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The Pine Island community unites to recognize Flag Day

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MARIANNE PATON Scout leader Mark Haffner along with Scouts Keoni Williams and Allen Serrell from Pine Island Troop 20, assisted with this year’s annual Flag Day ceremony at the Pine Island Elks Lodge.

On July 14, 1916 President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed that day as National Flay Day and for the last several decades 2,200 Elks Lodges across the country have recognized this special occasion.

Joining their Benevolent brotherhood also observing Flag Day each year is the Pine Island Elks Lodge. Last Tuesday, members of the island organization gathered to pass along historical information about our nation’s symbol. Relating the history of Old Glory was Elk member Jo deShaw. With the assistance of Boy Scout Troop 20, a series of flags from American history were presented and displayed for all attendees to see. The first of which was the Pine Tree flag which was first carried by troops during the Battle of Bunker Hill followed by the Rattle Snake or Gadsden flag with the words “Don’t Tread On Me” which was the proud symbol adopted by the southern colonies.

“Following the Rattlesnake flag, the people of the day sought a signal flag to represent all of the colonies and on Dec. 3, 1775, the first flag had 13 stripes that alternated in white and red and the British Union Jack in the upper left-hand corner, but this flag was never carried into battle,” deShaw said. “Then in 1776 a new flag was presented with 13 stripes and 13 stars which had been directed by the congress. Shortly after that time, Betsy Ross changed the flag so that it had five pointed stars instead of those with six points. The Betsy Ross flag was first saluted on Feb. 14, 1778.”

The Elks began recognizing Flag Day during annual ceremonies in 1908. For the last several years, assisting with the Pine Island Elks Flag Day ceremony have been members of the Pine Island Boy Scout Troop 20.

“Helping out at events like this one is a great expression of who we are as a troop,” said Scout member Allen Serrell. “Whenever we can we show our support for our community by helping out.”

Also assisting in the ceremony was Boy Scout Keoni Williams.

“The Boy Scout mission is to help the community always,” Williams said. “This is one of the ways that we help. This year we had three car washes to help out the Food Pantry and next we will be participating in the Fourth of July Parade.”

In addition to the car washes, Troop 20 also assisted the Pantry with collecting and sorting food during this year’s food drive and are in the processes of planning a project that will benefit the Beacon of HOPE.

According to Mark Haffner, Troop 20 leader, his scouts are continually looking for ways to help the island community.

“Right now we have several Scouts who are working toward Eagle Scout ranking and are looking for projects on Pine Island,” Haffner said. “We welcome any suggestions for Eagle Scout projects and are looking encouragement from the community. We also are always open for fund raising advice as many of our boys would like to attend camp this summer or to go to Seabase Camp next year but we will need to raise money to do it.”

Haffner also said his troop is also looking into the possibility of forming a Venture Camp for both boys and girls ages 14 through 21, that would involve activities such as biking, climbing, hiking, exploring and other outdoor activities.

At this time, Troop 20 consists of 10 Scouts who meet once a week at the Pine Island United Methodist Church. For more information about Boy Scout Troop 20, contact Scoutmaster Mike Taylor at 898-0657.