The Sayre Elks Lodge honors the flag

SAYRE — The Sayre Elks Lodge held their annual Flag Day ceremony on Tuesday in Howard Elmer Park.

The event is held every year in observance of Flag Day. The ceremony honored the American flag and what it represents and symbolizes.

Various versions of the flag were displayed. The history of each flag was explained as they flew in the hands of members of the Valley Color Guard.

Sayre Elks Exalted Ruler Pat McDonald said he is glad the event brings the community together to honor the flag.

“We are extremely proud to hold this event each year for the Valley community,” said McDonald, who spoke of the importance of the flag in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. “The cardinal principals of the Order of Elks — charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity — are emblematic of the flag. It’s important for Americans to remember its history, meaning and significance and we are proud to honor that each June.”

Bradford County Commissioner John Sullivan was a guest speaker at the event. He discussed the history of the flag and gave his own meaning to the flag.

“It represents all the men that have died and all the freedoms that they fought for,” Sullivan said. “When I served over in Germany, I used to see the flag and think of home.”