Osborne
The annual observance features local members of the Boy Scouts and Junior ROTC of Bradley Central High School.
The ceremony will include an historic flag presentation at which time information about some of the changes the U.S. flag has undergone through the years will be given. The lodge is located at 235 Second St. N.E.
The featured speaker will be Brig. Gen. Isaac G. Osborne, Jr., assistant adjutant general-Army, Tennessee National Guard. Osborne was appointed to his current assignment on Jan. 11, 2010.
He is the principal adviser to the adjutant general on matters pertaining to the Tennessee Army National Guard. He is responsible for coordinating policies, programs, and plans affecting the soldiers of the Tennessee Army National Guard. He is also dual-hatted as deputy commander and Army Reserve component integration advisor, United States Army Southern European Task Force, United States Africa Command.
Osborne served in various assignments as a full-time Tennessee National Guardsmen in the federal civil service until his retirement in February 2009.
One of the highlights of the ceremony will be retiring the lodge’s current flag and raising a new flag previously flown over the nation’s capitol.
A selection of patriotic music will be performed by Lee University’s “Second Edition” singers, with a special bagpipe rendition of “Amazing Grace” played by Brad Collins.
Other participants will include Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland, the Rev. Dr. Joel W. Huffstetler, Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, and Reginald Law and Gretchen Coppinger of the Elks.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is a distinctly American organization formally organized in 1868 in New York City. Its declared purpose is to always practice its four cardinal virtues of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity.
Elks have celebrated the flag since the early days of the organization and allegiance to the flag is a requirement of every member.
The idea of an Elks Flag Day Service was first suggested in 1907, with June 14 being formally designated in 1911. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day. In August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.
Additional information about the Cleveland Elks Flag Day ceremony is available on the lodge’s website at elks1944.com.
