If you have the opportunity to visit Chicago, a tour of our Elks Veterans Memorial Building should be included.As you tour this majestic structure, which was completed in 1926, with all its magnificent sculpturing and artwork, you will be amazed at its elegance and beauty. Surely you will agree that it would be inspiring if only each of our Members and their families could see it. You will be reminded of all those Veterans who gave so much to allow us to continue to enjoy our freedom and peace. You will have wonderful memories of your visit and have yet another reason to be proud you are an Elk.
A five-million-dollar restoration has fully restored the Memorial Building to its original splendor, but there continues to be a financial need to keep the building from deteriorating.
A Memorial Building Trust was established to take care of major repairs and to keep the building in its restored brilliance, but the Trust needs our donations.Donations of $100 to $249 will receive a beautiful, formal acknowledgement certificate and a copy of the "Story of Elkdom" (a 70+ page hardbound book briefly reviewing the Order and focusing on a photographic tour of the Elks Veterans Memorial Building). Donations of $250 or more will be gratefully acknowledged with a beautiful certificate, and a copy of the "History of the Order of Elks" (a 500+ page hardbound book reviewing the Order from its founding on February 16, 1868, through modern times). The job will never be completed, and we ask for and encourage your on-going support.
Since the Memorial Building was rededicated on July 3, 1994, to include those who served through the current Middle East conflicts, much has been spent to complete the work then in progress and to provide annual maintenance. These funds were taken from that portion of the Trust that was intended to be a reserve for continuing maintenance. We ask each Lodge to hold one fund-raiser this year for the Memorial Building Trust, and for individual Elks to donate so we can keep the monument to our Veterans in excellent condition The Elks Veterans Memorial Building continues to stand as a striking example that "Elks Care — Elks Share" and that the Elks will never forget our Veterans!
Led by our Elks National Veterans Service Commission, the Order has long enjoyed a rewarding relationship with our Nation’s Veterans. Since 1946, our promise to all our Veterans and their families has been and continues to be “So long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.” We have faithfully kept this promise and continue to do so.
The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Our young people are subjected to many influences, some of which are negative and unwholesome. An important contribution to communities is to provide positive experiences for our youth. 
Elks are proud Americans who have always been proud to display and honor the Flag of our Country.