Elk’s Pledge

A Message From Michael F. Manning, Director Elks National Veteran’s Service Commission

 In 1946, the Elks made the solemn pledge “So long as there are veterans in our hospitals, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them”. We have proudly fulfilled that promise for fifty-five years.

 Over the last seven years the VA healthcare system has changed drastically.  We no longer have a ready-made constituency warehoused at VA Medical Centers.  Because of downsizing and consolidating of VA Medical Centers and the opening of outpatient clinics, we as well as other volunteer organizations have been forced to reassess our mission of service.

 With veterans being dispersed, we must now seek out these individuals and try to meet their needs whether it be in nursing homes, private homes, domiciliaries, assisted care living facilities and yes, even the homeless veterans wandering our streets.

 To continue meeting this challenge and continue our legacy of Elks “Serving Our Nation’s Veterans”, the delegates at our recent national convention in Philadelphia unanimously voted on July 10th to change our slogan.

 Our pledge now reads, “So long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks will never forget them”.

 By removing the words “in our hospitals” we have become more inclusive in our outreach to these deserving American patriots.  Our mission is still the same – to enhance the level of comfort of those who need our help and to brighten their days.

 Thank you all for all that you do. I urge you to continue your efforts. Our veterans need you now, more than ever.

 P.S. In order that we don’t waste our resources, we will continue using materials with the old pledge.  As supplies are diminished, they will be replaced with materials showing the new pledge.

“SO LONG AS THERE ARE VETERANS, THE BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS WILL NEVER FORGET THEM”