Lake Taneycomo Elks Lodge 2597 will host a fish fry on Saturday, June 15, at the Elks Lodge, 12951 U.S. Hwy. 160, Forsyth. Cost is $15 for this community event, which will feature a flag ceremony held at 5 p.m. followed by the fish dinner at 6 p.m. Please RSVP for the dinner at 417-546-2597.
Many people may not realize the long-standing connection between Flag Day and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in the United States. In 1907, June 14 was designated by the Elks as Flag Day, with mandatory observance by every Lodge adopted in 1911, a requirement that still stands today. This prompted President Woodrow Wilson to recognize the annual observance, and in 1949, President Harry Truman, himself a member of the Elks in Independence Missouri, signed the proclamation officially making June 14 a National Day of Observance in honor of the symbol of our country.
In addition to a strong commitment to patriotic values, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is committed to serving their communities. Lodge 2597 holds an annual Toy Run in partnership with the Freedom Riders each November/December, providing toys and coats to approximately 300 area children. Other projects include Operation Giveback, a quarterly event to provide boxes of food and toiletries to area seniors; scholarships to area high school seniors; and grants for other worthwhile community efforts. Lodge 2597 also hosts the Forsyth Area Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, and holds regular fun event nights at the lodge; lodge rental is also available for special events. (In Stone County, Kimberling City Elks 2505 offers similar opportunities for service and fellowship; see article this issue about partnership with Veterans of the Ozarks for the Kimberling City Police Department K9 fundraiser.)
If the Elks sounds like a great way you would like to get involved in serving the community and meeting new friends, call 417-546-2597, or email bpoe2597@gmail.com; or check out www.elks.org.
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