GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC NATIONAL MEMORIAL

On Presidents Day, 4,000 masons from around the world gathered to participate in Alexandria’s annual George Washington Birthday Parade. Grand Lodges from across the country processed through Old Town Alexandria along with local community organizations in celebration of our Illustrious Brother. The community’s reaction was heartwarming, as many took the time to thank the Brethren for their service or to share stories of their family member masons who had left an enlightened impact on their lives. The Grand Lodge of Washington, DC was well represented by our Most Worshipful Grand Master, several of his officers, the Illustrious Potentate of Almas Shrine, Grand Masters or their representatives from France, Serbia, Uruguay, Mali, and Chile, and officers and brethren of several constituent lodges. Carrying our Grand Lodge’s banner were Worshipful Masters or their representatives from the founding lodges of our dear Grand Lodge. As the general parade ended at the dignitary viewing stand, all masons continued up Shuter’s Hill to witness the Grand Lodge of Virginia reenacting the cornerstone laying ceremony of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial from 100 years ago.

National War Collegeroosevelt Hall

Only a few days later, the Most Worshipful Grand Master, accompanied by the Junior Grand Warden, took part in the commemoration of the National War College’s cornerstone, laid 120 years ago, at Roosevelt Hall. The intimate gathering was hosted by the 32nd Commandant, Brigadier General Jeff Hurlbert, and was organized by the Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs, Jaimie Orr. Also in attendance were the Deputy Commandant, Ambassador Dennis Hearne, President of the Theodore Roosevelt Association, Vice Admiral (Retired) Dave Architzel, President of the National War College Alumni Association, Ambassador James Zumwalt, Vice President of the Theodore Roosevelt Association and descendant of Theodore Roosevelt, Andrew Roosevelt, former commanding officers of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, and several War College students. The Most Worshipful Grand Master offered the distinguished guests an understanding of Freemasonry and shared the significance of the masonic cornerstone laying. He proceeded to recognize the success and importance of the National War College as an institution essential to our nation that had continued to thrive on a sound foundation established over a century ago.

Following the formal program, the Commandant offered the Grand Master his challenge coin and invited all guests to a reception in Roosevelt Hall’s rotunda. The reception offered the opportunity for more in depth conversations on the relationship between our nation, its institutions, and Freemasonry, and culminated with excitement and enthusiasm for our Grand Lodge to one day reenact the cornerstone ceremony from 120 years ago. 