HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 94-4683, by Representatives Basich, Brumsickle, Rayburn, Ogden, Kremen, Lemmon, Orr, Springer, Sheahan, Sheldon, Sehlin, Chandler, Kessler, Pruitt, Jones, B. Thomas, Brough, Casada, Zellinsky, Carlson, Long, Foreman, Tate, McMorris, Edmondson, Ballasiotes, Cooke, Campbell, Conway, Schoesler, King, Reams and Anderson

                   WHEREAS, The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks is an organization committed to public service; and

                   WHEREAS, The Elks, through their fifty-one lodges in our state, provide various community and charitable assistance to those in need; and

                   WHEREAS, The Elks' support of the physically handicapped is legendary, demonstrated by the donation of over eight hundred thousand dollars per year to provide physical therapists for crippled children throughout our state; and

                   WHEREAS, The Elks' support of armed service veterans always has and continues to be an important objective; and

                   WHEREAS, Their state scholarship program for high school students provides two hundred thousand dollars in financial assistance to college-bound high school students each year, with over four million dollars spent nationally each year; and

                   WHEREAS, Their drug awareness educational programs help educate students and citizens about the dangers and pitfalls of illegal drug use; and

                   WHEREAS, On the national level, the Elks have raised over four million dollars for the restoration of the Elks' Memorial to Veterans in Chicago.  The memorial is dedicated to all veterans from all the branches of the armed forces; and

                   WHEREAS, The Aberdeen Elks #593 Band was named "The National Elks Band" in 1974 at the Grand Lodge Convention in Chicago and continues to be The National Elks Band; and

                   WHEREAS, It was the Elks that started the tradition of Flag Day, the first Saturday in June; and

                   WHEREAS, The Aberdeen Elks #593 Band has performed for Flag Day ceremonies in Grays Harbor County for 42 years; and

                   WHEREAS, The 55 members of the Aberdeen Elks #593 Band are volunteers ranging in age from 24 to 83 years; and

                   WHEREAS, The Elks built the first veterans' hospital, and turned it over to the government; and

                   WHEREAS, The only organization that gives more money to education than the Elks is the government; and

                   WHEREAS, The Elks promote sports through the annual "Hoop Shoot" program for kids seven through thirteen years old.  The kids who win the National Hoop Shoot contest get their name placed in the National Basketball Association Hall of Fame; and

                   WHEREAS, The Elks celebrated their Centennial year in 1991, and continue to set an example of community service and caring as they embark on their one hundred third year of service;

                   NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives recognize and applaud the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for their efforts on behalf of the communities they serve and declare that January 26, 1994, is "Elks Day at the Legislature"; and

                   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to officials of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

                                                                  I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

                                                            Resolution 4683 adopted by the House of Representatives

                                                                                                January 26, 1994.

                                                                         ________________________________

                                                                                   Marilyn Showalter, Chief Clerk