Ottawa ceremony will celebrate ‘Old Glory’ for Flag Day, June 14

History of flag will be shared during event

June 11, 2021 at 5:30 am CDT

The history of the American Flag is shared during a prior Flag Day event at Washington Square in Ottawa. In 1907, the BPO Elks Grand Lodge 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.

Residents are asked to celebrate the American flag’s birthday Monday with the Ottawa Elks Lodge as the organization hosts its annual Flag Day ceremony at Washington Square.

Historical flags will be used to tell the story of the U.S. flag beginning 10 a.m. Monday, June 14, at the north end of Washington Square.

The American Legion and VFW will assist with the program.

Flags from U.S. history will be used to demonstrate how the flag evolved, with explanation of its symbolism.

Flag Day celebrates the flag’s birthday on June 14, 1777, when it was approved by the Continental Congress. The Elks Club observed June 14 as Flag Day.

In 1949, President Harry S. Truman, an Elks Club member, made the proclamation that June 14 be a national observance.