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UNITED WE STAND

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IN MEMORIAM

OF OUR MASONIC BROTHER GERALD RUDOLPH FORD

THE 38TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA

"Well done good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord"

(to view the Masonic Record of our Brother, go to the Grand Lodge Page)

FROM TOM KENNEDY  ONE OF OUR HARLEY RIDERS ON VALENTINES DAY

What would you do?
>
> You make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it
> anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?
>
> At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled
children,
> the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be
> forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its
dedicated
> staff, he offered a question: "When not interfered with by outside
> influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son,
> Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand
things
> as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?"
>
> The audience was stilled by the query.
>
> The father continued. "I believe that when a child like Shay, physically
and
> mentally handicapped comes into the world , an opportunity to realize true
> human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat
> that child."
>
> Then he told the following story:
>
> Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were
> playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?"  Shay's
> father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on
their
> team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play,
> it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to
be
> accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
>
> Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not
> expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and
> said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I
> guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the
ninth
> inning."
>
> Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a
> team shirt . His Father watched with a small tear in his eye and warmth in
> his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted. In the
> bott om of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still
> behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and
> played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was
> obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from
> ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of
the
> ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases
> loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be
> next at bat.
>
> At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win
the
> game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was
all
> but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly,
> much less c onnect with the ball.
>
> However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that
the
> other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved
> in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make
> contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The
> pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards
Shay.
> As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball
> right back to the pitcher.
>
> The game would now be over. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and
> could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have
been
> out and that would have been the end of the game.
>
> Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head,
out
> of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams
started
> yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!" Never in his life had Shay
ever
> run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the
baseline,
> wide-eyed and startled.
>
> Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!" Catching his breath, Shay
> awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the
> base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had
> the ball ... the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance
to
> be the hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball to the
> second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so
> he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the
third-baseman's
> head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him
> circled the bases toward home.
>
> All were screaming, "Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay"
>
> Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by
> turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third!
> Shay, run to third!"
>
> As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were
on
> their feet screaming, "Shay, run home! Run home!" Shay ran to home,
stepped
> on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won
the
> game for his team.
>
> "That day", said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face,
> "the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity
> into this world".
>
> Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never
> forgotten being the hero and making his father so happy, and coming home
and
> seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
>
> AND NOW A LITTLE FOOTNOTE TO THIS STORY: We all send thousands of jokes
> through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending
> messages about life choices, people hesitate.
>
> The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but
> public discussion about decency is too often suppressed in our schools and
> workplaces.
>
> If you're thinking about forwarding this message, chances are that you're
> probably sorting out the people in your address book who aren't the
> "appropriate" ones to receive this type of message. Well, the person who
> sent you this believes that we all can make a difference. We all have
> thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the "natural
> order of things." So many seemingly trivial interactions between two
people
> present us with a choice: Do we pass along a little spark of love and
> humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little
> bit colder in the process?
>
> A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least
> fortunate amongst them.
>
> You now have two choices:
> 1. Delete
> 2. Forward
>
> May your day, be a Shay Day.
>
>
 

I HAPPENED TO RECEIVE THIS STORY ABOUT A PAINTER OF PICTURES FROM DEB KENDLE. AFTER SEEING THIS VIDEO, I SAW A FAMILIAR FACE. ARROW DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE ARTICLE ABOUT KARLA COMFORT AND HER HUMVEE AND CLICK ON THE VIDEO.

IN CASE ANYONE IS ABOUT TO FORGET ABOUT THIS ---

REMEMBER

Just a reminder for those who ask why we are over there IF anyone has forgotten.

On this date 9/11/2007, this tribute to those who died and those who helped in this tragedy should be seen by every American. Due to the heavy traffic at this site, it may load very, very, slowly. Be patient.

http://www.gunstuff.com/america-attacked.html   

 

 

 

Received on Sunday, January 28th, 2007

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 33 - as proposed in the U.S. Congress:
Introduced by Cong. Paul Gillmor, Ohio District 5.

 

110th CONGRESS
1st Session

H. RES. 33

Recognizing the thousands of Freemasons in every State in the Nation and honoring them for their many contributions to the Nation throughout its history.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 5, 2007

Mr. Gillmor submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the thousands of Freemasons in every State in the Nation and honoring them for their many contributions to the Nation throughout its history.

Whereas Freemasons, whose long lineage extends back to before the Nation’s founding, have set an example of high moral standards and charity for all people;
 

Whereas the Founding Fathers of this great Nation and signers of the Constitution, most of whom were Freemasons, provided a well-rounded basis for developing themselves and others into valuable citizens of the United States;
 

Whereas members of the Masonic Fraternity, both individually and as an organization, continue to make invaluable charitable contributions of service to the United States;
 

Whereas the Masonic Fraternity continues to provide for the charitable relief and education of the citizens of the United States;
 

Whereas the Masonic Fraternity is deserving of formal recognition of their long history of care-giving for the citizenry and their example of high moral standards; and
 

Whereas Freemasons have always revered and celebrated St. John’s Day, June 24th, as dedicated to their patron saints: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes the thousands of Freemasons in every State in the Nation and honors them for their many contributions to the Nation throughout its history.

