Below the largest replica in the world of the original flag, Valpo's very own Elks Lodge No. 500 performed a ceremony to celebrate the American flag on June 14, 2011 in front of the Porter County Courthouse. The Elks explained during the ceremony the history of the United States flags while young children paraded each flag before the audience.
The Elks not only have a passion for our country's flag, but for our community as well. The National Elks give out more scholarship money than any other organizations besides the Federal Government. For over 10 years, toward the end of every October, the Elks collect a wish list from every veteran in our local nursing homes to shower them with Christmas blessings and presents on Christmas Day.
Three times a year, our local Elks visit the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Home in Lafayette, IN. Denny Caprous, the treasurer of the Elks of Valparaiso, states, "As long as there is a veteran in our hospitals, they will never be forgotten."
The Indiana Elks have donated 7.8 million dollars over the past 48 years to the Indiana and Purdue Cancer Research Center.