“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” – Brother Douglas MacArthur
My Brothers,
Friday is Veterans Day. A day that will have parades, and celebration and equal mourning and reverence. Some will place flags at the resting places of those who served our country and have made the ultimate sacrifice. It is a day that reflects on the freedoms we enjoy. Freedoms that we have come to expect thanks to the brave men and women in our armed forces.
Masonry and the history of our country are deeply intertwined in loyalty, honor, and of course patriotism. As a Veteran of the US Army, I am very proud of the work our Masonic Veterans, our Military Outreach, our sister Lodges and District 40 are doing. You visit our Veterans at Elizabethtown or hospitals. You bring may them items from socks to games. You may not realize it but you bring them the best gift of all: Your time. There are few things more healing and special than sharing the warmth of your presence and the preciousness of being there for a fellow Brother.
Our Lodge is thick with Veterans. Look around, ask, share a story, and remember: not all weight is carried in ones hands.
May the Grand Architect of the Universe protect our men and women in uniform, first responders and bring them safely home.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
