Nationwide, Elks are known for their intense patriotism and love of country.
As reflected in our national pledge “So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them,“ support of our veterans is a large part of Elk activities. Elks and their families give generously hundreds of thousands of hours of their time and energy and comparable numbers of dollars are devoted to programs designed to ensure that the lives of our ill and aging veterans are enhanced.
The Vero Beach Elks Lodge was a proud sponsor of the the first annual Vero Beach Veteran’s Parade on July 3, 2015 and was “the place to be” following the parade. Lots of fun was had, with plenty of good food and libations.
On Veteran’s Day our Lodge invites all local veterans to a free dinner-dance. Out best volunteer cooks prepare a hearty spaghetti and meatballs dinner. We usually have upwards of 250 attendees. The Marine Corps League Color Guard always adds to the occasion.
At our 2020 celebration we presented a check to the Next Gen Veterans of Indian River County with a $1,000 check to help build their Words From War Sculpture at the Veterans Memorial Sanctuary Island in Vero Beach.
For 11 years we’ve been hosting a Father’s Day Car Show at our facility to benefit the Vietnam Veterans of Indian River County. Proceeds support housing homeless veterans. It’s a fun, family day where we have an Open House to showcase the benefits of membership. We also provide refreshments.
Grants awarded to our Lodge through the Elks National Foundation Community Investments Program provide funding for us to lend assistance to needy military families in Indian River County. Pictured here in July 2021 are Exalted Ruler Darlene Short (far right) and Grants Coordinator Flo Synenko (center) presenting a check for $3,500 to Vic Diaz of the Vietnam Veterans of Indian River County for housing homeless veterans. The donation was made possible by the Elks National Foundation Gratitude and Beacon Grants.
This year we are participating in the Welcome Home Kit program. Sponsored by the Elks National Veterans Service Commission, this program provides supplies to needy veterans to assist them in moving to a new residence. Our Team Leader, Craig Waskow has approached the Veterans Council of IRC about this program and they are very excited to help us to identify needy veterans who qualify for our program.
In August 2021 our Lodge held our first Veterans Breakfast. With the assistance of the Veteran’s Council of Indian River County we promoted this event widely among veterans organizations in our community. Veterans dined for free. Needless to say, we had a great turnout.
Each year we hold a ceremony at the Lodge to commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The ceremony is conducted by Purple Heart recipient Craig Waskow, PER.
The Missing Man Table, also known as the Fallen Comrade Table or POW-MIA Table, is a place of honor in our Lodge in memory of fallen, missing in action, or prisoner of war military service-members.
The table is round – to show our everlasting concern. The cloth is white – symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve. The single red rose reminds us of the lives of these Americans….and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith, while seeking answers. The yellow ribbon symbolizes our continued uncertainty, hope for their return and determination to account for them. A slice of lemon reminds us of their bitter fate, captured or missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families. The lighted candle reflects our hope for their return. The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain us and those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God. The glass is inverted – to symbolize their inability to share a toast. The chair is empty – they are missing.
For information about the Presidential Memorial Certificate click the above image.
