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Viera Elks Lodge 2817
Viera Elks Lodge 2817
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Americanism

May 2025 


America, what does it mean to me? Freedom, liberty, opportunity - all things we 

hear about and enjoy! But just how did that happen, and continue to exist today? 

Some of our ancestors came here to escape despotic rulers, czars, dictators and 

war. They were oppressed, taxed excessively, treated cruelly for their differences in 

religion, race, or political beliefs. America was seen as a new beginning - a melting 

pot of all nationalities, free from oppression and free to worship without being har

assed or worse being persecuted, even executed.  

It wasn’t always easy being different but there were boundless opportunities and 

America thrived. We grew as a nation, not in spite of our beliefs, but because of 

the diversity of peoples’ beliefs and in many cases, their new-found freedom.   

We became known as the “Land of the free”. A moniker we enjoy and believe to 

this day. Who doesn’t enjoy being able to enjoy the different ethnic foods that are 

available? All because our ancestors from all nationalities united, became friends 

and thrived as a nation!  

I love being an American and am proud of that fact. Having traveled to foreign 

countries and not seeing all the opportunities available here. Seeing people being 

oppressed, sometimes living in squalor, without any chance of being able to es

cape that life, or station in life.  

Here in America we enjoy freedom of choice and opportunity, and freedom from 

oppression. I thank my ancestors for uniting as a country despite their differences 

and for making this country a place to live free.  I also want to thank God for the 

blessings that are available to us all!  

God Bless America 

Fraternally, 

Ken Roger, Esteemed Loyal Knight


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  • Message by Exalted Ruler
  • Antler's Program
  • Officers 2025-2026
  • Americanism
  • Events May 2025
  • Calendar May 2025
  • House Rules
  • Contacts and Links
  • Letters of Thanks
  • History
  • Photo Gallery
  • Helping Veterans
  • Helping the Community
  • Committees and Chairs
  • Members Only
  • Sponsors of site