The BPO Elks of the U.S.A.

Remembering Our Nation's Veterans
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."

The Elks provide year-round entertainment and recreation at each of the country's Veterans Administration medical centers. These activities are sponsored by the Elks National Veterans Service Commission in cooperation with the state Elks associations and the local Elks Lodges. The Elks treat patients to parties, barbecues, sports celebrity nights and other entertainment. They take those who can get about to sporting events and on fishing trips, picnics and other outings.

The Order supports occupational therapy programs. The Elks collect and distribute e to veterans hospitals tons of leather hides, furs, rooster feathers, old clocks and watches, jewelry and electrical appliances.

Lodges collect and distribute hundreds of thousands of decks of playing cards, games, magazines, books and videos to veterans hospitals.

The Elks were among the first fraternal organizations to formally welcome home the returning veterans form Operation Desert Storm. Subordinate Lodges held appropriate functions recognizing the veterans sacrifices and thanking them for their commitment to duty.

That Elks hold veterans in high esteem is evident by their actions. When the Order opened it National Headquarters and Memorial Building in 1926, it was dedicated to the fighting men of World War I. In 1946, they rededicated the edifice to those who saw service in World War II. Again in 1976, this honor was bestowed on those who paid the sacrifice in Korea and Vietnam. The recognition by the Elks of those patriots who served in Vietnam was a full 10 years before the United States government or any other organization recognized their sacrifices to America. Once again the Elks led the way. The Order rededicated the Memorial a third time in 1994 to those Americans who served in all our nation's conflicts since Vietnam.

As long as the Elks exist, our veterans who need help will be provided for.