Bro Derik Rushing, Worshipful Master, Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM, paid tribute to all U.S. Armed Forces service members and veterans during a formal address to a group of Master Masons at the Monthly Stated Communication on September, 12th. Bro Rushing said that upon reflecting back to the events that took place on American soil on 09/11/2001, he was deeply saddened by the loss of so many Innocent lives and, "was thankful to all the soldiers who have ever served in the defense of our Nation.". Bro Rushing went on to say that, "I know there are many of you before me tonight that are veterans and it is because of people like you, that we, as Americans, are able to exercise all our rights and freedoms, to include, meeting in a lodge as a group of Masons, and I am truly thankful for your service to our Country". Bro Rushing spoke these words of gratitude with a heavy heart and a truly "thankful" tone. I happened to be one of those many veterans in lodge that night and know without a doubt, that my other, "Brothers in Arms", felt the sincerity in his words and was overcome with pride that our efforts do not go unnoticed and that the man, friend, and brother, duly elected to lead our lodge, first, felt the need to pay this tribute to all U.S. service members, but more than that, did it with such class and dignity. I have been "thanked" for my service many, many times, over the years since my service in the United States Army, but I must publicly state that there was something extraordinarily special, sitting as a Master Mason, in open lodge, being addressed by a brother. I thought there was a bond like no other that is shared by those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, forever remaining, "Brothers in Arms", but I must say that the bond shared among brethren of Free & Accepted Masonry is of equal measure... only superseded when a "Brother Mason" is also a "Brother in Arms". Thank you WM for taking the time to express your feelings of gratitude, we will always be humbled by your words and your actions.
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| Bro Derik Rushing, Worshipful Master |
Tupelo Masonic Lodge No. 318 F&AM
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I would also like to thank all of our service men for all that they do and for always putting the citizens of this country before themselves.
ReplyDeleteDavid J Murphree