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Mission Statement of the Benevolent Patriotic Order of DOES of the United States of America To exemplify the Principles of Patriotism Charity Loyalty and Love to acknowledge a belief in God to promote charitable works patriotic ceremonies and social functions to instill hospitality and a spirit of love patriotism and fellowship among our Members to exist independently from the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America but always with the desire to work in harmony with them and to keep uppermost in mind the idealism of Elkdom. History of our Order Anything worthwhile must have a background. In this instance the background is the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks organized in New York City by 15 young men musicians actors and leaders in concert halls on February 16 1868 when the first Charter was issued. Fiftythree years later a group of women of Omaha Nebraska wives of Elks discussed forming a lodge along similar works as the Elks.