Americanism

2024

In Elk Parlance, Americanism is love of the American Flag which encompasses the Fly the Flag Program, Patriotism Week, Essay Contest, our Flag Dedication (day), Flag Retirement (day), and Flag Day.

2021

Fiscal 2022 has begun with the unveiling of six new military signs that will flank Old Glory on the front yard.

Space Force: Tuesday May 18
(L to R – all former Veteran Committee Chairs) David Roeth, Bart Castelli, Bob Cameron, & Steve Milla
Air Force: Tuesday May 11
(L to R) A.J. Ford (Exalted Ruler) and David Roeth (Esquire & former Veterans Chair).
Coast Guard: Tuesday May 4.
The new Lodge Auxiliary were on hand during Veteran Committee Chairman John Winkler’s presentation prior to unveiling sign four of six.
Marines: Tuesday April 20
(L to R). John Winkler (Veterans Committee Chair & Navy Ret.) Anthony Scarpelli, Rob Scarpelli (Marine Ret.), A.J. Ford (Exalted Ruler).
Navy: Tuesday April 13
(L to R) A.J. Ford (Exalted Ruler) and David Roeth (Esquire & former Veterans Chair).
Army: Tuesday April 6
(L to R) Ken Winkler, Father (Ret. Army) and John Winkler (Veterans Chair, Navy Ret.).
When returning from an extended 2020 Lodge closure (per a Saint Louis County Covid directive) we found ‘Air Force’ disturbingly on the ground. Soon it was properly disposed which lead to the Americanism Committee new sign project.

2020

The ambition and goal of the Americanism Program is to quicken the spirit of American patriotism and to stimulate an awareness — a genuine feeling of pride and respect toward patriotism — so that we as Members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will become constant reminders to the people of our Nation that America truly means freedom and that CARE and SHARE.

The Grand Lodge Fraternal Committee and State Association and Local Lodge Americanism Committees are charged with implementing the patriotic activities of the Order. Each Lodge should take part in as many of these programs as possible to have a diversified impact for Americanism in their area.

The Order has a great tradition of promoting patriotism at the national, state and community levels. The Grand Lodge Americanism Manual (Code 512000) is devoted to this cause, and Committee members must be thoroughly familiar with its provisions as they relate to projects, procedures, promotions and awards.  The Americanism committee maintains the Flag Pole area and oversees the Flag Day Rituals, Flag Retirements, and Flag Dedications.

The ambition and goal of the Americanism Program is to quicken the spirit of American patriotism and to stimulate an awareness — a genuine feeling of pride and respect toward patriotism — so that we as Members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will become constant reminders to the people of our Nation that America truly means freedom and that Elks CARE and Elks SHARE.

Upcoming Americanism events include the Flag Dedication ceremony (Thursday March 18, 2021), Flag Day Ritual (Sunday June 14, 2021), and Retirement Ritual (Thursday September 23, 2021).

Jerry Wittenauer: Americanism
314-276-5736 = mobile
[email protected]