TO BE A TRUE MASON AND AN AMERICAN
To Be a True Mason and an American Memorial Day should have a special meaning for Masons reminding us to stand firm in the right as God gives us to see the right. My Dear Brethren: emorial Day was first set aside to honor the Civil War dead. Subsequently, it became the day on which to salute all those who have served the United States in all conflicts beginning with the Revolutionary War. Many of us spend the Day as observers or participants in ceremonies involving laying wreaths, lowering flags, marching in parades, participating in prayer services, and conducting various other forms of commemorative activities. Of course, some of us spend our time in less solemn ways on holiday or at home nursing the grill into flame and sharing the fellowship of our friends and families.
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Irrespective of how the day is passed, we cannot be oblivious to its uniqueness. It is the one day during the year when we pause to pay homage to those who have made the supreme sacrifice for this great country. They were willing to face war and accept death, if necessary, for the good of our country. On this day of remembrance, let us realize that we owe it to these distinguished servicemen and women to treasure the glorious virtues for which they fought and, perhaps, gave up their lives. They were the brave souls who established or preserved the noble values we take for granted today: liberty and independence; freedom and justice; equality and democracy. The men, some of whom were Masons, died that we may have better lives. Therefore, as we ponder their sacrifice, let us ask ourselves, “Are we living up to our side of the bargain?” More especially, “As Masons, are we living our lives to honor their sacrifice?” If not, why not? Memorial Day should have a special meaning for Masons. Minimally, it should alert us to our role in society. Which other group could bring to fruition the ideals fought for by these servicemen and women?
Which other band of men has the responsibility to build a better society in keeping with the designs of the Great Architect of the Universe? Which fraternity has members so clearly dedicated to living ethically and morally upright lives and, thereby, serving as examples to the world? Which brotherhood is sworn to live by positive principles, choosing good over bad and right over wrong? Yes, it is Memorial Day—a day to mourn, a day to pay our respects, and a day to admire those who have gone before. Most of all, it is a day to reflect on the principles we, as Freemasons and Americans, hold dear. These are the same principles for which, in the face of extreme danger, the servicemen and women we honor today displayed courage, loyalty, and fidelity to one another and to our country. How very Masonic of them! If only we could all display such fortitude. As our ritual teaches us, in another time and place, in the face of life-threatening danger, our Grand Master H.A. displayed the very same fortitude as he held true to his principles. By his example, he showed us what it meant to be a pillar of strength and a tower of fidelity. Now it is our turn. How do we react to the ruffians of our world? Are we willing to fight the good fight for truth? Are we willing to stand up, and not count the cost, to protect and preserve the principles we are taught in Masonry? Let us look upon this Memorial Day and resolve to rededicate ourselves to learning the true meaning and object of our honorable Craft. And, may the GAOTU make us ever mindful of what it means to be a true Mason and an American! God bless. Fraternally, Kwame Acquaah, GM ■ The Voice of Freemasonry
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