On Sept. 11, Palm Coast Elks Lodge #2709 hosted a ceremony to commemorate the tragedies of Sept. 11, drawing a crowd of about 200 people, including both lodge and community members. State President Mike Chandler and Past State President Vic McClellan were in attendance. The ceremony concluded with the 11 O’clock Toast, led by Bill Hall, PER.
Pictured is Elk Lt. Rick Peterson, retired from City of Chicago Fire Department, presenting colors in front of honor guards from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and the Marine Corps League of Flagler County. The presentation was accompanied by patriotic music from the Coastal Florida Police and Fire Pipes and Drums during a wreath presentation to honor first responders and organizations that answered the call Sept. 11, 2001.
Presentations were made by retired Brigadier General Ernie Audino, U.S. Army; Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill; Elk and Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office; Exalted Ruler Pete Lehnertz, PER; Elk Lt. Richie Glover, retired from New York City Fire Department; Elk Fred Gleissner, retired from New York City Fire Department; and Loyal Knight and master of ceremonies, Jerry DiMenna.
Also pictured are members of the lodge and community in the audience.