COEUR d’ALENE — The Coeur d'Alene Elks Lodge 1254 is about a lot of things: Fidelity, justice, charity and brotherly love are among them.

Then, there’s the flag. Definitely, the flag

“The flag is the main thing in the Elks Lodge,” said trustee Richard Gardner. “Basically, the Elks are a patriotic outfit.”

They left no doubt about that during Monday’s Flag Day ceremony at the Elks Lodge on Prairie Avenue. About 40 people, children and adults, attended the annual event that commemorates the birth of the America flag.

They came for love of country.

They stood in respect of the flags. They sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.” They placed hands over hearts and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. They prayed. They honored the Stars and Stripes.

Nine flags, including the Snake Flag (used by southern colonies from 1776 to 1777, the Pine Trees flag (carried by Colonial forces at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775), the POW/MIA flag and older versions of Old Glory were carried into the annual 30-minute ceremony. There was a flag with 13 stripes and 13 stars. There was one with 15 stripes ad 15 stars/ There was one with 13 stripes and 50 stars.

Narrator Rick Alexander Sr. read the history and evolution of the flag during both war and peace.

“The greatest significance of this flag, however, lies in the influence it has in the hearts and minds of millions of people,” Alexander read. “It has waved over the unparalleled progress of a nation in developing democratic institutions, scientific and technological knowledge, education and culture. It has served as a beacon for millions of poor and oppressed refugees abroad and stands as a promise that the under privileged will not be forgotten.”

Gardner said all meetings start and finish wth God Bless America. Flag Day, along with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, is required to be recognized at all Elks Lodges.

“This is something that is kind of reverent with us,” said Gardner, a Navy veteran.

Exalted Ruler Robin Moore said the Elks Lodge is the only fraternal group “that actually does honor the flag.

“I think it’s important that someone hangs on to that,” she said,

Veteran Mike Quinn said it’s important to continue the Flag Day tradition.

“We tend to forget everything that made this country what it is today,” said Quinn, who held a steady stare as he carried the flag before the crowd that filled nearly every seat.

Remembering the flag and everything it has stood for throughout the decades, “is what made us where we are today,” he said.

“And yet, we’re still growing as a country and we’re still learning,” Quinn said. “But we started from somewhere. That’s why we have to remember it.”