American Masons should contact their Congressman to support this bill!

Reprinted by permission of the author and "FreeMason Information"
http://www.freemasoninformation.com/
 

Go to the Grand York Rite Page for the Memorials of:

Donald O. Bickham and Fred R. Prell 

 

MASONIC ACTIVITIES IN THE LINCOLN AND NEBRASKA AREA

PLEASE CLICK ON THE ABOVE BUTTON LABELED  'MASONRY' UNDER MASONRY NEBRASKA TO GAIN ACCESS TO THESE MASONIC ACTIVITIES AND  DATES.

Because of Masonic Activities that are planned on the same date,  we will hopefully attempt to alleviate some of these problems. The following are dates that have come to light from Blue Lodges, Shrine, Scottish Rite, York Rite, Order of Eastern Star, Nile, and Youth Organizations to this editor. Please e-mail the Webmaster if you have a date that you would like to post. 

 

 

This from W.B.Wade Kendle on November 30th, 2006

It's only fitting that I pass this on since my brother is currently
stationed at Camp TQ (Al Taqqadum, Iraq) and will also be spending Christmas
there.  Merry Christmas!!!

Wade

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
my daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
so I slumbered, perhaps, I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
but I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
and I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
a lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
 
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown into drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed! and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue...an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother
who stand at the front against any and all,
to ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
for being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled
is payment enough, ! and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you, as you mattered to us."
 
 
 
PLEASE, Would you do me the kind favor of sending
this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon
and some credit is due to our U.S. Service men and women for our
being able to celebrate these festivities.  Let's try in this
small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and
think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment OIC, Logistics
Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq.

 

YOU MIGHT BE A MASON IF:

We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years. Here's an interesting spin that you might enjoy. We all respect the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God. If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so Masons to back me up.

You might be a Mason if: It never occurred to you
to be offended by the phrase, "One nation, under God."

You might be a Mason if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.

You might be a Mason if: You still say " Christmas" instead of "Winter Festival."

You might be a Mason if: You bow your head when someone prays.

You might be a Mason if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.

You might be a Mason if: You treat Viet Nam vets with great respect, and always have.

You might be a Mason if: You've never burned an American flag.

You might be a Mason if: You know what you believe
and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.

You might be a Mason if: You respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same.

You might be a Mason if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend..

If you got this e-mail from me, it is because I believe that you, like me, have just enough Mason in you to have the same beliefs as those talked about in this e-mail. God Bless !

May the LORD bless you & keep you safe..............

From Shriners 2000

 

"THE EMPTY CHAIR"


AS WE GATHER TO CELEBRATE,

ON THIS THANKSGIVING DAY,

WITH ALL OF OUR FAMILIES,

LET'S ALL STOP AND PRAY.

CAUSE ALL ACROSS AMERICA,

IN HOMES EVERYWHERE,

FAMILIES WILL BE GATHERED,

AT A TABLE WITH AN EMPTY CHAIR.

ONE OF THEIR LOVED ONES,

IS NOT AT HOME TO CELEBRATE,

SOME ARE IN FOREIGN LANDS,

AND SOME HAVE MET THEIR FATE.

LET'S THANK THESE MEN AND WOMEN,

WHO KEEPS OUR COUNTRY STRONG,

AND STAND AND SALUTE OUR FLAG,

AND SING OUR NATIONS SONGS.

CAUSE SOMEWHERE THIS THANKSGIVING,

AS WE SAY A THANKFUL PRAYER,

THERE ARE FAMILIES THAT ARE HURTING,

AT A TABLE WITH AN EMPTY CHAIR.

Ben Steen copyright November 23, 2003

 This poem was written by Ben Steen of Oklahoma City, a member of Shriners 2000, whose grandson is serving in Iraq and will not be with his family at this Thanksgiving time. Pray our God will be with our service men and women overseas as they keep our country free.

r.w.m.

Arlington National Cemetery

 watch-v=CYAneQMvEuw&eurl

Click on the above address and witness one of the most moving videos I have ever seen. This concerns the Worcester Wreath Project and the assembling and placing of over 5,000 wreaths on every grave in Arlington Cemetery. My thanks to W.B. Wade Kendle for sending this article. This Video speaks for many of us.

Wreaths Across America

To see more about the Worcester Wreath Project and Wreaths Across America, visit The American Legion Riders Page and learn more about The Wreaths Across America Project and when it will be in Nebraska. It is slated to be in Omaha at Forest Lawn Cemetery and at Fort McPherson National Cemetery.

http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/

r.w.m.

