By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— As a way to promote American pride in Shelby County, the Cahaba Valley Elks are hosting the eighth annual Flag Day Celebration at the Pelham Civic Complex June 12 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The event, hosted in conjunction with the City of Pelham, American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 and the Exchange Club of Shelby County, will feature patriotic songs and sing-a-longs led by the singing group, Homeland, as well as several presentations.

“I think it’s very important that our citizens continue to promote patriotism…many of the organizations in Shelby County promote love of country,” said Sharon Gaydon, one of the event coordinators. “This is specifically for the flag, and the program provides an opportunity to recognize young people who have displayed patriotism.”

Winners from the Elks Lodge youth activities will be recognized at this event, including Americanism Essay winners, scholarship winners and the lodge’s district winner to the Hoop Shoot Contest.

Stickers, created by Helena Intermediate School student Charlotte Frank, will be distributed to all the guests. Gaydon said the sticker was designed to promote Americanism.

“Patriotism in America is like the heart is to the body,” Chelsea Middle School’s Brennen Wilder wrote in his winning essay. “The people of the United States are the heart and soul of the country….it is our duty as citizens to support, rally around and love the people and leaders of our great nation. The heartbeat of our country is the people.”

Gaydon said there will be a presentation of historical American and military service flags, a recognition of attending veterans and an explanation of the Thirteen Folds of our American flag.

Miss Alabama will be crowned June 11, and her first public appearance will be at the Flag Day Celebration. Gaydon said a retirement ceremony will not be featured at this event.

“This is the eighth annual flag celebration,” she said of the event. “Those who have attended in the past have always walked away with a new found dedication to their country and love of their flag.”

This event is free to the public. For more information, visit Elkslodge1738.com.