The first Sunday in December is designated as “Elks Memorial Day.” This is a day aside for the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks all across America to hold a program to honor those members who have passed before us. It is a day of remembrance that we as Elk, hold very dear to our hearts.

Emblematic of these departed members are three plants: the sweet Forget-Me-Not, typifying charity, which teaches us to remember only the good that has been done; the Amaranth, emblem of immortality, the just reward of true and upright lives; the clinging ivy, symbol of brotherly love. Fidelity embraces all.

Many years the lodge will have no members pass away during an Elk year. Those years the lodge still holds the program to honor members gone from years past. This year, however, the Marshalltown Lodge lost three members, (all veterans as well) totaling 155 years of Elkdom.

On Feb. 19, Arnold (Pete) J. Menzel, a life-member with 55 years as an entertaining and active Elk. June 4, member Arnold (Rick) L. Fredrickson, also a life-member totaling 66 years as a loyal and “good” elk. And most recently, on Nov. 27, Dale R. Hanus who had been a supporting-member for 34 years.

Exalted Ruler Bill Crane did the opening ceremony and lead the proceedings with all officers participating in the ritual. Member Barb Crane played “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art” on the piano and Trustee Gary Bumsted did the invocation and benediction prayers.

Secretary Bob Streeter read off each of the three members’ names as a tribute to each. Crane also recited the sobering “Eleventh Hour Toast.”

The program included guest speaker, Elks Northeast District Vice President, Larry Kelley.