ASHLAND — Ashland Elks Lodge 1360 held their 102nd Flag Day Ceremony at Foundation Plaza in Downtown Ashland on Tuesday evening.

Over 50 people gathered for the program.

The program included a history of our flags delivered by the lodge’s Past Exalted Ruler and veteran Jeff Drushel with the presentation of those flags by members of Cub Scout Packs 502 and 506.

Melanie Miller, executive director of the Ashland Pregnancy Center, led the crowd in the singing of our National Anthem and God Bless America.

Lodge Past Exalted Ruler and current County Prosecutor Chris Tunnell delivered the response that highlighted how our flag has led our heroic men and women into battle generation after generation to preserve the freedoms that are uniquely American.

Lodge member and Municipal Court Judge John Good delivered the Patriotic Address where he spoke about American exceptionalism, a moving trip to Normandy shortly after 9/11 and how the flag has significant importance to him. Judge Good concluded his remarks by talking about why we need our young people to know just how great America really is.

Current lodge Exalted Ruler Christine Box led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and concluded the ceremony by thanking the officers, presenters, Cub Scouts, and Ashland Emblem Club #61 for providing the refreshments.

Each and every year, Ashland Elks Lodge 1360, along with Elks lodges across America, host an annual Flag Day Ceremony.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks first recognized Flag Day in 1907 and prompted President Woodrow Wilson to first recognize Flag Day by resolution. Flag Day became a holiday in 1949 when President Truman, also an Elk, issued the official proclamation making June 14th Flag Day.