Elks have always been moved in the presence of the flag of the United States of America, which is why, in 1907, Elks members adopted a resolution designating June 14 as Flag Day.
In 1911 the Grand lodge mandated that all local Lodges observe Flag Day with appropriate ceremonies, making the Elks the first national fraternal organization to require the observance of Flag Day.
Finally, on August 3, 1949, President Harry S. Truman, himself a member of the Order of Elks, permanently designated June 14 as Flag Day by signing an act of Congress.