Two WoodmenLife Chapters Partner on Special Flag Day Ceremony

Tucked away in Rome, NY, a city with around 31,000 people, a special Flag Day ceremony is held annually at the gravesite of Francis Bellamy, who penned the Pledge of Allegiance in 1892.

Since 2011, WoodmenLife Chapters 1024 and 1026 have donated and presented flags that are on display at Bellamy’s gravesite. The Flag Day ceremony, which is hosted by Rome Elks Lodge #96, features local politicians, a flag-folding demonstration by the local Boy Scouts of America and a 21-gun salute by the American Legion.

Eric Kieffer is a chapter member and former WoodmenLife Representative, as well as a member of the Rome Elks Lodge #96. Kieffer said the partnership between WoodmenLife and the Elks was inspired by our mutual dedication to country.

“I was given an idea through our chapter to donate to the Elks Club,” Kieffer said. “WoodmenLife is the second-largest distributor of U.S. flags in this country after the U.S. government, and the Elks are fortunate enough to celebrate Francis Bellamy. The Elks are responsible for taking care of the gravesite, and we try to keep it maintained as a historical marker that’s appreciated within the town.”

To prepare for the Flag Day ceremony each year, Kieffer said he orders the flags to set up at the gravesite. Following the gravesite dedication, he said there is another presentation at the Elk Lodge with all the flags ever used in the United States — from Jamestown all the way to present-day flags.

Francis Bellamy, who penned the Pledge of Allegiance in 1892, is buried in Rome, NY. Each year, there is a special Flag Day ceremony at the gravesite that includes local politicians, a flag-folding demonstration by the local Boy Scouts of America and a 21-gun salute by the American Legion.

Kieffer is happy to act as the conduit between the two groups and help put together this patriotic event. “I’m heavily involved with my WoodmenLife chapter, and I am a trustee with our Rome Elks lodge,” he said.

Kieffer said he hopes this Flag Day celebration can gain more attention in the future.

“We have such an influential figure that we’re fortunate enough to have buried here, who envisioned an anthem that’s recited every morning in schools nationwide,” he said. “Our goal is to get more dignitaries and spectators involved to give this event the esteem and attention it deserves, especially on Flag Day.”

Throughout his time as a WoodmenLife member and an Elk, Kieffer said it’s been an honor to represent WoodmenLife with the flag donations.

“I never thought this would be something I’d be able to do,” he said. “We’re trying to raise awareness with the flag donations. It’s been kind of a calling card for me and my growth within WoodmenLife. I’m very active with my chapter, and it’s been a great experience. I’ll do it as long as I possibly can.”

Learn more about WoodmenLife’s commitment to our country at WoodmenLife.org/Patriotism.

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