Arlington National Cemetery






Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.


Know the line has held, your job is done.


Rest easy, sleep well.


 Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.


 Peace, peace, and farewell...




Readers may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. A wonderful guy. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.

From Leonard Bibler of Alaska on November 15th, 2006

Xerox is doing something cool!

 If you go to this web site, www.letssaythanks.com  you can pick out a thank

you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is

currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to

some member of the armed services.

 How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! This

is a great site. Please send a card. It is FREE and it only takes a second.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether

you are for or against the war, our guys and gals over there need to know we

are behind them...

(After you send a card, Please come back to this site.)

 

 amerflag.gif (12532 bytes)                                                                 

010514.jpg (65988 bytes)

 

If tomorrow all the things were gone

    I'd worked for all my life,

And I had to start again

with my children and my wife,

I'd thank my lucky stars

to be living here today,

'Cause the flag that stands for freedom

and they can't take that away.

 

I'm proud to be an American

where at least I know I'm free,

and I won't forget the men who died

who gave that right to me,

and I gladly stand up next to you

and defend her still today,

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land

GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.

 

From the lakes of Minnesota

to the hills of Tennessee,

Across the plains of Texas

from sea to shining sea,

From Detroit down to Houston

and New York to L.A.,

There's pride in every American heart

and its time we stand and say:

 

I'm proud to be an American

where at least I know I'm free,

and I won't forget the men who died

who gave that right to me,

and I gladly stand up next to you

and defend her still today,

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land

GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.

                                                               child.jpg (15601 bytes)

                                                                        Song by Lee Greenwood

                                    wpeA.jpg (39290 bytes)

September 11, 2001

An open letter to a terrorist:

Well, you hit the World Trade Center, but you missed America! You hit the Pentagon, but you missed America! You used helpless American citizens, to take out other American citizens, but like a poor marksman, you STILL missed America!

Why? Because of something you guys will never understand. America isn't about a building or two, not about financial centers, not about military centers, America isn't about a place, America isn't even about its citizens . America is about an IDEA. An idea, that you can go someplace where you can earn as much as you can figure out how to, live for the most part, like you envisioned living, and pursue happiness. (No guarantees that you'll reach it, but you can sure try!)

Go ahead and whine your terrorist whine, and chant your terrorist litany: "If you can not see my point, then feel my pain." This concept is alien to Americans. We live in a country where we don't have to see your point. But you're free to have one. We don't have to listen to your speech, but you're free to say one. Don't know where you got the strange idea that everyone has to agree with you. We don't agree with each other in this country, almost as a matter of pride. We're a collection of people that don't agree, called States. We united our individual states to protect ourselves from tyranny in the world. Another idea, we made up on the spot. You CAN make it up as you go, when it's your country.

If you're free enough.

Yeah, we're fat, sloppy, easy-going people most of the time. That's an unfortunate image to project to the world, but it comes of feeling free and easy about the world you live in. It's unfortunate too, because people start to forget that when you attack Americans, they tend to fight like a cornered badger. The first we knew of the War of 1812, was when England burned Washington D.C. to the ground. Didn't turn out like England thought it was going to, and it's not going to turn out like you think, either. Sorry, but you're not the first bully on our shores, just the most recent.

No Marquis of Queensbury rules for Americans, either. We were the FIRST and so far, only country in the world to use nuclear weapons in anger. Horrific idea, nowadays? News for you bucko, it was back then too, but we used it anyway. Only had two of them in the whole world and we used 'em both. Grandpa Jones worked on the Manhattan Project. Told me once, that right up until they threw the switch, the physicists were still arguing over whether the Uranium alone would fission, or whether it would start a fissioning chain reaction that would end everything. But they threw the switch anyway, because we had a War to win. Does that tell you something about American Resolve?

So who just declared War on us? It would be nice to point to some real estate, like the good old days. Unfortunately, we're probably at war with random camps, in far-flung places ... who think they're safe. Just like the Barbary Pirates did. Better start sleeping with one eye open.

There's a spirit that tends to take over people who come to this country, looking for opportunity, looking for liberty, looking for freedom. Even if they misuse it. The Marielistas that Castro emptied out of his prisons, were overjoyed to find out how much freedom there was. First thing they did when they hit our shores, was run out and buy guns. The ones that didn't end up dead, ended up in prisons. 

You people seem to be incapable of understanding that we don't live IN America, America lives in US! American Spirit is what it's called ... and killing a few thousand of us, or a few million of us, won't change it. Most of the time, it's a pretty happy-go-lucky kind of Spirit, until we're crossed in a cowardly manner, then it becomes an entirely different kind of Spirit!

Wait until you see what we do with that Spirit, this time.

