The Hour of Recollection

Since its inception in 1868, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has always paid homage to its members with a toast to all its deceased and absent members at the hour of 11:00 p.m. Whenever an Elk function is held, all over this great country, we pause for a moment and offer this solemn toast in remembrance of them, who have contributed to our country, their communities and our Order:

The Eleven O'Clock Toast

"You have heard the tolling of 11 strokes. This is to impress upon you that with us the hour of 11 has a tender significance. Wherever an Elk may roam, whatever their lot in life may be, when this hour falls upon the dial of night, the great heart of Elkdom swells and throbs. It is the golden hour of recollection, the homecoming of those who wander, the mystic roll call of those who will come no more. Living or dead, an Elk is never forgotten, never forsaken. Morning and noon may pass them by, the light of day sink heedlessly in the West, but ere the shadows of midnight shall fall, the chimes of memory will be pealing forth the friendly message, "To our absent members."

"To Our Absent Members"