Sidney-The Elks Lodge 1894 held their Flag Ceremony on June 14, 2024. Originally scheduled for the Legion Park at the war memorial it was changed to their Lodge on Jackson Street due to weather.
 
Exalted Ruler Heather Shaw opened the ceremony with the singing of the National Anthem. Members of the Elks Lodge then went through the history of the flag from the 13 star flag unveiled June 14, 1777 leading up to the current flag that has flown since July 4, 1960.
 
The Does presented the correct way to fold a flag and the meaning behind each of the folds. The flag is folded 13 times in honor of the 13 colonies.
 
The first fold symbolizes of life.
 
The second fold represents belief in eternal life.
 
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans who gave their lives for the defense of our country to help attain peace throughout the world.
 
The fourth fold is in recognition of the nature of the country’s citizens to trust in God.
 
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country. In the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong."
 
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie in pledging allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
 
The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, after all it is with our armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies.
The eighth fold is a tribute to those that died. As Psalms 23 states one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death.
 
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood.
 
The 10th fold is a tribute to fathers.
 
The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
 
The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies in the eyes of Christians, God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.
 
The 13th and last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God We Trust."