Sleep tight, if you can. We're coming.

author unknown

 
 MASONRY NEBRASKA COMMUNICATION

From Harold Nelson on Wednesday, August 2nd,  2006

When everything seems so serious, here is a cute picture sent to me by Harold. May we always appreciate the good in daily living.

From Tom Kennedy on Sunday, July 30th,  2006

Greetings, I have attached information and a link to my daughters Fund Raiser website that she started with another lady.
The photo is of two of my grandchildren that both have implanted defibrillators.   Please forward so that others may be made aware. Thank You, Tom
 

http://www.firstgiving.com/KeepitBeating
To view the page and updates go to: http://www.firstgiving.com/KeepitBeating
 

To all who come this way, Tomorrow, Saturday, July 22nd is the Nebraska Shrine Football Parade and Game. Go to the Shrine Football Bowl Page for further information.

MEMORIAL DAY 2006

To some of you who remember a Movie Battle of the Korean war, Bridges of ToKo-Ri, this video e-card from Doug Coppi will bring back some memories. Doug Coppi from Stand-ye-Steady Productions has sent this e-card for us to remember honoring our fallen heros.

To you who also saw the Movie, "We Were Soldiers" on CBS Sunday, will recognize this hymn sung by the fine young men and women of the Glee Club Cadets of the United States Military Academy. Click on this address:     

SelectCard.php-EcardText=1148744413&ENum=1

This second video e-card is the hymn "Lest We Forget", honoring those who "gave their full measure of devotion." See and hear the the rest of the album on the "Chanters Page" or the "Recordings Page." Click on the following address:

SelectCard.php-EcardText=1148744626&ENum=2

To Doug Coppi,

Many Thanks for this fine Memorial of our Fallen Heros.

D-Day + 1

The Longest Day

 http://www.standyesteady.com/Ecards/SelectCard.php?EcardText=1149626948&ENum=3

 

This from Doug Coppi for a Rousing Fourth of July e-card sent on July 4th, 2006.

 

http://www.standyesteady.com/Ecards/SelectCard.php?EcardText=1152018962&ENum=3

Thank You, Doug.

From Doug Coppi on Sunday, September 10th,  2006

Hi Everyone,

Attached is a special extended mix of the song Men of Freedom from my CD/DVD Stand Ye Steady (www.standyesteady.com ).  I had it mixed at Sony Music Studios way back in October, 2004 in anticipation of the 5th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks in New York City and Washington. 

 Men of Freedom (Sacred Reprise)

(Editors Note: Go to the Chanters Page for Lyrics)

In this mix, the USMA Cadet Glee Club sings through the secular, though no less inspiring, lyrics twice then concludes with the sacred lyrics carrying the message of the Gospel and that of Christian Freedom.  I wrote the sacred lyrics FIRST during the week immediately following the attacks 5 years ago.  I added the secular lyrics 3 years later.  (The notion of “Christian Freedom” was taught to me by Reverend Earnest Gordon, Dean of the Princeton University Chapel, and survivor of the death camp associated with the Railroad of Death in Thailand during WWII – the real Bridge On The River Kwai.  He became a Christian when the prisoners started the “Church Without Walls” amidst their brutal Japanese captors.  In fact, the fellow prisoner who cared for young Ernie, nursed him back to life from near death and read the Bible to him was eventually crucified by the Japanese.)  

A week ago, I received a very moving letter from a U.S. Army Chaplain in Taji, Iraq that thanked me for the encouragement this song in part provided our troops so I thought I would share it with everyone along with the special mix. Set against the increasing volume of political debate, special investigations, commission reports and reelections, there are Americans faithfully following their orders to roust out, confront, and win a war against an extremism that reared its evil head 5 years ago, murdered family and friends and hates us.   Our servicemen and women have been at it a long time and need our continuing support and prayers.  

I’ve reproduced the letter here in its entirety for you. Chaplain Steve first tracked me down after his congregation at the Warrior Chapel in Iraq had listened to a CD of my Messiah production which was the first ever recorded live along the Sea of Galilee at Tabgha where Jesus fed the 5,000.  He requested any other inspirational material my company, Curtain Call Productions, had produced.  It broke my heart because he asked only for “seconds” or “used copies”.  I sent them complimentary brand new copies of the Messiah CD and DVD production ALONG WITH Stand Ye Steady CDs and DVDs which he did not yet know about. 

“August, 2006

 CHAPLAIN FERIANTE

HHD  1BCT  41D

UNIT 50001

APO AE 09378

Dear Doug,

This is U.S. Army Chaplain Steve calling again from Warrior Chapel in Taji, Iraq.  Thank you very much for your most kind gift of Curtain Call’s DVDs and CDs.  Perfect selections.  Wonderful stuff!  You must have made Stand Ye Steady just for us!  We can understand why you have received so much positive feedback.  We appreciate your thinking of us, sharing your magnificent production and contributing to the ministry of our Warrior Chapel Lending Library. 

