[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 23, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1350]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CLIFTON PARK ELKS LODGE CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 23, 1996

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to take this time to commend the 
good people who make up the Clifton Park Lodge of the Benevolent and 
Protective Order of Elks. This month, they are celebrating 25 years of 
existence in the Clifton Park area.
  But Mr. Speaker, they have done more than just exist during the past 
quarter century. In fact, the membership in Elks Lodge No. 2466 has 
soared to an incredible 600 members. But aside from that, over the 
coarse of the years, the members of this lodge have made great strides 
in expanding and improving their facilities, thus being able to attract 
and secure more and more of their neighbors in the area as brother 
Elks. They have added a pavilion to host topnotch outdoor events and 
gatherings, a softball field and now, they have opened a new, larger 
lodge.
  Mr. Speaker, the members of the Clifton Park Elks Lodge have a great 
deal for which to be proud considering all that they have accomplished 
in their relatively brief history. And as a brother Elk myself, I can't 
tell you how proud I personally am of their achievements. That's 
because, every time the Elks grow in numbers, that means there is 
another patriot out there to promote pride, patriotism, and citizenship 
among our fellow Americans. I can't say enough about how much this 
organization and the members like those from Clifton Park in my 
congressional district do on behalf of flag, country, and community. In 
fact, Mr. Speaker, it is the Elks who raise awareness of our flag and 
remind us what it means to America. I'm proud to say the Elks stood by 
my side as part of the Citizens Flag Alliance and lent their support to 
my constitutional amendment to prohibit the physical destruction of our 
flag. As you know, that measure was overwhelmingly approved here in the 
House, and failed by just three votes in the Senate. But I know with 
the support of lodges like those in Clifton Park and the more than 1.2 
million Elks around the country that the fight to protect Old Glory is 
not over.
  Mr. Speaker, we all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to 
organizations like the Elks and lodges like No. 2466. Their activities 
act as a constant reminder to all of us of our roots and what it took 
to get our great Nation where we are today. For that Mr. Speaker, I ask 
that you and all Members of the House join me in paying tribute to the 
Clifton Parks Elks Lodge and all they've accomplished.

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