Archive for May, 2010
New Front Page
“I Am Your Flag”
(Author Unknown GL Americanism Manual BPOE Code 51200)
Some people call me Old Glory, others call me the Star Spangled Banner, but whatever they call me, I am your Flag — the Flag of the United States of America.
Something has been bothering me, so I thought I might talk it over with you, because you see, it is about you and me.
I remember some time ago people lined up on both sides of the street to watch the parade and, naturally, I was leading every parade, proudly waving in the breeze. When your daddy saw me coming, he immediately removed his hat and placed it against his left shoulder so that his hand was directly over his heart — remember?
What happened? I’m still the same old Flag. Oh, I have a few more stars since you were a boy and a lot more blood has been shed since those parades of long ago.
But now I don’t feel as proud as I used to. When I come down your street and you just stand there with your hands in your pockets, I may get a small glance and then you look away. Then I see children running around and shouting — they don’t seem to know who I am.
I saw a man take his hat off, then look around. He didn’t see anybody else with theirs off, so he quickly put it back on. And what about that night at the ball game, when they played the “Star Spangled Banner” and I waved so proudly in the breeze, but nobody bothered to sing? Oh, they stood up, all right, as sort of a mild patriotic gesture, but then they talked among themselves about the game and weather, but they did not sing. I felt hurt.
Is it a sin to be patriotic? Have you forgotten what I stand for and where I have been? Anzio, Guadacanal, Korea, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf. Take a look at the memorial honor rolls sometime — names of those who never came back — who gave their lives to keep this republic free.
One nation, under God. When you salute me, you are saluting them.
I may not be coming down your street for a long time, as it seems that patriotic parades are a thing of the past. But when I do, will you do me a big favor?
Stand up straight, place your right hand over your heart, and if they play the “Star Spangled Banner,” sing out loud and clear. I will salute you by waving back.. Show me you remember.
THAD EURE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD: This is an award by the North Carolina Elks Association that is not given freely or necessarily annually unless an Elk merits its high standards. Among our own, we have a member who has served in all capacities within our Lodge. On a state 
level he has served on numerous committees including State President. On the Grand Lodge level he has served on committees and still serves as a Special Representative to the Grand Exalted Ruler. Outside of the Elks he has been and still is an active member of our community in many ways. It has been my greatest honor and privilege as Exalted Ruler of the Sanford Elks Lodge to serve on a committee that nominated one of our most valued members. Please join me in congratulating Lee Littiken who has attained the level of the Thad Eure Distinguished Service Award presented at the 2010 State Spring Convention .
Member-Guest Charity Golf Tournament Results
| Championship Flight: | 1st – Jimmy Martin and Ray Roch 2nd Kent Johnson and Jody Douglas |
| First Flight: | 1st Tom Eshbach and Danny Babb 2nd Brent Smith and James Demyan |
| Second Flight: | 1st Darrick Webster and Brad Wilson 2nd Wayne Freeman Jr and Joe Delvecchio 3rd Mark Brown and Wes Edwards |
| Third Flight: | 1st Phillip McCune and Daniel Buchanan 2nd Norman Paterson and Albert Paterson 3rd – Craig Ellis and Dave Baysek |
| Fourth Flight: | 1st Drew Sullivan and Jevin Smith 2nd Gary Wicker and Mike Ribet 3rd – Todd Pace and William Holder |
