The Hollister Elks Lodge No. 1436 hosted a Flag Day Ceremony that had an unusual twist.  Of course, they had the Boy Scout Troops in attendance, as is customary at many similar ceremonies throughout the Association.  Yes, there were dignitaries in attendance at the event, including the Association West Central District Vice President Jim McCloskey and his wife, Eva.  The Scout Troop performed the Elks Flag Day Ceremony admirably.  All attendees joined the Scouts to sing “The Star Spangled Banner†at the conclusion of the ceremony.  The Scouts presented plaques and a big “Thank You†to the Hollister Lodge for sponsoring their troop.

What, you might ask, made this event so unusual?  The high point of the evening was the reading of “The Red Skelton Pledge of Allegiance†from his 1969 radio presentation.  Two Lodge members read the text and his explanation of each part of the pledge, while the other member clarified what it meant.  They got a standing ovation when it was completed.  The Skelton text was highly appreciated, and had not been heard by many of those present.  For a conclusion, the audience, while standing, sang “God Bless Americaâ€.  It was a great evening.

We have included the video here for your viewing: