[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 21 (Wednesday, March 1, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E203-E204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ELKS BPOE LODGE 481

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                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 1, 2000

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing the 100th anniversary of an organization that I am 
proud to be a member of, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks 
Lodge 481 in Belleville, Illinois.
  The beginnings for the Elks organization is credited to Charles 
Algernon Sidney Vivian. Born in London, Vivian arrived in New York in 
1867. Vivian, an actor, met with a group of other theatrical 
entertainers to create a loose organization called the Jolly Corks. 
When one of the members died in 1867, leaving both his wife and his 
children destitute, the Jolly Corks decided, that in addition to good 
fellowship, they needed a more enduring organization to serve those in 
need. On February 16, 1868, they established the Benevolent and 
Protective Order of the Elks and elected Vivian to head it. As word of 
it's social activities and benefit performances increased and spread to 
other cities, other Elk's ``lodges'' were formed.
  The legacy of Charles Vivian continues to this day. In addition to 
aiding members in distress, the Elks raise money for children with 
disabilities, college scholarships, youth projects and recreational 
programs for patients in veterans hospitals.
  In 1907, the Elks held the first flag day observance. This tradition, 
started by the Elks, was later declared a national holiday by President 
Harry S. Truman. During World War I, the Elks funded and equipped field 
hospitals in France. Their loans to 40,000 returning veterans for 
college, rehabilitation and education was the precursor to the original 
GI bill. The Elks were used during WWII to recruit construction workers 
for the military and they also contributed books to the Merchant 
Marines. During the Korean War, the Elks gave more than a half million 
pints of blood to help the wounded and in Vietnam, the Elks provided 
funds for the recreational needs of the military. When Desert Storm 
took place, the Elks undertook letter-writing campaigns to help keep up 
soldiers morale.
  Today, there are more than 1.3 million members of the Elks in 2200 
local lodges found in all 50 states. Many members of Congress have been 
Elks. Former Speakers, Tom

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Foley, Tip O'Neill, Carl Albert, John McCormick and Sam Rayburn all 
belonged to the Elks. Hale Boggs of Louisiana was also an Elk. 
Presidents Harding, FDR, Truman, Kennedy and Ford were all Elks lodge 
members.
  Local Elks lodges provide recreational and support facilities for the 
entire family and are the focal point for many community service 
projects. Lodge 481 members in Belleville log in thousands of hours in 
volunteer service to charitable, educational and patriotic causes in 
our community. Chartered in 1899, Lodge 481 continues to be an asset to 
the community. This lodge sponsors baseball, softball, football and 
soccer leagues in the area. They organize blood drives, help local 
scouts and provide their facilities free of charge to local fund 
raising efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 100 years 
of service of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 481 
and salute members of the lodge both past and present.

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