Mr. President, it is my privilege to report to you and our Association, that the Elks of Missouri continue to promote and quicken the spirit of patriotism and our American way of life. As Elks, it is our duty to stimulate a feeling of pride and respect toward America and try to instill these values into the youth of our nation.
We as Elks do this in many ways, by flying our stars and stripes day and night, presenting flags to our schools, conducting veterans remembrance programs, celebrating the Flag Day and Independence Day. The many dinners and awards ceremonies, and the list goes on and on. At this time I am happy to report that one activity in patriotism had participation from all the districts in our great state.
The Americanism Essay this year had the subject, “What Does Veterans’ Day Mean to Me?” There were many different responses to this question, from “I’m glad there are people willing to protect me because if I had to fight that would really bite,” to “Every day is Veterans’ Day to me because my daddy made it home alive.”
After the local, district and state judging, here are the Missouri Elks Association winners in Division I, which covers the fifth and sixth grades. In third place, Samantha Racer, sponsored by Arcadia Valley Lodge # 2330. Second place goes to Hannah Edmonds, sponsored by the St. Charles Lodge #690. And in first place, C.J. Pfaff, sponsored by the Chillicothe Elks #656.
In Division II, which is seventh and eighth grades, the third place is awarded to Paige Baker from the Lake of the Ozarks Lodge # 2517. In second place, Ericka Loida, sponsored by the Ste. Genevieve Lodge # 2674. And in first place, Meredith Asbury, from the Columbia Lodge #594.
I would like to thank Jim Syverson for putting me on this committee however long ago it was. And I’d like to give a special thanks to PSP Bob Wycoff for having the confidence to place me in this chairmanship. As I am taking on a different endeavor, I have the pleasure of introducing you to next year’s chairperson, Dena Wolfe has agreed to take the helm, and I know the committee will only get better with her leading.
President Larkin, this concludes my report.