Southwest District Americanism Committee

District Chair
Charles Stecher, PVP - #1955
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Lodge Chairs
Trenton #105 - Terry Haremza, PDDGER
Mount Holly #848 - Donna McCourt
Hightstown #1955 - Lori Bernas
Bordentown #2085 - Sandy Schemelia
Hamilton #2262 - Harvey H. Giebel, VII, DDGER
New Egypt #2457 - Elaine Camburn
Marlton #2514 - Eileen Linvill
Edgewater Park #2550 - Paul Teixeira
Deptford #2708 - Jessica Haib, PER

Committee Meeting Schedule

Meetings are generally on the third Thursday of the month and begin at 7:30PM unless otherwise specified.
For specific information and meeting locations, click here for the district meeting schedule.

Mission Statement of the Americanism Committee

The ambition and goal of the Americanism Committee is to quicken the spirit of American patriotism and to stimulate an awareness — a genuine feeling of pride and respect toward patriotism — so that we as Members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will become constant reminders to the people of our Nation that America truly means freedom and that Elks Care and Elks Share.

Lodge Americanism Programs and Activities

Flag Programs
a) Fly Flag Day and Night
b) Flag-Flying Calendar
c) Present Flag (and/or Flagpole) to Community
d) Present Flags to New Residents of Community
e) Flag (and/or Flagpole) Dedication Ceremony
f) Present Classroom Flags to Every School
g) Flag Presentation to Boy/Girl Scouts
h) Flag Retirement Programi) Replace Worn-out Flags  

Community Activities
a) Honor New American Citizens
b) Honor Citizens for Outstanding Service
c) Honor Award for News Media
d) “Get Out and Vote” Program
e) Cooperate with Local Service Clubs
f) Work with School Boards, PTAs, etc.
g) Flag History Display
h) Conduct Veterans Remembrance Program
i) Participate in Parades (4th of July, Christmas, Memorial Day, etc.) 

Lodge Activities
a) Heritage Corner
b) Flag Day
c) Law and Order Night or Day at the Lodge
d) National Patriotism Week
e) Lodge Programs for Veterans in Hospitals/Nursing Homes 

Publicity/Public Relations Activities
a) Distribute “Honor Our Flag” Decals
b) Distribute “About Our Flag” Booklet
c) Display “Honor Our Flag” Billboards/Placards 

Americanism Contest
a) Grand Lodge Americanism Essay Contest
b) Lodge Americanism Brochure Contest (Sponsored by District or State) 

Other Programs and Activities
a) Other Displays for Community Special Days
b) Distribute “Citizens Rule Book”
c) Distribute “Flag Code”
d) Distribute American Flag Lapel Pins
e) Present Recognition Certificates for Flying Flag
f) Distribute Children’s Pledge Kits to Schools
g) Distribute Pledge of Allegiance Wallet Cards to Schools
h) Your Ideas to show that Elks are Leaders in Americanism
i) Your own programs/activities not listed