Elks Lodge observes Flag Day

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

Bravery, perseverance and justice.

Those are just some of the noble traits the colors of the American Flag symbolize about the United States of America.

Elks Lodge No. 418 of Charles City honored that flag Thursday in a ceremony to observe Flag Day.

Guest speaker Brad Wysomierski, an Army veteran of more than 14 years, summed up  what the American Flag means to him.

“The flag represents, first and foremost, freedom and opportunity — the freedom we have as every single individual in this nation to be the best person we can be and to leave this place the best we can for the next generation,” said Wysomierski.

Wysomierski, who lives in New Hampton, has served two tours in Iraq and one mobilization in Fort Bliss, Texas. He is the current chaplain with St. Croix Hospice and will move next month to El Paso, Texas, to be chaplain for the 1st Armored Division.

Charles City Mayor Dean Andrews read the mayoral proclamation for Flag Day, and Marilyn Dettmer began the program with a reading of the purpose of Flag Day.

Chaplain Bruce Hovden gave the invocation and Staci Ackerson shared with the audience the history of the American Flag. Sally Mills also addressed those in attendance with a short piece titled “I Am Old Glory.”

Jen Bauer read the “Response” (“Stars and Stripes”) and chaplain Hovden gave the benediction. Jessica Hyde sang the national anthem and Karissa Jensen performed taps on her trumpet.

Boy Scout Troop 4166 of Charles City helped with the Color Guard and Parade of Historical Flags.