Did you hear about the large unit from Alaska that had an extra four months added to their one year deployment?  They have now been attached to our unit for a big operation in Baghdad.  Cracking that nut is the key to finishing this mission.  They need some encouragement.  What you sent is the perfect balm. 

Thanks again for your support.  And thank you for your prayers.  God bless you and your family and all the good people in Washington, D.C.

Sincerely,

"Chaplain Steve”

 Remembering all those lost in New York City and Washington that day.

MEMORIAL OF BENJAMIN JAMES SLAVEN

Go to the Patriot Guard Riders Page to see the Memorial of Ben Slaven in words and pictures of June 20th, 2006.

ABOUT SERGEANT LONNIE CALVIN ALLEN JR.

Go to the American Legion Riders Page on this website for the Memorial and Pictures of Calvin Allen, Jr. He was proud to be of Service to his Country. Go to the Patriot Guard Riders Page for more on Sergeant Calvin Allen, Jr.

ABOUT GARRISON AVERY

Garrison Avery is like so many of our young soldiers who have given their lives for the cause of freedom and to whom we are all indebted. Go to the Masonic Motorcycle Club Page for Pictures.

The 24th Medical Evac Program can be seen on the Masonic Motorcycle Club Page

 

Celebration of the Life of Garrison C. Avery

1st Lt. 101st Airborne Division

 The sad thing about war is there are always casualties. On February 1st, 2006, this very fine young man, this young officer, lost his life by a roadside bomb in Iraq. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

On February 25th, 2006, Garrison C. Avery, was immortalized by his grieving parents and relatives, many friends, and many past and present soldiers in arms, at a church service at First  Evangelical  Free Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Many of our Nations Leaders, Governor Dave Heineman, Senators' Chuck Hagel and Ben Nelson, Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, and Mayor of Lincoln, Coleen Seng paid tribute to the memory of this fine young man.

It was said by those who knew him about the life he led, from when he graduated from Lincoln High School. He served in the Big Red ROTC at the University of Nebraska. He was accepted into the US Military Academy where he graduated with honors. It was said by Senator Ben Nelson that Garrison had written him a letter when he was 10 years old that he wanted to be accepted to attend the Academy and the Senator wrote back that he needed to apply when he was 17 years old but to keep up his grades. When he did apply he was accepted. It was also said of Garrison that coming up through the ranks, he was always there to help his lower classmen and never belittle anyone.

After attending the Academy, He was sent to Iraq where he led his group until he was killed by that roadside bomb. He was distinguished by receiving many medals from his country. He will be missed by the many people who knew him.

Another sad thing of the times that we live in are the people who came to Lincoln to protest against what this fine young man stood for. Thank God, they were kept well away from the family and the service by the Lincoln Police and our Patriot Riders. May these people one day grow up and see the light.

R.W.M.

The following words is to a very moving song dedicated to our fallen heros and is magnificently sang by the West Point Military Cadet Glee Club as was played at the Memorial Service of Garrison C. Avery and I quote:

 

The Mansions of the Lord

To fallen soldiers let us sing,

where no rockets fly nor bullets wing,

Our broken brothers let us bring

To the Mansions of the Lord

 

No more bleeding,

No more fight,

No prayers fleeting through the night,

Just Divine embrace

Eternal light,

In the Mansions of the Lord

 

Where no Mothers cry

And no Children weep,

We will stand and guard

Though the Angels sleep,

All through the ages safely keep

The Mansions of the Lord.

 

To also go to a very fine Website for Veterans and all Americans, please go to this address to hear these beautiful passages sang by the U.S. West Point Glee Club:

On Internet search type The Mansions of the Lord. Then go For Our Veterans Page and click on there

To hear the full album of the U.S. West Point Glee Club, Go to the
Chanters Page and hear the complete album sung by these
Fine Men and Women.

Take Me Home with I Am A Soldier

O, O take me home

Home to the people

I left behind

Home to the love

I’ll know I’ll find

O take me home

(repeat)

Lyrics and Music: Phil Coulter/Additional Lyrics–I Am a Soldier:

Doug Coppi/Arrangement: Donald Fraser

 

 

At 29 Palms in California Brian Chontosh was  presented with the Navy Cross, the second highest award

for combat bravery the  United States can bestow..

 

Husband and about-to-be father. First lieutenant   (now Captain) in  the United States Marine Corps.

And a genuine hero, the secretary of the  Navy said so yesterday.

"By his outstanding  display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy  fire, and utmost devotion to duty, 1st Lt. Chontosh reflected great credit upon  himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United  States Naval Service."

To go to this story of Brian Chontosh, click on this address:

 THISWILLMAKEYOUPROUD.HTML

This from Ben Steen of Oklahoma City & Shriners 2000 on Thanksgiving 2006

Marines

"THE FEW, THE PROUD"

IT'S ALL ABOUT YOUNG MEN,

THAT JOINED THE MARINE CORPS,

THEY LEARNED ABOUT TRADITION,

BEING A MAN AND MUCH MORE.

HE'S A BRIGHT YOUNG MAN,

USUALLY STILL IN HIS TEENS,

HE'S HEARD MANY STORIES,

ABOUT THE PRIDE OF THE MARINES.

HE GLADLY GOES TO BOOT CAMP,

TO BECOME ONE OF THE ELITE,

THE ONE'S THAT'LL HOLD THE LINE,

AND WON'T EVER ACCEPT DEFEAT.

HE'LL ENDURE WITH HONEST PRIDE,

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A MARINE,

HE'LL LEARN TO BECOME ONE,

AND TRAIN TO FIGHT AS A TEAM.

IT'S AN ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT,

LIKE EVERY BOOT BEFORE,

FROM THE HALLS OF MONTEZUMA,

TO THE SHIPS DOWN BY THE SHORE.

HE'LL LEARN TO FIRE A WEAPON,

AND TO FIGHT HAND TO HAND,

HE'LL BECOME ONE OF THE FEW,

T0 PROTECT OUR HOMELAND.

THE EMBLEM OF OUR COUNTRY,

BECOMES MORE THAN JUST A RAG,

IT'S HIGH ABOVE THE COMPOUND,

OUR RED, WHITE AND BLUE FLAG.

HE'LL LEARN ABOUT HER COLORS,

THAT WON'T RUN IN A FIGHT,

HE'LL LEARN TO TRUST A BROTHER,

WITH HIS LIFE DAY OR NIGHT.

HE'S BEEN TRIED BY THE FIRES,

AND TRADITIONS OF THE SERENE,

HE'S NOW PART OF THE ELITE,

THE UNITED STATES MARINES.

Ben Steen copyright November 20, 2006

Dedicated to the pride and honor of our two grandsons

Daniel & Paolo and all the Marines around the world

 

This from one of our SeaBee Veterans of Nebraska, Ronald Zeiger, Syracuse, Nebraska:

Subject: Sears

Subject: Sears and Reservists

I assume you have all seen the reports about how Sears is treating its reservist employees who are called up? By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up...Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years. I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution.

So I, decided to check it out before I sent it forward. I sent the following email to the Sears Customer Service Department:

I stated:

I received this email and I would like to know if it is true. If it is, the Internet may have just become one very good source of advertisement for your store. I know I would go out of my way to buy products from Sears instead of another store for a like item even if it was cheaper at the other store.

Here is their answer to my email......................

Dear Customer:

Thank you for contacting Sears.

The information is factual. We appreciate your positive feedback. Sears regards service to our country as one of greatest sacrifices our young men and women can make We are happy to do our part to lessen the burden they bear at this time.

Bill Thorn

Sears Customer Care

webcenter@sears.com

1-800-349-4358

Please pass this on to all your friends, Sears needs to be recognized for this outstanding contribution and we need to show them as Americans. We do appreciate what they are doing for our military!!!!!!!!!!!

It's Verified By Snope.com

Ron.

KARLA COMFORT AND HER HUMVEE

March 2, 2006)

Karla Comfort received a lot of looks and even some salutes from people when she drove from Benton, Ark., to Camp Pendleton, Calif., in her newly-painted, custom Hummer H3 March 2. The vehicle is adorned with the likeness of! her son, 20-year-old Lance Cpl. John M. Holmason, and nine other Marines with F Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division who where all killed by the same improvised explosive device blast in Fallujah, Iraq, in December

 

For Karla Comfort, having the vehicle air brushed with the image of the 10 Marines was a way to pay homage to her hero and his fellow comrades who fell on Iraq's urban battlefield.

"I wanted to let people know (Marines) are doing their jobs honorably, and some of them die," said the 39-year-old from Portland, OR "I don't want people to forget the sacrifices that my son and the other Marines made."

Leading up to her son's death, Karla Comfort had received several letters from him prior to his return. He had been deployed for five months, and Comfort "worried everyday he was gone until she got the letters and found out the date he was coming home," she said.

Marines knocked on the front door of her home in Farmington, Mich., at 3 am with the dreadful news.

"I let my guard down when I found out he was coming home," she said. "There are times that I still cannot believe it happened. It's very hard to deal with."

 
Karla Comfort came up with the idea for the rolling memorial when she and her two other sons attended John's funeral in Portland, Ore.

"I saw a Vietnam (War) memorial on a car, and I said to my son Josh, 'we should do something like that for John,' she recalled. "He loved Hummers."

