[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 89 (Monday, June 17, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1096-E1097]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE OAK LAWN ELKS LODGE NO. 2254 ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR 
                         28TH FLAG DAY CEREMONY

                                 ______


                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 17, 1996

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Oak 
Lawn Elks Lodge No. 2254 on the occasion of their annual Flag Day 
ceremony. The celebration, on June 9, 1996, marked the 28th year of 
this event. The extraordinary patriotism that was exhibited at this 
ceremony is truly an example of the best that America has to offer.

[[Page E1097]]

  For 28 years, the Oak Lawn Elks have honored the importance of the 
American flag to the history and future of the United States. In my 
speech at this ceremony, I spoke about the American flag and its 
history of inspiring hope and faith in this country as well as abroad. 
In her eloquent patriotic address, the Honorable Maureen Murphy, State 
representative, spoke about the importance of voter participation and 
registration. Her call for action and words of wisdom were truly awe 
inspiring and symbolic of great nationalism. the Oak Lawn Elks embody 
that true American spirit. I was especially moved to see the eight 
original American flags in addition to flags representing the armed 
services.
  I would like to pay special tribute to James Fealey, chairman of the 
Flag Day ceremony, in addition to the officers for 1996-1997, William 
J. Spratt, exalted ruler; Robert Richter, leading knight; George Kerr, 
loyal knight; Tony Kasper, lecturing knight; Jerome Lullo, treasurer; 
Donald Nowak, tiler; Norman A. Gates, esquire; Jack Snow, chaplain; 
Dave Sonne, inner guard; Cornelius J. Houtsma, presiding justice; 
William P. Holm, John Prisco, James Fernatt, Kevin G. Kennedy and 
William Skinner, the board of trustees.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Oak Lawn Elks for continuing their 
tradition of patriotism and wish them the very best in the years to 
come. I am proud and honored to represent the Oak Lawn Elks in 
Congress. Their energetic salute to the flag is an event I took forward 
to each year.

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