Americanism

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April 2025 

Greetings Fellow Americans 

Welcome to the new Elk Year and the new leadership team at the Viera Elks. It is springtime and a time for America to grow and begin anew. So, let's start out fresh this year and define just what is Americanism. 

According to the American Legion, Americanism is an ideology, or a belief in devotion, loyalty, or allegiance to the United States of America, or respect for its flag, its traditions, its customs, its culture, its symbols, its institutions, or its form of government. In a nutshell it is a belief in the American way of life. For some it could be like baseball, apple pie and Chevrolet. As Elks it is being linked to the destiny of our country is what Americanism represents. 

No better time in spring to renew your devotion to our American way of life. How do we bring attention to Americanism and promoting Patriotism. By bringing attention to the Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action and by simply flying the American Flag. Additionally, as Elks we must support our veterans. Do so by participating in local parades, passing out flags to children, riding on a float and marching with the colors. 

Key Dates Promoting Americanism in April: 

Keep America Beautiful Month - Focused on Environmental Awareness 

5 April Gold Star Spouse Day - Honoring those spouses of service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

20 April Easter - Celebrate with adding Patriotic touches by adding an American Flag to your Easter wreath, placing patriotic items in your easter baskets, or host and Easter egg hunt with Patriotic eggs. 

25 April Arbor Day - Start a beautification project in you community by planting a tree. 

There are many opportunities to support Americanism in April, please do your part to further our American Ideals and principles. God Bless our troops, God Bless you and God Bless the USA. 

Fraternally, 

Thomas E. Carns, PDD, PER II