She purchased the vehicle in January and immediately took it to AirbrushGuy &Co. in Benton, Ark. , where artist Robert Powell went to work on changing the plain, black vehicle into a decorative, mobile, art piece.

"I only had the vehicle for two days before we took it in," she joked.

Two hundred and fifty man-hours later, Powell had completed the vehicle. The custom job would have cost $25,000. Out of respect for Karla Comfort's loss and the sacrifices the Marines made, AirbrushGuy &Co. did it for free. Comfort only had to purchase the paint, which cost $3,000.

"I love it," she said. "I'm really impressed with it, and I think John would be happy with the vehicle. He would have a big smile on his face because he loved Hummers."

Karla Comfort gave Powell basic instructions on what to include in the paint job. But in addition to the image of her son in Dress Blues and the faces of the nine other Marines, there were several surprises. "He put a lot more on than I expected," she said. "I think my favorite part is the heaven scene."

On the left side of the vehicle, a detail of Marines are depicted carrying their fallen comrades through the clouds to their final resting place. The American flag drapes across the hood, the words, "Semper Fi" crown the front windshield and the spare tire cover carries the same Eagle Globe and Anchor design that her son had tattooed on his back.

"All the support I have been getting is wonderful," she said.

Karla Comfort decided to move back to her hometown of Portland, and making the cross-country trip from Arkansas was a way for her to share her son's story. It's also her way of coping with the loss.
 

"Along the way I got nothing but positive feedback from people," she said. "What got to me was when people would salute the guys (Marines). It's hard to look at his picture. I still cry and try to get used to the idea, but it's hard to grasp the idea that he's really gone."

 

THIS EVERYONE SHOULD SEE

THANKS FOR THE PATRIOTISM OF THIS LADY!

SEE IF ONE OF THESE PORTRAITS IS ONE OF CPL. HOLMASON.

IT WILL BREAK YOUR HEART.

CLICK HERE

 www.militarytimes.com/hancock/

How does One Copyright Freemasonry and for What Good

An Editorial

It seems to me that Masonry has a problem with already being relevant in our Communities of Nebraska. Not only that, but we have a broader problem with getting the word out. What good comes from Copyrighting our own Grand Lodge material to make this problem larger. You have a Website for the purpose of getting the word out, then you quell others for helping. No one man or one organization owns Masonry, Nor should any organization try to quell masonry. If we do, are we shooting ourselves in the foot?

We should not be so selfish or standoffish that we appear to be a secret organization.  We are not a secret organization. We are proud of our Grand Lodge and our Masters and Officers who serve.

This Website is from a Master Mason who is just that a Master Mason. You say, Well who does he think he is, speaking for Freemasonry? Who else can better speak for Freemasonry than a Master Mason who Masonry is supposed to serve? I do not publish this Website for the purpose of Aggrandizing myself nor does any Mason. If we don't get over this idea, we are headed for trouble.

The printed word for Freemasonry as editorials belongs to everybody. If it is good enough to print, it should be good enough to copy and to spread the word, lest we get back to "secrets".

Our forefathers taught us this. Remember the Patriots that signed the Declaration of Independence with their lives on the line. On that paper are the thoughts of individual men. Do you think that Masonry comes from a Great group of men who sits down together and dictates what Masonry is? Of course not. It does come from individuals whose moral being help to decide what Masonry is. Masonry can be added to from the thoughts of other individual Masons and this should not be secret.

On this Website, any source that a printed article is borrowed from is credited to that source. Likewise, any article can be copied from this Website if due consideration is given to the source and now needs  permission.

How can Masonry help our country become better than it is if we "Copyright" everything we do or think? What is the purpose of our Websites. Worse yet, is what we do for Freemasonry just to be kept among ourselves or do we expect everyone of our countrymen to pay for the privilege of reading and hearing Masonry.

There is another way of thinking. This editor has had this site up since 1999. No one, with the exception of a half a dozen times, has anyone contacted me or thanked me for my efforts or asked me if it was alright to copy anything. The thoughts included in my website have been some of my own and, of course, others which is Masonry, but the work and expense of research, keeping this site up, and published is mine. I think it is time that we communicate with each other. As other websites go to a "Copyright", I am considering the same thing. If I go to another "Copyright" website and request a copy, they will expect me to do the same thing. Also, I know that copies that have been made of my website do not always include where the information came from and in some cases the information can be used in an unlawful manner. Therefore, from this date, February 10th, 2006, Masonry Nebraska is to be considered a "Copyright" Website and anyone using this material needs to have this editors permission to copy anything from this Website.

Roger W. Miner

Editor,

Masonry Nebraska

 

The following Oration was given by the Grand Lodge of Nebraska at the Cornerstone Laying at the FSA Building in Minden.

Grand Lodge of Nebraska Oration-Minden, Nebraska

The Grand Lodge of Nebraska receives numerous requests to officiate in dedication and cornerstone ceremonies throughout the state. Nebraska Masons have laid many cornerstones in schools, churches, government buildings and other public edifices.

