Tripp Clark notified Patch-L of a new Operations Update.
The Order of the Arrow policy on lodge pocket flaps appears on page 58 of the Order of the Arrow Handbook. Several clarifications have been added to this policy. The following revised text will appear in future printings of the Handbook:
The more controversial of the changes may be
“There will be no honor distinction denoted by the flap or flap border.”
While in the past National has suggested there be no separate Ordeal Brotherhood and Vigil flaps, there has not been an outright prohibition. Well there is now.
Most NY Lodges, do not currently have OBV sets for regular uniform wear, although there have been a number of NOAC and Jambo Issues where specific sashes are embroidered on different versions of the same design.
The full text of the Update can be found here.
Bill,
I read your Patch-L post on this topic / modern rarities. I can’t agree more. I have a near complete set of the Lodge #34 flaps, with some of the conclave issues. Since I don’t live in the area, it is VERY difficult to keep my collection complete. The latest reincarnation of Gonlix Lodge, Ga-Hon-Ga, is definitely trying to make if difficult for past members to make or maintain a lodge set. I also find it frustrating that unless you live in your home town area, there is no way to maintain membership, or have some form of “life” member as do many organizations. Especially since the OA is an honor scouting organization.
My 1 1/2 cents
Several lodges here in the Carolinas (eg. 104, 117, 188, 331, 459, 116, 270, 236, 185) issue OBV flaps or restricted BV “service” flaps.
In at least one case the response has been swift: We’re not changing.
This could get interesting.
I need to get with the program on my last comment… Lodge numbers don’t exist anymore, right? 😉
Those lodges were Occoneechee, Croatan, Iti Bapishe…, Klahican, Catawba, Santee, Skyuka, Unali’yi, and Atta Kulla Kulla. Weren’t the numbers so much easier!? 😉