Summer 1994 Volume XI, Number 2
Masons Celebrate Our Nation's Birthday! At precisely 11:OO A.M. on July 4th an hour-long parade stepped off smartly from Foxhall Road, proceeding thence along MacArthur Boulevard, and winding ultimately to its planned destination -the Palisades Community Recreation Center on Sherier Place. Participating in a demonstration of good oldfashioned patriotism were flag-waving Americans of all ages and persuasions, including a number of our fellow citizens who aspire to elected office. Some marched; others rode on decorated carts, vintage automobiles, or bicycles; and standing tall, way above the crowd, a young lady ambled casuallyalong on stilts, the master of all she surveyed. The Worshipful Master and Brethren of Alianza Fraternal Americana Lodge No. 92 led the Masonic contingent carrylng their Lodge banner, preceding the Grand Master, who rode in a snappy red Miata convertible driven by the Aide to the Grand Master, Robert H. Starr. Stafford Appel, Grand Lecturer, also drove the route in a beautiful Cadillac. Accompanying the Grand Master, but walking, were the Deputy Grand Master, J. Philip Smith, and
The Grand Master with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly of Washington, D.C.
the Junior Grand Warden, Robert F. Drechsler. Among theremainingmarchingMasons were Harold Grainger, George Enders, James Martin, Jr., James D. Martin 111, and Michael Van Housen, all of whom distributed miniature American Flags to children along the parade route. Roundingoutthe Masonicpresence were the Shriners of Almas Temple, headed by Noble Werner Trost. Units participating included the Legion of Honor, led by Noble E. Charles Johnson, and the Mini-Motor Corps, led by Noble John K. Bass. As always the intricate antics of the drivers of the mini-cars delighted everyone along the parade route. A large number of Masons also made their contribution to a memorable Fourth of July celebration by staffing the community hot dog stand at the Recreation Center. By all reports they cooked and served upwards of 3000 hot dogs to those who gathered at the grounds, where they were greeted by members of the City Council, the current Mayor, and a number of others who seek that office. Among those who labored long hours over the grills were Joel and Becky Kahn (1); Jack Baker and Jamil Gabro (3); Austin Esfandiary, James Martin, Jr., and James D. Martin I11 (5); Karl Gruel, Naif Mahan, and Hugo Gomez (11); Harold Grainger (14); Greg Sutton and Dan Loden (16); Pierre E.L. Gozt (19); Michael Van Housen (23); John Wimmel (25); and Robert Haber, Joseph Snyder, Dan Segal, Bob Starr, and Robert Hixon (45). By service rendered each of them sigruficantly contributed to the establishment of our position in the Palisades neighborhood.