PRINTER'S NO. 1464
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
272
Session of
2018
INTRODUCED BY CORMAN, FEBRUARY 5, 2018
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, FEBRUARY 5, 2018
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of February 2018 as "Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, On the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, residents of this
Commonwealth celebrate the commitment of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks and the Pennsylvania Elks State
Association to selflessly serve others in need across our great
Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Founded in New York City on February 16, 1868, by
Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian and a handful of friends, the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has spread across the
country, with nearly 1 million members and 2,000 lodges; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to charity, justice and patriotism, the
Elks have invested millions of hours each year to build stronger
communities, assist homeless veterans and ensure that children
steer away from drugs; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of their history, the Elks have
disbursed more than $3.6 billion in cash, goods and services to
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our nation's veterans, disadvantaged individuals, individuals
with disabilities and patriotic and civic programs; and
WHEREAS, In the last fraternal year, the Pennsylvania Elks
State Association raised $6,989,884.94 for the following
purposes:
(1) scholarships;
(2) drug awareness;
(3) programs for military, veterans and homeless
veterans;
(4) youth basketball and soccer; and
(5) home nursing programs;
and
WHEREAS, Accordingly embedded in the fabric of our nation,
the Elks have steadfastly committed to honoring and serving
military members and veterans; and
WHEREAS, For more than a century, the Elks have pledged: "So
long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order
of the Elks will never forget them"; and
WHEREAS, The Elks fulfill this promise daily by visiting and
providing social events and friendship to veterans receiving
treatment in medical facilities, hospitals and nursing homes
operated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs;
and
WHEREAS, The Elks donate much-needed supplies and equipment
to these medical facilities, hospitals and nursing homes to
further ensure that veterans receive the care they deserve; and
WHEREAS, During World War I, the Elks donated at least $2
million to assist American soldiers going abroad and organized,
constructed and equipped the first two American field hospitals
in France; and
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WHEREAS, After World War I, the Elks built a 700-bed hospital
in Boston and donated the facility to the Federal Government;
and
WHEREAS, During that period, the Elks empowered nearly 50,000
disabled veterans to live full lives by providing
rehabilitation, vocation and education loans; and
WHEREAS, Education assistance given by the Elks was a
catalyst for passage of the GI Bill by the Congress of the
United States; and
WHEREAS, The Elks were instrumental in raising funds for the
National World War II Memorial, having donated $1.22 million to
its construction; and
WHEREAS, The Elks have dedicated endless hours and resources
in support of youths and celebrating the accomplishments of our
nation's youths; and
WHEREAS, Committed to building up the next generation, the
Elks rank among the top three private providers of scholarships
for students; and
WHEREAS, Each year, millions of dollars donated by the Elks
are awarded to thousands of students who may pursue dreams of
becoming our nation's future leaders; and
WHEREAS, One of the most impressive Elks-sponsored youth
programs is the Elks National Hoop Shoot; and
WHEREAS, "Elks National Youth Week," observed each year
during the first week in May, recognizes young individuals for
their involvement with the achievements in the community; and
WHEREAS, The Elks truly make a difference in the lives of
many young individuals through their sponsorship of youth fairs,
career nights, student government days, athletic and education
programs, clubs and more; and
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WHEREAS, The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is the
fraternal organization most actively engaged in promoting strong
and healthy futures for young people; and
WHEREAS, The Elks National Drug Awareness Program is the
nation's largest volunteer-based drug prevention organization;
and
WHEREAS, Since 1982, the Elks have distributed 7 million
pieces of anti-drug educational materials to students, educators
and parents free of charge; and
WHEREAS, In partnership with the United States Drug
Enforcement Administration, the Elks produce an annual comic
book focused on empowering youths to make good decisions when
faced with negative social pressures such as bullying and drug
use; and
WHEREAS, More than half a million copies of the comic book
are given to schools each year along with teacher's guides for
easy and effective classroom incorporation; and
WHEREAS, Last year, the Elks and the United States Drug
Enforcement Administration collaborated to produce a YouTube
video on the effects of drug use on an individual's physical
body, future education, career opportunities and relationships,
which has been viewed more than half a million times; and
WHEREAS, Members of the Pennsylvania Elks State Association
always put the needs of others before themselves, thus
comprising one of the first organizations on the ground during a
crisis to provide supplies and relief to affected individuals;
and
WHEREAS, The Elks raised more than $1 million to help
families victimized by the horrific terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001; and
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WHEREAS, More recently, the Elks donated $25,000 to persons
affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas; and
WHEREAS, Since the earliest days of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, patriotism has further distinguished
the Elks from other fraternal organizations; and
WHEREAS, The Elks have always revered the American flag and
the sacrifices made daily in its honor; and
WHEREAS, In 1907, the Elks adopted June 14 as "Flag Day"; and
WHEREAS, In 1911, the Elks made it mandatory that all lodges
observe "Flag Day" with appropriate ceremonies; and
WHEREAS, On August 3, 1949, President Harry S. Truman, a
member of the Elks, permanently designated June 14 as "Flag Day"
nationwide; and
WHEREAS, Prominent Elks who went on to achieve greatness in
public life include the following:
(1) Presidents Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt,
Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and
Gerald R. Ford.
(2) United States Army Generals Douglas MacArthur,
George Patton and John Pershing.
(3) Hundreds of members of the Congress of the United
States;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of February
2018 as "Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Month" in
Pennsylvania.
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