From Salute to Sunset: Elks Lodge #1839 Weaves Patriotism, Legacy, and Love of Country in Flag Day Tribute

As the morning hour approached 10 on June 14, 2025, cadets from Beaumont High School’s Air Force JROTC, commanded by SMAJ Brackins, stood in formation outside Banning-Beaumont Elks Lodge #1839. With quiet focus and disciplined precision, they lowered the American and POW/MIA flags from their posts above 1465 E. 6th Street, marking the beginning of a powerful Flag Day tribute. Those arriving early for the Flag Day Ceremony stood quietly as a gentle breeze caused the flags to wave as they watched as the POW/MIA flag was replaced and the flags quickly raised to full staff.

Inside, nearly 50 community members gathered in the lodge room for the annual Flag Day Ceremony. Exalted Ruler Brad Lawrence welcomed and thanked them for attending the solemn ceremony. He addressed the crowd with gratitude in his voice and visible emotion in his expression. He spoke of how the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have tied its destiny with the destiny of the United States of America. He shared that in 1908, the Grand Lodge of the Order assembled in Dallas Texas wherein the annual nationwide observance of Flag Day by all lodges shall be held on the 14th of June in each year. This required observance gives the Elks the unique distinction as the strongest promoter of Flag Day.

Marine Corps Veteran and Elk member Barry Easdale shared the remarkable journey of the American Flag - from its early stitches in rebellion to its presence in every conflict where freedom has been tested. "Each generation." he said, "must repurchase 'again, again, and again', the freedoms our flag represents."

Easdale highlighted just how strongly Elks history and that of the American Flag are intertwined. He shared that the stars that were sewn onto the flag flown during the War of 1812 were cut by Miss Margaret Young, the wife of Henry Sandersen, who later became the Elks Grand Exalted Ruler in 1884. "Of notable significance," he said, "that flag was also flown over Fort McHenry—on September 14, 1814, and as Sir Francis Scott Key looked at that flag, he wrote what would become America's National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner". That flag that withstood the bombs and the smoke - was touched by Elk hands." "Our legacy runs deeper than ritual. It lives in the stitches of our history," he said.

With reverence in his tone, Lawrence turned to the Veterans in the room. "if you served", he said, "please stand - or raise your hand - so we can recognize you for what you've done for this great nation."

A wave of movement spread through the room. Some stood tall, others simply lifted a hand - but each gesture carried the weight of a story. Lawrence pointed toward the American flag to his right.

"This flag has been selflessly defended," he said, voice trembling. "It is worthy - so worthy - of defending." Then with a nod toward the uniformed cadets, he added, "And those young cadets - our future warriors - will carry the fight forward when called."

That moment left many wiping away tears - including one mother, present to support her child. “Hearing the story of our flag gave me chills," she said afterward. "When Brad's voice broke, I couldn't help but cry. And as the mother of a cadet, my pride in what my child is doing . . . it became even bigger."

As noon approached, the crowd moved outside beneath a sky as blue as the field of stars on Old Glory. In the weeks leading up to the ceremony Elks members collected 17 American flags from around the community. Some were weathered from porch posts, others faded from business rooftops. All were readied for dignified retirement. Each of the flags collected were replaced with a new flag, given by the Elks, at no cost.

Then came the cadence.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

The sound of boots on pavement rose with purpose as the Cadets marched in unison toward the firepit. Every step a tribute - each movement echoing generations of service. The Cadets carried the flags destine for retirement close to their chest. Each presented a folded flag to a veteran who stood ready to receive them. After the cadet rendered a crisp and reverent salute the veteran turned to face another cadet. The cadet rendered a salute before accepting the flag from the veteran. As the cadets prepared each flag for retirement the only sound heard was the crackling of the fire that was lit hours before and tended to by Elk member Rodney Sossman in readiness for the ceremonial flag retirement.

As the Cadets stepped toward the firepit, the command "Present Arms" was given by Cadet Lt. Col Oommen, and all in attendance saluted as Taps played. As the flags were committed to flame with solemn honor it was not a spectacle. It was a sacred procession.

Cole, a veteran from Liberty Village, a retirement apartment complex for veterans in Beaumont, when asked by Lawrence to receive a flag for retirement he replied, “It will be a great honor,” he said. “I fought for our flag. Seeing these young people gives me hope it will always be defended.” Cole received a flag for retirement with quiet pride.

One by one the flags were retired. As the last few flags were readied for retirement, a new beat of boots broke the rhythm - this time from the arrival of two CalFire engines. Eight firefighters stepped out with solemn dignity. They too had folded flags to be retired. As the fire flickered and the crowd watched in awe, the firefighters approached the cadets and ceremoniously presented their flags for retirement. Then they stood at attention and rendered a salute, their faces lit by the sunlight and purpose.

“In all my years as an Elk,” said Treasurer Joyce Bryant, “I’ve never seen the fire department arrive with their own flags for retirement. Watching them stand there, still and proud, as their flags met the flame - it was profoundly moving.”

The ceremony came full circle - morning honor, midday memory, and afternoon reflection, all bound by a shared love of country.

Thanks to a generous donation from Patrick DePillars, the owner of DRB, a local discount store in Beaumont, the event was a living legacy—one woven with gratitude, sacrifice, and unity.

Now, the charge to join the Legacy passes to you.

Join The Banning-Beaumont Elks Lodge #1839. Be part of a legacy that honors the past, serves the present, and shapes the future. Stand among those who replace worn flags without being asked. Who salute the fallen without applause. Who know that patriotism is not performance - it's purpose.

Because when the flag waves, it carries more than stripes and stars. It carries us all.

"When we honor our flag, we honor what we stand for as a Nation - freedom, equality, justice, and hope." President Ronald Regan

SIDEBAR: How to Join the Banning-Beaumont Elks Lodge #1839
Visit: 1465 E. 6th Street, Beaumont, CA 92223
Call: 951-845-3366
Learn more at: www.elks.org