Americanism
Americanism: What it means to us
The ambition and goal of Americanism 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 Elks Share.
Flag Day Ceremonies
Each year on Flag Day (June), officers and members from the local lodges celebrate the freedom our flag represents. Often, there are local Flag Day ceremonies held in the community in which Elks members sponsor and/or participate. Contact your local lodge for dates, times and events.
Pledge of Allegiance
The Elks hold sacred the Pledge of Allegiance and conduct it at the beginning of each and every meeting. We have developed a cartoon video to help educate kids on the Pledge of Allegiance. You can either link to a copy of it on You Tube or download a copy that you can then burn to a CD. Below are links to both options.
Click here to view it on You Tube. Note: The video is not searchable from within You Tube. You must know/have the link to access it. Right Click and Save As...here to download a copy.
The late comedian Red Skelton shares his views of the American pledge of allegiance to the flag, recorded back in 1969, on his CBS television series "The Red Skelton Show". Here's a link to the video on YouTube.
Americanism Essay Contest
Each year the Elks sponsor an essay contest on topics relating to Americanism. The topic for 2021-2022 is "What does it mean to love your country?" We've included the winning essays from the 2020-2021 contest below. If you and/or your school wish to get more information on our contest please contact your local lodge and they can assist you. For local lodges looking for contest information please visit our State Committees section under Member Resources from the top navigation.
The ambition and goal of Americanism 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 Elks Share.
Flag Day Ceremonies
Each year on Flag Day (June), officers and members from the local lodges celebrate the freedom our flag represents. Often, there are local Flag Day ceremonies held in the community in which Elks members sponsor and/or participate. Contact your local lodge for dates, times and events.
Pledge of Allegiance
The Elks hold sacred the Pledge of Allegiance and conduct it at the beginning of each and every meeting. We have developed a cartoon video to help educate kids on the Pledge of Allegiance. You can either link to a copy of it on You Tube or download a copy that you can then burn to a CD. Below are links to both options.
Click here to view it on You Tube. Note: The video is not searchable from within You Tube. You must know/have the link to access it. Right Click and Save As...here to download a copy.
The late comedian Red Skelton shares his views of the American pledge of allegiance to the flag, recorded back in 1969, on his CBS television series "The Red Skelton Show". Here's a link to the video on YouTube.
Americanism Essay Contest
Each year the Elks sponsor an essay contest on topics relating to Americanism. The topic for 2021-2022 is "What does it mean to love your country?" We've included the winning essays from the 2020-2021 contest below. If you and/or your school wish to get more information on our contest please contact your local lodge and they can assist you. For local lodges looking for contest information please visit our State Committees section under Member Resources from the top navigation.
2020-2021 Winning Essays - How can Patriotism be Demonstrated?
This year's winning essay from Division I (5th/6th graders) is from Madeline B from Brainerd Lodge #615.
How can patriotism be demonstrated you ask? Patriotism, otherwise known as national pride, can be demonstrated in many ways, including love, loyalty, enthusiasm, devotion to our homeland and citizenship.
When you think of demonstrating patriotism you think about supporting veterans, properly caring for our flag, etc. One of the best ways you can show your patriotism to the USA is by celebrating Independence Day! It is commemorating July 4th, 1776, the day the Declaration of Independence was announced to all.
Something every living soul should know, is the proper etiquette and manners towards our brilliant, majestic, flying flag, the national anthem, and The Pledge of Allegiance. Like, for instance, while reciting the pledge, or national anthem, place your right palm on your heart, and take off your hat if necessary. That is indicating your respect to the flag and your country.
A great sign of patriotism is anything that makes our country stronger such as equality, anti-racism, love, help, voting, etc. One of the examples I mentioned is to vote. It is a way to signify your honor to the principles which our nation was built upon.
To conclude, you should do your part in the world. Everyone has a role to play. Doing your job, doing homework, being a kid, adjusting to your surroundings, and just being yourself. That is all making your country stronger, and bringing citizens together as one. Patriotism can be demonstrated through actions, words and can be shone brightly through the people who undertake those responsibilities.
