Military veterans listen to the Elk Flag Day Ceremonial Ritual. KBUR/Meghan D’Souza
Community members gathered alongside veterans at the Mississippi Valley Veterans Memorial on Saturday.
The Mississippi Valley Veterans’ Memorial committee and Burlington Iowa Elks Lodge #84 hosted the Flag Day Ceremony at the memorial to honor and share the history of Flag Day. The event took place this Saturday before the June 14 holiday with the goal of giving more folks and opportunity to participate.
Hamilton-Walters Marine Corps League Det. 616 Burlington Area Honor Guard prepare for the Presentation of Colors. KBUR/ Meghan D’Souza
Special guest Colonel Gregory T. Poland, a Burlington native who just received his promotion days ago, gave a speech about what it means to serve, and touched on the importance of Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans’ Day as well as the meaning of Flag Day.
Many folks mesh the patriotic holidays together. In fact, Memorial Day is intended to honor those who died while serving in the military. Colonel Poland remarked that for the families of those who lost loved ones in the service, everyday is Memorial Days.
Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11 and honors all who have served in the military.
Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag on June 14, 1777. It has been observed by The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks since 1907. This is why Elks Lodge #84 proudly co-hosted the event.
Mississippi Valley Veterans Memorial Committee Member Gary Roberts explained, “It’s a celebration of a symbol of our country — one of the symbols of our country— the American flag. We hold it in highest aim, of course.”
Flag Day didn’t become a national day of observation until President Harry Truman signed it into law in 1948.
Colonel Poland, who has served in the military for 23 years, ended his inspiring speech with this reminder:
“As we celebrate Flag Day, I would challenge each one of you to remember that it wasn’t where you served, or when you served, or how long you served. What matters most is that you served.”
