The public is invited to attend the annual Seymour Elks Lodge 462 Flag Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the lodge located above Brewskies Downtown, 117 E. Second St., Seymour.

The ceremony, which includes a history of the U.S. flags, will feature members of the Seymour Young Marines serving as flagbearers and Seymour Mayor Matt Nicholson issuing a proclamation.

The Seymour Elks Lodge has held a Flag Day ceremony for many years, and 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 American flag 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.