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PHOTO: Scouts in Pittsfield line up for the opening ceremony of the Sebasticook Valley Elks Lodge 2713 of Pittsfield Flag Day ceremony. (Submitted photo)
PITTSFIELD — Cubs and Scouts from around central Maine took part in patriotic demonstrations to honor the flag on Flag Day, June 14, including in Pittsfield, where Scouts joined the Sebasticook Valley Elks Lodge 2713 to mark the day.
“Our flag represnts us all, regardless of economic background, religion, where we were born, or our personal beliefs. Our flag is the symbol we all share and the symbol we all should respect,” said Kennebec Valley District Scouting Chairman Joe Shelton, of China. “Scouting honored the U.S. Flag in 1972 by adding it to all BSA uniforms and our current 50 star flag was designed by Scout Robert Heft of Lancaster OH in 1958. Teaching good citizenship is a prominent part of Scouting. I am very proud of our Scouts and leaders who took time to teach our young people why we have Flag Day and what Old Glory means to us all.”
The Elks Club has a special connectin to Flag Day. Margarett Young cut the stars for the flag that flew when Frances Scott Key was inspired to compose the Star Spangled Banner. Young’s son, Henry Sanderson, became the exalted ruler of the Order of Elks in 1884. Since 1908, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is the first and only fraternal body to require formal observance of Flag Day.
Troop 428 was grateful to have the formal opportunity to celebrate the American flag with the Elks, the Scouts said.
