In an effort to encourage and salute local businesses for their roles in the community and their proper upkeeping of the American flag, Santa Clarita Elks Lodge No. 2379 presented the “Flying the Flag Award” to Eternal Valley on Jan. 21.
According to Linda Edwards, the Elks Lodge Americanism co-chair, the lodge awards local businesses who display the flag day and night, while making sure it is properly illuminated throughout the entirety of the day.
Last year, the award was presented to Camping World.
“Elks and the American flag share a deep, historical connection. For the Benevolent Order of Elks (BPOE), patriotism isn’t just a hobby — it’s a core requirement. In fact, the Elks are largely responsible for how we celebrate the flag today,” Edwards wrote in an email to The Signal.
Choosing Eternal Valley as the recipient of the award was a no-brainer, due to a cultivated relationship between the two organizations throughout years, according to Edwards.
“The Elks and Eternal Valley have a great relationship. For Memorial Day weekend, our Elks barbecue and provide lunches for all the Scouts, Young Marines, and other volunteers that place the flags on the veterans’ graves. In addition, our lodge’s Veterans Committee covers the costs of veterans who are Elks who passed away, and are placed on the Veterans Memorial Wall,” Edwards wrote.
Given the shared sense of patriotism, the Elks knew that Eternal Valley followed protocol when it came to raising and honoring the American flag.
“When we were discussing what local business/organization to honor with the ‘Fly the Flag’ certificate, we knew that Eternal Valley flies the U.S. flag correctly day and night as per flag protocol,” Edwards wrote. “We will soon be having our members out looking for who to honor next.”
Although one business has been recognized per year, she is open to other, sooner suggestions from other members.
“If a member suggests one I’d definitely present another. I just read something about this two years ago, so I wanted to start doing it. I thought it was a nice gesture,” Edwards wrote in an email to The Signal.
