The copper era and Morenci leader., 1922-06-16
ELKsCOMMEM EMORATE
 FLAG DAY WITH A PATRIOTIC PROGRAM

The annual Flag Day Exercises of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks', under the auspices of the Clifton Lodge 1174, was held at the Auditorium on Wednesday evening with a musical and patriotic program both pleasing and inspiring.
 Mrs. T. J. Penfield presided at the piano and the audience joined in sing ing patriotic airs with a vim that testified to the spirit of the occasion. Exalted Ruler Frank, Springer cor ducted the ritualistic exercises assist ed by the officers of the Lodge by Peter Riley who gave history of the Flag Record and Mark | Knight woh read the Elks tribute to the Flag Master Archibald Cashion recited "The Elks' American Creed" made by David w Ling and Chas. In the course of his remarks Bro. Ling said: We have met here tonight, to re- new our vows of allegiance to the nations flag. The whole commuu- ity has been asked to join with us, that all may receive part of the benefits the occasion inspires.
 ITO those not familiar with the teachings of our order, 1 will say it is founded upon Americanism- The American flag occupies a place of prominence in our halls. Our altars are ever draped in it's folds and the significance of it's presence there IS impressed upon the mind and memory of each newly made brother. ..
 AS the flag of our country is oui most cherished emblem. so the teach ings of free government are the groundwork of our order. To be ali Elk is to be an American, and with out this qualification, one can never hope to share our mysrcriGS-
 "Our creed teaches a belief in the United States of America, as govern ment of the people by the peoplo. for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic, a sovereign nation of many sovereiSN states; a perfect union, one and in Separable established upon the prin- ciples of freedom, equality, justice and humanity, for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.
 We therefore believe it is our duty to our country to. love it; to support its constitution; to obey it's laws.
 You have heard our creed and can Know the pleasure we derive from the due observances of this day, which belongs to the flag alone.
 Flags have always had their place in the affairs of peoples and of na- tions. Whn conflict rages they be- come an inspiration to those who struggle in their defense, and with the dawn of peace, they urge acti- vity in the pursuit of that peace and its attendant blessings.
 We know that flags or their sub- stitutes, by reminding men of past resolves, past deeds and past heroes, have served to arouse those senti- ments of honor personal devotion and patriotism, so essential to sue cess in warfare.
 And thus it is with our flag. Each time we view it, if we be in re- flective mood, the hundred tales ot valor it has inspired are called to mind.
 There is today flag repos1ng in the Capitol at Phoenix. It is ragged and tattered; it's texture hangs lit shreds; the colors are faded and be- dimmed with the cloak of grime it wears Those who pause to gaze upon this flag may well believe it has seen the battles fiercest front; that it had its baptism of shell and fire.
 ''I recall when first I saw this particular flag It was on sum- mer's day, in the north, in this state. The wild music of war filled the air !, the public square was thrOnged with these who had come to bid farewell; i; she eyes of the assemblage were upon a company of men ill the uniform o1 their country These men were 90 ing away to war.
 Near the close of the ceremonies their leader was called from among his fellows and in his hands Was placed this flag. He was enJoinec to guard it well and to defend it even with his life.
 q remember how the breezes tos . sed it's folds of purest silk. bound in golden braid It was a flag to Inspire delight; a perfect work of the flas makers art.
 q recall later day No martial music filled the air; the boisterous drum was stilled; the appeal of the orator was no longer heard; silence had decended like the pail of night We were told that Buckeye O'Nel had died on San Juan Hill; that he to whose charge this flag was given had found the serenity of deatt beneath it's fold.
 And so it is that each of us, from his own recollection, can add chap ter to the sublime story of patriotic love and devotion.
 ''But yesterday, the Old World was in the throes of the mightiest con flict that ever scared the soul of liv ing man. Reason had fled. Mighty nations, armed with the hideou' engines of modern warfare, sought each others destruction.
 "A war crazed bigot had enthrallet the spiritual, moral and industria life of the German Empire with thu dominance of his despotism ant threatened to fasten it's odious letter: np on the civilized world. A cOntin