Kittanning Elks Lodge #203

06/17/2026

06/16/2026

The Lodge Officers held their Annual Flag Day Program under the direction of Exalted Ruler Timothy Volek PDDGER and Loyal Knight Richard Reesman PER. The Lodge hosted Lodge Veterans and Veterans from Mechling/Shakley Veterans Center to a dinner prepared by ER Timothy Volek PDDGER and Chaplain Cindy Volek. Veterans Committee members Katie King and Morgan Goldinger were a great asset as kitchen helpers.
We would like to thank Myers Bus Company for donating the transportation for the Veterans from the Mechling/Shakley Center, Kittanning Community Band, under the direction of Jason Vesnesky, for the beautiful patriotic music program, Kittanning Hose Co #6 for the flag display, Kittanning Police Department and Borough for their assistance in providing a safe event for everyone, kitchen helpers members Morgan and Katie and Bill Blose for taking pictures .

06/14/2026

Service and friendship define our Lodges. Whether it’s organizing food drives or hosting fundraisers, Elks always show up for each other and the community.

Join us and Be the Difference!

Visit an Elks Lodge to learn more.

Learn More: join.elks.org

06/14/2026

PA Elks President Kris Benedict was one of the guest speakers at the Armstrong Co Courthouse. The patriotic program highlighted the Kittanning Fireman’s Band and our nation’s 250th anniversary. PA State President Kris Benedict spoke on the history of the Elks Flag Day program. In attendance with him was ER Timothy Volek PDDGER and the PA Elks State public relations chairman Jason Cook. The Lodge had the honor of hosting the Kittanning Fireman’s Band, the Most Honorable Bishop Kulick, Commissioner Anthony Shea, Jason Cook and Donna Weckerly (Armstrong 250) at the Lodge after the program.

06/13/2026

Kittanning Elks #203 invites the community to join us for our Annual Flag Day Ceremony on Monday, June 15, 2026.

The Officers will lead this year's patriotic program. Hose Co #6 will showcase their banner of flags from their fire apparatus, and the Kittanning Community Band will fill the evening with patriotic music.

The Lodge is honored to cook a special meal for our visiting Veterans from Mechling/Shakley Veterans Center as well as our own Lodge Veterans.

Veterans dinner begins at 6pm, followed by the ceremony at 7pm.

06/12/2026

Beautiful picture from the Donna Weckerly collection

06/04/2026

From the Pennsylvania Elks State Association:

Stars, Stripes and Sounds, a program taking place on the lawn of the Armstrong County Courthouse on Saturday June 13th. The Kittanning Fireman's Band will be performing on the porch of the Armstrong County Courthouse, as part of their send off to Washington DC, where they were invited to march in the Celebrate 250 Parade.

Special keynote Speaker at this event will be our very own State President Kris Benedict. Kris will be speaking on behalf of the Elks and our Flag Day. This event is open to the Public. We would love to have plenty of members of the association in attendance, as a great PR event. The event is to begin at 1030am on Saturday June 13th.

06/02/2026

MEDIA ALERT – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Elks Lodges Nationwide to Celebrate Flag Day

Chicago, IL – June 14, 2026 – As the nation celebrates America 250, thousands of Americans will gather at Elks Lodges across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Panama Canal Zone to honor Flag Day, continuing one of the country’s oldest and most distinguished patriotic traditions.

Long before Flag Day became an official federal observance, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was honoring the American flag. In 1908, the Elks Grand Lodge formally established June 14 as Flag Day, making the Elks the only fraternal organization in the nation that mandates an annual formal Flag Day ceremony in every Lodge.

The Elks’ unwavering commitment to patriotism helped elevate Flag Day into the national spotlight. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day, and in 1949, President Harry S. Truman—an Elks member from Independence, Missouri—signed legislation permanently recognizing it as a national observance.

As America marks its 250th anniversary, the Elks continue to stand among the nation’s leading forces for patriotism, charity, and community service. For 158 years, Elks members have strengthened communities and supported the nation through service and generosity, contributing more than $15 billion in charitable donations nationwide.

In 2025 alone, Elks members donated an estimated $550 million in cash, goods, and volunteer service supporting veterans, youth programs, scholarships, food initiatives, and critical local community needs.

With 1,841 Lodges and 800,000 members nationwide, the Elks continue to promote American values, civic pride, and love of country in communities large and small.

“During America’s 250th anniversary year, Flag Day carries even greater meaning,” said Elks officials. “It is a celebration of our nation’s history, our freedoms, and the enduring unity symbolized by the American flag.”

Communities are encouraged to attend local Elks Flag Day ceremonies and experience a patriotic tradition that has inspired generations of Americans for more than a century.

Website: www.elks.org
Membership Information: join.elks.org