Seymour Young Marines served as flagbearers for the Seymour Elks Lodge 462 annual Flag Day ceremony on June 14, 2023. At the podium is lodge member Jim Erp. Flagbearers are, from left, Nathaniel Greene, Dylan Broshears, Dakota Antle, Ariel Siefker, Stephanie Singer, Gloria Greene, Maci Walker and Don Hill. Seymour Fire Chief Brad Lucas is shown in the background.

The public is invited to attend a Flag Day Ceremony with a history of the United States flags at 11 a.m. Friday at the Seymour Elks Lodge No. 462, (above Brewskies Downtown), 117 E. Second St. in Seymour.

Assisting in the ceremony is the Seymour Young Marines who will serve as flag bearers, Liza Stuckwisch who will sing the national anthem and Mayor Matt Nicholson who will read a proclamation.

The Seymour Elks Lodge has held a Flag Day Ceremony for many years.

Patriotism has characterized the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks since the early days of the organization, which was chartered in Seymour in 1899. Allegiance to the flag of our country is a requirement of every member. The Grand Lodge of the Order adopted mandatory observance of Flag Day on June 14 by every lodge in 1911, and that requirement continues. In 1949, President Harry Truman, himself a member of the Elks, made a proclamation that June 14 would be a day of national observance for the symbol of our country.