battle, not only as far-seeing statesmen, but as brave warriors and incorruptible patriots f- hA which they fought and died, and o which our flag is emblematic. May the lesson of this anniversary increas' within our hearts love of country, lov' of home. love of righteousness. May its influence advance the cause O iustice in every land, and make fol universal brotherhood throughout thu world
 we ask Thy protection for oul soldiers and sailors, that they. armed bv Thy defense, may he delivered from their enemies and bring inst and righteous peace to us ant to our allies. We commend our na ton to Thy guidance and Thy wis dom. 10 the keeping of Thy love. De lend us in Thy might and grant tha Thy blessing may rest upon us an' all Thy children. Amen
 
 school band Exalted Ruler Betts in uoduced the speaker of the occasion Sir. Knapp. At that time the ran already wa. falling and Mir. hnall sts,ed that te did not expect anyon 10 remain in the rain to hear hi address. Nevertheless, scarcely per son in the audience left, giving tn -losest of attention to the speaker ,louuont talk until at last driven | cover by the downpour.
 Mir. Knapp spoke as follows.
 MT. knapp's Address
 The flag is the symbol of our na tional life. It represents our aspira tions-it pictures cAr hopes-it IS tn emblem of our national ideal - ou strength and purpose. It is what W make it. It is glorified by our loft attainments-it is sullied by our fail ur,s. It waves over us here as a guar artee of democratic rights-it calls t the peoples of other nations. Its dream are the dreams of a mighty people. has never entered a conflict except O Tho side of right. It has never know defeat, and, through the living Go who made us, never will. It is greate than the eagles undeA which the Ro man empire fought-grander than tn cregccuts of the Saracenic race-noble than the banners Of tho crusaders C the middle ages-most beautiful in har mony of colors and what it represent than any national emblem that flies.
 Honor in Honor
 To-day we honor ourselves by hon rrlng it-and through the patriotisr of that typical American brotherhoo the Order of Elks-we are gathers to pay it due homage. l wish that
 T some thouGht-picture some ideal - that would tell tie story of the flal but I feel unequal to the task It story stretches from Plymouth Roc t1 Flanders. It's story is the story ( a million heart aches and a millio chcers-of the thunder of battlefield and the quiet of humble firesides-c rich and poor--the story of the million of race whose efforts through a cen u.ry and more have made real tn dream of the common people.
 Pioneer Patriots
 Were 1 word painter I woul paint for you the history of thos pilgrim fathers. But no painter ( words can truly tell the story of th patriotism of those rough and read men as they fought their war of inde pendence against the tyrannical rule ( a half-crazy Hanoverian king and h plundering ministry. Their deeds ( sacrifice have been written in the own blood upon the pages of histor The blood they left in the snows Valley Forge is but an incident anon their many sufferings. Half make starving and freezing. it is little wor der that George Washington prayed the Heavenly Father for a great VI, tory to bring hope to those falterir spirits.