Follow the Blue Bus

Let’s all share how our Flag Day went!

A huge thank you to the Milwaukie Portland Veterans Committee for planting flags in honor of Flag Day. The display looked incredible and set the tone for a meaningful day of reflection and pride.

Thank you as well to everyone who helped during the event — your time and heart always show.

How did your lodge or community celebrate? Share your photos, stories, and moments from the day. 🇺🇸

Did you know the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is the only fraternal organization that requires every lodge to hold an annual Flag Day observance?
For well over a century, Elks Lodges across the country have proudly honored the American flag through public ceremonies held on or around June 14th. These events often include patriotic music, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest speakers, and presentations that share the history and meaning of our nation’s flag. (And yes… usually at least one person in the crowd quietly checks to make sure they’re standing at the right time and the eagle is faced the right direction.
Many lodges also showcase the evolution of the American flag throughout history with the help of scout troops, color guards, veterans, and community organizations. Along the way, attendees learn proper flag etiquette, how to respectfully fold and retire a flag, and the importance of preserving patriotism for future generations.

The Elks’ connection to Flag Day dates back to 1907 when the organization adopted a resolution calling for nationwide observance. In 1908, it became mandatory for every lodge.

The Elks also played a major role in the national movement that led President Woodrow Wilson to formally recognize Flag Day in 1916. Later, President Harry S. Truman himself an Elk signed the act of Congress officially establishing June 14th as Flag Day in 1949.

Today, Elks Lodges continue this proud tradition by opening their doors to the community to celebrate our nation, our freedoms, and the flag that unites us all. Plus… it’s one of the few times Elks can agree on proper flag folding while still debating who forgot to bring the potato salad to the barbecue. 🇺🇸😄

The music has started!

The Oregon City lodge park tonight!! Food, music and QH!!

Here’s an interesting fun fact 1800s Elks history:

According to an old internal “Black Book” from the era, the early Elks membership was made up mostly of the rising professional class — traveling salesmen, realtors, bankers, dentists, Farmers and laborers weren’t really part of the mix yet.

And even as the organization grew and members came from more varied professions, one thing stuck around for a long time: minstrelsy. Amateur minstrel shows were a major part of Elks meetings and, believe it or not, stayed a big fundraising tool well into the 1950s. It’s one of those historical realities that reminds us how far the Elks — and the country — have come.

Another piece of the story, another step on the road to Chicago

Take the time to see this for sure!

This year is already bursting with momentum for the Elks Drug Awareness program and honestly, at this point the trailers might be more well traveled than I am.

We’ve officially hit the home stretch with only one trailer left in our refurbishment and safety improvements, which means we’re this close to celebrating with a victory lap (or at least a nap).

Today we’re rolling into the Oregon City Lodge to hand out the first of three Elks Drug Awareness contest awards. Later this month, we’ll head down to Corvallis and then over to Roseburg — because apparently my calendar didn’t get the memo about slowing down.

The program is thriving, the lodges are fired up, and these kids are about to get recognition that’ll stick with them for years. What a way to kick off the season and we’re just getting warmed up.

Just three years after the founding of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the organization stepped forward during one of America’s greatest tragedies the catastrophic Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

In response to the devastation, the Elks organized a major benefit to provide immediate financial assistance to displaced families and those impacted by the disaster. What began as an effort to help a city in crisis became the foundation of the Elks’ long-standing commitment to charity, community service, and disaster relief.

That moment helped shape the philanthropic mission of the Elks, creating a legacy of helping others that continues today. From the 1889 Johnstown Flood to modern-day emergencies across the country, Elks have continued to answer the call when communities need support the most.