This year's winning essay from Division I (7th/8th graders) is from Hannah P from Brainerd Lodge #615.
Patriotism, meaning complete love and devotion to one’s country, can be demonstrated in many ways Some ways are more complex, such as joining juries or being involved in politics, and some ways can be as simple as hanging an American flag outside of your house. But which ways are the most meaningful? Which ways are the most important?
There is no correct answer to those questions. Truthfully, any way you demonstrate patriotism is important and can encourage others to do the same. Patriotism can be demonstrated in a wide variety of forms, including small yet sophisticated ways, like voting, watching parades, and respecting the president. If you want to be more immersed in patriotism, you can donate to or join groups and organizations that support and help the country. You might demonstrate patriotism all the time and don’t know it! Another common example of demonstrating patriotism is going to national parks, visiting memorials, and seeing national museums.
Any person of any age, race, religion and gender can demonstrate patriotism. Adults can serve in the military. Young children can learn about the country and place their hand on their heart for the National Anthem. If you demonstrate patriotism, other people will follow and do the same. Patriotism is essential to positive influences about your country. If there is an aspiring crisis in your country, showing strong acts of patriotism can keep yourself and others positive and hopeful. Remember the easiest way to show patriotism is admiring, appreciating and loving your country, that is the foundation of patriotism.
This year's winning essay from Division I (5th/6th graders) is from Madeline B from Brainerd Lodge #615.
How can patriotism be demonstrated you ask? Patriotism, otherwise known as national pride, can be demonstrated in many ways, including love, loyalty, enthusiasm, devotion to our homeland and citizenship.
When you think of demonstrating patriotism you think about supporting veterans, properly caring for our flag, etc. One of the best ways you can show your patriotism to the USA is by celebrating Independence Day! It is commemorating July 4th, 1776, the day the Declaration of Independence was announced to all.
Something every living soul should know, is the proper etiquette and manners towards our brilliant, majestic, flying flag, the national anthem, and The Pledge of Allegiance. Like, for instance, while reciting the pledge, or national anthem, place your right palm on your heart, and take off your hat if necessary. That is indicating your respect to the flag and your country.
A great sign of patriotism is anything that makes our country stronger such as equality, anti-racism, love, help, voting, etc. One of the examples I mentioned is to vote. It is a way to signify your honor to the principles which our nation was built upon.
To conclude, you should do your part in the world. Everyone has a role to play. Doing your job, doing homework, being a kid, adjusting to your surroundings, and just being yourself. That is all making your country stronger, and bringing citizens together as one. Patriotism can be demonstrated through actions, words and can be shone brightly through the people who undertake those responsibilities.
This year's winning essay from Division I (7th/8th graders) is from Hannah P from Brainerd Lodge #615.
Patriotism, meaning complete love and devotion to one’s country, can be demonstrated in many ways Some ways are more complex, such as joining juries or being involved in politics, and some ways can be as simple as hanging an American flag outside of your house. But which ways are the most meaningful? Which ways are the most important?
There is no correct answer to those questions. Truthfully, any way you demonstrate patriotism is important and can encourage others to do the same. Patriotism can be demonstrated in a wide variety of forms, including small yet sophisticated ways, like voting, watching parades, and respecting the president. If you want to be more immersed in patriotism, you can donate to or join groups and organizations that support and help the country. You might demonstrate patriotism all the time and don’t know it! Another common example of demonstrating patriotism is going to national parks, visiting memorials, and seeing national museums.
Any person of any age, race, religion and gender can demonstrate patriotism. Adults can serve in the military. Young children can learn about the country and place their hand on their heart for the National Anthem. If you demonstrate patriotism, other people will follow and do the same. Patriotism is essential to positive influences about your country. If there is an aspiring crisis in your country, showing strong acts of patriotism can keep yourself and others positive and hopeful. Remember the easiest way to show patriotism is admiring, appreciating and loving your country, that is the foundation of patriotism.
