Flag Day is almost over.

Ours was out. I really really wanted to fly the old 48-star banner, probably it's first time in almost a half century, but wife says 'no.'

She's right of course, but I don't want it to spend its existence as a trifold in a plastic bag on my dresser. Guess I need to buy a frame.

The fraternal organization that sponsors our youth group had a special flag ceremony this evening, as they do every 14 June. And as before, they asked us to handle the actual presentation and retrieval of the Colors.

Okay.

Youngest son reminds me of the ceremony at 17:45.

They wanted us there at 17:45 to rehearse. Mad dash into uniform, snapping at sons who idly continue with video games and internet game.

Made it there at 17:55. Good time, considering the distance, and the fact that youngest son insisted on driving.

No one around. At all. Door locked, cannot get in.

Hop over the safety tape blocking the disintegrating south stairs and use the buzzer on the south door. Bar maid lets me in. I let others in at east door.

Still no one in the Lodge room. Go check the bar. Get hassled by friend drinking with two other couples at a table. About being in a bar in that uniform.

Yeah, I know. Not supposed to do it in the other uniform either, but I have upon occasion. Wore the other uniform into the town's only semi-official whorehouse once, too. Parked the outfit's rig out front. In broad daylight.

I actually had official business there, and couldn't resist flaunting it.

Never heard a word.

Anyway, I approached the only guy in the bar in a tuxedo. Turns out we don't start until 18:30, they don't need us until 18:15.

Great. I know who gave us the bad information. Not the first time that has happened, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Mr. Volunteer.

So we wait. And the lads take turns at sitting in all the thrones in the Lodge room. (Hey, why not? Those were the bases in First Aid baseball when we used to meet in this building.) It's hot in the top floor of this century-old building. A mother takes her son outside for fear he'll collapse.

Ceremony goes by without a hitch. The five of us, seven Knights and an audience of 14.

They apologized for the small crowd, but I point out, it's getting bigger every year.

Important rule to learn when attending meetings of this Lodge. A single rap of the gavel on the lectern means sit down.

Three raps mean stand up.

Along with all their other reforms, the Catholic Church should adopt the gavel trick. Would certainly help the visitors. Could use two raps for when to kneel.

This Lodge claims a special affinity to the American Flag, and elaborates on their celebrations. Among other things, the founder of the organization was apparently the son of the woman who cut out the stars for the Star Spangled Banner that Francis Scott Key was so impressed with.

Learned a few new things about the flag history tonight. Also learned the flag history I use at flag retirements, taken off the internet, plagiarizes a great deal from theirs.

Exalted leader broke from the script briefly at one point. To put some of their rituals up to date with 11 September. And to point out to the younger members of the audience, who might be worried, that he had no doubt that this lodge, and perhaps they themselves, will still be holding ceremonies on Flag Day in another 25, 50 or even 75 years.

Yes, she's 225 years old today. And I also have no doubt she'll still be celebrating birthdays when she's 300.