VISTA CA, USA – This past Sunday, June 12, 2016, The Vista Elks Lodge no. 1968, honored the Nations Flag and also performed the duty of every Elks lodge across the country since 1911 as they held a special Flag Day Celebration. Lodge members and guests assembled for a heart-warming and very patriotic ceremony.
Exalted Ruler Kathy Harrod started it off by leading in singing “The Star Spangled banner”. This was followed by an invocation. Next each of the three Lodge Knights spoke of the inspiring qualities of our flag such as “Freedom”, “Symbol of fidelity”, “Justice for All”, and “Love of Brother and Country”. Kathy Harrod and one of the Lodge Trustees, Tom Smith, related the long history of our nation’s flag from inception to current day.
Vista High School U. S. Air Force Jr. ROTC members, Cadet Captain Perla Flores, Cadet First Lieutenant Omar Montano, and Cadet First Lieutenant Mayte Hdernandez were very sharp as they presented the colors. It was more than the normal presentation of colors. Flags from the original Pine Tree flag and continuing with each evolution of the flag were brought forward and placed in holders, and saluted with drill like precision. Each flag was described in detail and when the final flag, The “Fifty Star Flag” was in place, it was time for the Pledge Allegiance. The pledge was soundly uttered by the patriotically stirred up assembly.
The “Response” was presented by The Lodge Leading Knight and Former U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant James Leitholf. Staff Sergeant Leitholf joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1979 and worked his way up the ranks from Private to Staff Sergeant. He was awarded an Honorable Discharge in 1989. His Career included two tours in Okinawa Japan. From Okinawa, Staff Sergeant Leitholf was assigned to the 31st Marine Amphibious Unit (MAU), where he served as Platoon Sergeant for the First Low Altitude Air Defense Unit.
Sergeant Major Tim Soboleski, a member of the Vista Elks lodge gave a powerful explanation of Flag Day telling his audience how some people celebrate the Holiday and how it SHOULD be celebrated. Sergeant Major Soboleksi joined the Marine Corp in 1969 and proudly served for over 27 years. Previously, Tim was recognized by the Lodge for his outstanding volunteerism and was named the 2013/2014 “Elk of the Year”.
When the ceremony ended, no one rushed from the Lodge room as they were standing around commenting on the proceedings, while some stayed to thank Leitholf and Soboleski.
Are Elks party animals? You bet they are. But… they love the U.S. Flag and are proud to be Americans. They are also very patriotic and community spirited. They do a lot to make the City and citizens of Vista proud.
Elks Care, Elks Share
Contact: Vista, CA Elks Lodge
Leading Knight James Leitholf, Project Manager
1947 E. Vista Way – Vista, Ca 92084 – 760-724-1968, Bluesmkr3@att.net
With more than 800,000 members and nearly 2,000 Lodges nationwide, Elks are providing charitable services that help build stronger communities across the United States. To learn more about who we are and what we do, visit www.elks.org.
