Theme announced for the Americanism Essay Contest

By DENNIS RAMSEY, Committee Member

“Why Our Veterans are America’s Heroes” is the theme of the Grand Lodge Americanism Essay Contest for 2017-2018.  This contest offers the youth of America, our leaders of future generations, an opportunity to express their views and appreciation regarding what our military forces mean to this country. It will be interesting to see how school children recognize the sacrifices being made by our current military, as well as those who have served, including their families.

Promoting this important contest will show that we are patriotic Elks and proud Americans. Now is the time for Local Lodges to contact area schools to make this announcement and provide them with the applications and all pertinent rules and deadlines.

Step-by-step instructions can be found on our user-friendly and easy-to-access website. Click on “Forms & Downloads” at http://www.Elks.org/grandlodge/fraternal/ for details and applications.

Plaques will be awarded to those who place first, second, and third in Division I (fifth and sixth grades) and Division II (seventh and eighth grades). Winners will be announced at the Grand Lodge Session in San Antonio, Texas, July 1-4, 2018.

The deadline for submitting entries to the Local Lodges is December 15, 2017.