Plant City residents gathered together at the Elks Lodge Wednesday to celebrate the evolution of the United States' flag over the course of the nation’s history.
Attendees watched as nine flags representing different periods of American history were carried to the front of the lodge while Past District Deputy Tom Ludwick read the background of each flag. The ceremony honored the symbolism surrounding each flag and its role in their respective periods of history. Members of the lodge stated different significances of the flag and led the audience in the “Star-Spangled Banner,” the Pledge of Allegiance and “My Country. ’Tis of Thee,” before ending with a free dinner.
While Flag Day was designated as a national holiday through an Act of Congress signed by President Truman in 1949, it is still not considered an official federal holiday. However, all 2,000 Elks lodges nationwide take part in the celebration, a tradition that began in 1907, decades prior to the holiday’s official designation.