From the Battle of Bunker Hill to the war in Baghdad, the American flag has served as a beacon of hope, said Lt. Andrew Jeter of the U.S. Navy on Sunday.

“To most, it gives hope. Hope that we will stand free,” said Jeter at the New Bedford-Wareham Elks Lodge’s annual Flag Day ceremony.

Seven different versions of flags used throughout the nation’s history were presented at the event, held at the Elks Lodge on Cranberry Highway. Flag Day is officially held on June 14.

From the flag used by the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War to the familiar stars and stripes used today, Elks members paid tribute to the American flag, explaining its history and the values it represents.

“The purpose of this service is to honor this country’s flag,” said Exalted Ruler John Wybraniec. “Elks are distinctly American and intensely patriotic.”

The hour-long ceremony featured prayers, history lessons and patriotic music before the public was invited to a cookout behind the lodge.

Jeter, an officer at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, reminded those gathered that the American flag has been flown on every continent, the North Pole, the Moon and is aboard Voyager 1, the farthest manmade object from Earth.

Jeter said the flag is a reminder that, “we as a country have our differences, but we are united and proud.”