[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 19 (Monday, January 29, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE 
                   ORDER OF ELKS ON FEBRUARY 16, 2018

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                         HON. KATHLEEN M. RICE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 29, 2018

  Miss RICE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
the 150th Anniversary of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks on 
February 16, 2018.
  Founded on February 16, 1868, in New York City by Charles Algernon 
Sidney Vivian and a handful of friends, the Benevolent and Protective 
Order of Elks is an exceptional American fraternal society dedicated to 
serving and caring for our citizens, communities, and country. That 
small band of friends has grown to include nearly 1,000,000 Elk members 
and 2,000 lodges nationwide.
  For the last 150 years, the Elks have dedicated themselves to the 
ideals of charity, justice, and patriotism--investing millions of 
dollars and service hours each year to build stronger communities, 
assist homeless veterans, provide academic scholarships, and empower 
kids to avoid drugs. We should all be incredibly grateful for the time, 
money, and resources the Elks have committed to serve our neighbors in 
need, especially members of the military, veterans, youth, and 
disaster-stricken communities.
  In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Benevolent and 
Protective Order of Elks, let's honor the valor, commitment, 
patriotism, and sacrifice that the Elks have displayed throughout its 
history and express appreciation for their dedicated service to our 
country.

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