About 50 people from around Gratiot County showed support for the American flag and other flags flown throughout the country’s history during an annual Flag Day ceremony Thursday.
The event was held at the Elks Lodge No. 1400 at 610 W. Warwick Drive in Alma.
The ceremony is conducted annually, required by the Elks Grand Lodge.
“It’s always important to show patriotism for the flag and to show support for the veterans and them giving up their lives for the freedoms we do have,” said John Kennedy, Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge No. 1400.
Members of Boy Scout Troops No. 631 in Alma and No. 609 in St. Louis participated in the ceremony, bringing each flag to the front of the stage as each flag’s history was explained.
For example, the 13-star American flag - created by Betsy Ross and first used in 1792 and featuring stars for each of the colonies - and the “Tree Flag” - used in the American Revolution - were showcased, all the way up to the modern, 50-star, 13-stripe flag known today.
The Midstatesmen Chorus also performed songs.
The “Americanism” group within the Elks Lodge held an essay contest and coloring contest. The lodge received approximately 65 essays and 120 coloring displays.
The essay contest featured the question “Why are veterans American heroes?”.
Winners from the contests received cash prizes and other items.
Children from communities such as Alma, Ithaca, St. Louis and Breckenridge participated.