Grand Master's Independence Day Message to the Craft

MESSAGE TO THE MASONIC FRATERNITY IN NEW YORK AND OUR EXTENDED MASONIC FAMILY

My Brethren, families and friends ...

It seems like so very long ago that the church bells in Philadelphia rang out to proclaim our nation's independence from the yoke of tyranny imposed by the English monarchy, but it was only 232 years ago on July 4th 1776 that our Declaration of Independence was announced to the colonies.

As Masons, we must always remember that that precious Declaration, crafted for the most part by our Brother Masons on Masonic principles, was written with the blood of patriots, and not professional soldiers. Our young men and women today, are still paying the price for the hard won liberties we all still enjoy.

This July 4th, when we gather with family and friends for our traditional celebrations, we should all pause for a moment in honor of our nation and all of those who fought to earn and then to protect our freedoms. We should all fly our American flag with pride and reverence. Surely we must not forget that this is part of our heritage as Masons. In reality, this should be everyone's obligation. This celebration of our Independence is still looked upon with envy by so many who are still oppressed worldwide. And it is such a small token of our respect for our nation and the way of life we all surely enjoy.

We must never forget the sacrifices and the price our rag tag militia paid at Valley Forge and elsewhere during the American Revolution and each of the many, many engagements, hostilities and actions up to and including our present war.

Pause with your families to say a silent prayer of thanks this July 4th.

Happy Birthday America. And may God continue to Bless us and our nation and our men and women in our military, past and present.

Fraternally,

EDWARD R. GILBERT,
Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York