Summer-long collaboration with local Elks Lodge focuses on flag education
WEST PALM BEACH, FL (June 18, 2024) – On Saturday, June 15, the City of West Palm Beach and the West Palm Beach Elks Lodge #1352 announced that they have formed a partnership to educate the public on how to handle properly, display, regard and retire the American flag. Along with the educational component, the summer-long “Respect the U.S. Flag” program also includes several locations and opportunities where the public can drop off any worn or distressed U.S. flags for proper disposal.
“The U.S. flag has a rich history representing the United States of America,” said Cathleen Ward, West Palm Beach City Commission President, who gave remarks from the Elks Lodge to celebrate the collaboration. “It is important that we all understand its significance and the flag code, which dictates how it should always be respected – including its disposal. I am grateful to our community events team for their leadership in working with the Elks Lodge and our West Palm Beach Fire Department to provide this resource to the public.”
In 1907, the Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks designated, by resolution, June 14 as Flag Day. The Grand Lodge of the Order adopted mandatory observance of the occasion by every Lodge in 1911, and that requirement continues. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is the first and only fraternal body to require formal observance of Flag Day.
The Flag Code was first formulated by the National Flag Conference meeting in Washington, D.C., on June 14 – 15, 1923, and the American Legion later passed a resolution about flag retirement ceremonies in 1937. The long-approved method to properly destroy an American flag is by way of a ceremonial burning. After remarks were given at the event, a local Boy Scout Troop #199 folded and burned a flag ready to be retired.
Above: Exalted Ruler of West Palm Beach Elks Lodge #1352 Jack DiCampli, West Palm Beach Commission President Cathleen Ward, West Palm Beach Community Events Manager Mary Pinak.
Nearly all West Palm Beach Fire Stations and the Elks Lodge #1352 will collect flags through August 31. The fire stations will have a drop box outside and can receive flags 24/7, and the Elks will receive flags Tuesday through Saturday from 3 – 8 p.m. Additionally, the public can bring their U.S. flags to 4th on Flagler, where the West Palm Beach Fraternal Order of Firefighters and the Elks will have representatives on Flagler Drive between N. Clematis St. and S. Clematis St. to educate the public and receive flags. The Elks will also be at several Clematis by Night events throughout the summer, including June 27, July 18, August 22 and August 29.
Addresses for all participating locations are:
- West Palm Beach Elks Lodge #1352 (6188 Belvedere Rd.)
- Clematis by Night and 4th on Flagler (100 N. Clematis St.)
- Fire Station 1 (500 North Dixie Hwy.)
- Fire Station 2 (4301 South Dixie Hwy.)
- Fire Station 3 (5050 Broadway)
- Fire Station 4 (1718 Parker Ave.)
- Fire Station 5 (700 North Congress Ave.)
- First Station 6 (3033 Cumberland Dr.)
- Fire Station 7 (8007 Okeechobee Blvd.)
- Fire Station 8 (10965 Northlake Blvd.)
“We are grateful to the City of West Palm Beach for their partnership in raising awareness of this important protocol,” said Exalted Ruler Jack DiCampli. “Many people are unaware of proper flag procedures, and we want them to know that the Elks Lodge is here as a great community resource. We look forward to providing even more local services when our new facility opens in a couple of years.”
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) is a 501(c)(8) organization that focuses on charitable and social initiatives. The Elks are intimately involved with their communities, offering various philanthropic activities, including programs for veterans and youth, scholarships, drug awareness and prevention programs, and even emergency relief during natural disasters. The organization is structured into local lodges, state associations and a national governing body. Locally, Lodge #1352 provides school supplies to six local elementary schools and provides scholarships to high school seniors on a local and national level.
“Every year, 4th on Flagler includes a meaningful Military Honor Ceremony,” said Mary Pinak, Community Events Manager for the City of West Palm Beach. “It has always been incredibly important that our event reflects the significance of Independence Day. This year, though, we wanted to expand that meaningfulness with an educational component centered on the flag that could last throughout the summer. We are grateful to the Elks for their partnership and for making this collaboration successful.”
4th on Flagler, the City’s annual Independence Day celebration, will take place on Thursday, July 4, on the West Palm Beach Waterfront from 6 – 10 p.m. The event features live music, family-friendly activities, and vendors who offer food and drinks for purchase. An 18-minute fireworks display by Pyrotecnico will culminate the evening over the Intracoastal Waterway at 9:09 p.m. Several Elk Lodge 1352 members, who are veterans, will also be recognized on stage during the Military Honor Ceremony in appreciation for their service.
4th on Flagler is produced by the City of West Palm Beach. 4th on Flagler sponsors to date include the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, NewDay USA, Informa Markets, Palm Beach International Boat Show, Town of Palm Beach, FPL, Discover The Palm Beaches, Bill Bone Bike Law, BNT Impact Windows & Doors, Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center, PDQ Restaurant, WPB Magazine, WPBF 25 News, WPBF 25 Special: 4th on Flagler LIVE Fireworks, 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, X 102.3, New Country 103.1, PARTY 96.3, Fox Sports 640 South Florida, News Talk 850 WFTL, Jimmy John’s, SWA, Duffy’s Sports Grill, Inscription West Palm Beach, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and West Palm Beach Elks Lodge #1352.
For more information about the “Respect the U.S. Flag” program, 4th on Flagler, or other City of West Palm Beach events, visit www.wpb.org/events, call (561) 822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771), or follow the City of West Palm Beach on Facebook @CityofWPB and on X and Instagram @thecityofwpb. To keep up with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook.
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About the City of West Palm Beach:
The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront City that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the region with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and/or LinkedIn. To keep up with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook.