LEAD WITH YOUR HEART & BACK TO THE BASICS
Grand Master's Independence Day Message to the Craft
July 4, 2009
My Dear Brethren,
As we gather together with our families and friends on this National Holiday … a time when we traditionally celebrate with much pomp and ceremony and festive picnics, we must not forget that sadly, we are still a Nation at war!
We don’t read or hear about too many military battles involving our young men and women any more, but our American casualties continue to mount and our war wounded unfortunately continue to come back needing all of the medical care and compassion and love that we, as a Nation, must give them for as long as there is a need. Our honored dead will not be forgotten. Nor should we my Brothers, as Americans and as Masons, forget our honored military casualties and their service to our Nation, wherever they may be.
Our military veterans carry the scars of war forever; whether those scars be physical wounds or mental stress, they will carry them until their very last breath. On this Independence Day, I would like to ask you to consider joining our Brother Masons who are part of the Masonic Service Association Veteran’s Hospital Visitation Program. This is a very meaningful way to say “Thank You!” to our young men and women who have never flinched in their service to our Nation and have dramatically fought to preserve our independence and all the freedoms we enjoy. Consider volunteering at a VA Hospital, even if is just a few hours a month. It will be so meaningful and so appreciated. It is indeed a fitting way to say “thanks” to our military and veterans.
On behalf of Helen and myself, our Deputy Grand Master, R:. W:. Vincent Libone and Ginny, and our entire elected and appointed Grand Line, we wish you and those you love a joyous and a safe Fourth of July. God Bless you and our Masonic fraternity. And may God continue to watch over our men and women in the military service and their families. And may God continue to bless the United States of America!
With all good wishes,
Fraternally,
Edward G. Gilbert
Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York
