Vol. 126, No. 10
INSIDE New annuity rate increase ➤ Pg.4
Medicare coverage explained ➤ Pgs. 4, 12
Healing Hearts Purse Bingo ➤ Pgs. 15
hermannsonslife.org
October 2023
Saluting our German heritage October German American Heritage Month SAN ANTONIO – October is German American Heritage Month and German American Day is observed on Oct. 6. In celebration, Hermann Sons Life is sharing its rich German heritage. During this month of German celebration, we are reminded of the importance of heritage and family, and how they have helped shape who we are today. While many of our members today are not of German ancestry, Hermann Sons Life is still united by the noble attributes of the German immigrant – financial security for families, quality family life and community support. Fraternalism began by people with common interests pooling their resources for the benefit of all. Past Vice Chair of the Board of Directors Mike Beam recently shared Hermann Sons Life history at a Harmonia Lodge meeting and was invited to share his report with our readers:
By MIKE BEAM Past Vice Chair of the Board Sons of Hermann formed as a mutual aid society July 29, 1840, in New York to assist German immigrants during heavy German immigration to the United States. By 1847, the membership had grown to over 800 in six northern states. At a convention held in Milwaukee in 1848, a Grand Lodge was organized with offices in New York City. The newly created Order adopted as its motto, “Friendship, Love and Loyalty.” The order got its beginning in Texas when the Grand Lodge in New York sent John Lemnitzer, a member of Genesse Lodge of Rochester, New York, with Jakob Goll, another member of the Order, to Texas and they took up residence in San Antonio where at the time were several German immigrants. On New Year’s Day 1860, a group of German-speaking citizens met and ‘talked Her-
mann Sons.’ Later that day they voted to form a lodge. Permission was received from the National Grand Lodge and on July 6, 1861, a lodge was formed and became Harmonia Lodge with 22 charter members. John Lemnitzer returned to New York to become an official at the National Grand Lodge. Jakob Knoll remained in San Antonio, became the first president of Harmonia Lodge and remained in San Antonio for the rest of his life. Three months after being organized, the first death was recorded, Heinrich Wegner on Sept. 27, 1861. The lodge paid $24 for both the coffin and the gravesite. The widow received assistance from the lodge for a considerable time. On March 28, 1866, the lodge voted to apply for a charter from the State of Texas. It was not received until Aug. 13, 1870. This gave the lodge legal status in Texas. See HERMANN Pg. 3
Hermann the Cherusci leads rebels
By MIKE BEAM Past Vice Chair of the Board Arminius was born a Prince of the Cherusci. He was most likely raised as a child hostage in Rome. He was given all the rights and education of a Roman citizen and was given command of an Auxiliary Cohort (about 580 legionnaires) a great honor for a non-Roman. He was posted on the Rhine under the Roman Governor Publius Q. Varus who was tasked to complete the conquest of Germania.
During his posting on the Rhine, Arminius saw the Roman oppression his people endured. His loyalty to his people caused him to secretly become the leader of the rebels. Using his position in the Roman Army, he befriended Varus and led him and his three legions into a trap in the Teutoburger Forest. Varus and his three legions were decimated by the rebel armies. See ARMINIUS, Pg. 3