In 1968, the United States was in a state of turmoil. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy had both been assassinated and President Johnson had increased the number of troops in the seemingly hopeless war in Vietnam.

The people of Saratoga Springs understood that the morale around the country was low and something had to be done.

Members of the Saratoga/Wilton Elks Lodge #161 formed an Americanism Committee and began to brainstorm about how to begin to change people’s negative attitudes, even if it was in a small way. Shortly thereafter, the Elks Flag Day Parade was born.

The parade would be held on Flag Day, June 14, the anniversary of the official adoption of the stars and stripes as the United States’ flag design.

Now in its 40th year, the parade has become one of the largest events for the city, lining residents up along Broadway hours before the parade begins.

The parade has always been an event that honors not only Old Glory as the symbol of our country, but also to honor service organizations and local heroes.

“We give respect to everyone from children playing soccer, to veterans to politicians,” Robert Lindahl, public relations and youth activities coordinator for the Elks Lodge #161 said.

Fully planned and funded by the Saratoga/Wilton Elks Lodge #161, the parade has grown exponentially. In 1968, the parade had about five divisions, growing to about eight divisions today. The different flags our nation has had are the markers between divisions, starting with the very first flag with 13 stars and stripes. This year’s parade will also include nine marching bands, numerous veterans’ organizations, scouting groups, softball and baseball teams, local politicians and various floats sponsored by local businesses. 

“Everyone in Saratoga knows about the Flag Day Parade,” Lindahl said. “People really look forward to it. This is the big one.”

To put on a parade of this size, it costs between $30-35,000. To raise money, the Elks Lodge sells raffle tickets for $25 and holds various other fundraisers throughout the year. Businesses are able to sponsor parts of the parade as well to help fund the event.

“Each year the parade grows. More and more people want to be a part of it,” Lindahl said.

Participation in the parade is by invitation only, and the Elks choose who is to be involved.

Organizations who wish to be involved can send an application to the Elks Lodge #161 and a decision will be based upon the application, Lindahl said.

In preparation for the parade, American flags are placed all along Broadway by staff from Roohan Realty and Broadway is blocked off, almost shutting down Saratoga, Lindahl said.

“It’s a ton of work putting on a parade, and we start planning for the next one the day the last parade ends,” Lindahl said. “It’s hard work, but we are all proud to do it every year.”