Honoring Our Flag, Veterans and Community

Bristol Lodge of Elks No. 1010 welcomed veterans, community leaders, educators, scholarship recipients, charitable organizations and members of the community for a meaningful celebration of the American flag and the ideals of freedom, service, patriotism and unity that it represents.

Honoring the American Flag

Flag Day is the epitome of what the Elks stand for. It is a day when veterans and active military members, community leaders, educators, scholarship recipients, charitable organizations and citizens come together—not for politics or personal recognition—but to honor the American flag.

The annual ceremony reflects the principles of freedom, service, patriotism and unity that the flag represents, while preserving the proud history and traditions that have been passed from one generation to the next.

Distinguished Guests

We were honored to welcome Congressman John Larson, Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, 101-year-old World War II veteran and Iwo Jima survivor Joe Caminiti, American Legion Post 2 Commander and guest speaker Neal Supranovich, and Bristol Lodge of Elks No. 1010 Exalted Ruler Caroline Martin.

Also joining us, though not pictured in the group photograph, were State Representative Joe Hoxha, American Legion Post 209 Commander Brian Avery and American Legion Marshal Command Sergeant Major Jimmie Smith. Their presence helped make the ceremony even more meaningful.

A Flag Flown Over the U.S. Capitol

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of a United States flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol on Flag Day.

At the request of Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, Congressman John Larson brought the special flag to the ceremony. After speaking about its significance, Congressman Larson presented the flag to the Mayor.

Mayor Zoppo-Sassu then presented the Capitol flag to Exalted Ruler Caroline Martin on behalf of Bristol Lodge of Elks No. 1010. It is a meaningful gift that will be treasured by the Lodge for years to come.

“A day when veterans, community leaders, educators, scholarship recipients and citizens come together to honor the American flag.”

Scholarship Recognition

We were also proud to recognize our outstanding scholarship recipients and the educators who helped guide them toward success.

Their accomplishments reflect the importance of education, hard work and community support. Bristol Lodge is proud to help these students continue their education and pursue their future goals.

Additional Ceremony Highlights

Community Partners

We were pleased to welcome community partners such as Jacob’s Journey, whose compassion and dedication continue to make a difference in the lives of local families.

Events such as Flag Day provide an opportunity to recognize the organizations and individuals who work throughout the year to strengthen Bristol and support those in need.

Thank You to Our Volunteers

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this year’s Flag Day Ceremony such a meaningful celebration.

A special thank you goes to all of our Bristol Elks members who volunteered their time and talents behind the scenes. Your dedication is what makes events like this possible, and our Lodge is stronger because of you.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to ShopRite of Bristol for generously donating the beautiful Flag Day cake. Your continued support of our Lodge and our community is greatly appreciated.

Fraternally,
Mellissa Dombroski
Esteemed Lecturing Knight, BPOE 1010