On any given weekend your Grand Lodge officers travel a combined 6,000 – 10,000 miles to fulfill the privileges bestowed upon us by our members. It is considered a great honor by Masons to perform this service for their communities and Minden is no exception. This community is to be commended on this extraordinary edifice that we dedicate here today.

As the Grand Lodge officers travel the four-corners of the state we are frequently asked why Masons participate in building dedications and the laying of cornerstones such as this one we did today.

Much of the history and legends of the traditional cornerstone laying has been lost in the haze of antiquity. But this we do know. Benjamin Franklin, one of many famous Masons and Grand Master of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (long before it became a state) laid a Masonic Cornerstone at Independence Hall. You may recall that was where the Declaration of Independence was drafted on July 4, 1776 and a Constitutional Convention was later held.

In 1793 our first president and Masonic Brother George Washington, ceremonially laid the first of five cornerstones at what was ultimately to become the Capital Building in Washington D.C. Most of the Federal Buildings in our nation’s capital have Masonic Cornerstones. The city itself was laid out by a French Mason named LaFonte under the direction of George Washington.

While the Masonic Cornerstone you witnessed today is largely symbolic, our forefathers would literally lay the cornerstone or foundation stone. Most of the early stones were laid as part of the foundation and as such were below grade. Today the Masonic Cornerstones are laid above ground and frequently a time capsule is placed behind the stone.

Freemasonry was the foundation upon which this great Republic was founded. Masonry was vital to the stability of this new experiment in government called Democracy.

Masons believed that a Nation could actually be created of the people, by the people and for the people; that all men were created equal and that if the men who were Masons, practiced the Masonic principles outside the lodges then a Nation based upon those principles could actually exist and flourish. We stand here today, almost 230 years later, as living proof that they were right.

The Masonic Lodge was transported to this new world from another free and independent nation known as Great Britain. England still stands today as one of our most cherished and trusted allies. Masonry is still strong throughout England, much of Europe and it reaches into free countries throughout the world.

Masons believe that governments consisting of general dictatorships are not consistent with the ideas and concepts of Masonry. Among our ranks were men such as Paul Revere, John Hancock, the Minutemen, Alexander Hamilton, Andrew Jackson, Daniel Boon, Lewis and Clark, Davy Crockett, George Patton, Douglas MacArthur, John Wayne, Red Skelton, Charles Lindbergh, Henry Ford, Walter Chrysler, the Wright Brothers, 15 U.S. presidents, dozens of astronauts and the list goes on.

Freemasonry became and remains today, one of the guiding lights and basic structure of our national, state and local governments. In fact, the Statue of Liberty was conceived and designed by a French Mason. A Masonic Cornerstone was placed at its base in 1884.

One hundred years later when Miss Liberty was in desperate need of restoration, Masons from across this great Nation opened up their hearts and purse strings responding to the call with well over $2 million dollars in donations.

So it is today, we continue our Masonic practice of dedicating cornerstones and buildings which are literally cornerstones of freedom that have been passed down through the generations. There are over 15,000 Masons in Nebraska that would be pleased to explain more about Masonry, should you desire to perpetuate freedom and to help one another.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your special day. Your invitation provided us one more opportunity to fulfill our goals of perpetuating freedom and helping our fellow man.

May God Bless. Thank you.

To see this story in pictures and captions, go to the Table of Contents Page and click on the Sir Galahad Drill Team Page and scroll down to the bottom of the page.

 

THE 4TH OF JULY

 

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.

Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he

lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Remember: freedom is never free!

I hope you will show your support by sending this to as many people as you can, please. It's time we get the word out that patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more to it than beer, picnics, and baseball games



 

In memory of the countless thousands of twelve nations and our own citizens who lost their lives in the tsunami that swept over the beaches without warning on December 26th, 2004. May we ever be on guard that this terrible tragedy may never happen again.

                       

Brethren,

 I received this from WB Mike Lagueux of Lancaster Lodge #54 currently serving in Iraq.  I found it interesting and felt the urge to send it on.  If you’d like more info, check this site out: https://www.pms317.navy.mil/ships/lpd21.asp

 Fraternally,

 W.B. Wade Kendle

 

 

Subject: Fw: USS New York

 

Thought you might find this interesting.



Artists Rendering of the USS New York

With a year to go before it even touches the water, the Navy's amphibious assault ship USS New York has already made history. It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center.

USS New York is about 45 percent complete and should be ready for launch in mid-2007. Katrina disrupted construction when it pounded the Gulf Coast last summer, but the 684-foot vessel escaped serious damage, and workers were back at the yard near New Orleans two weeks after the storm.

It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.

"It would be fitting if the first mission this ship would go on is to make sure that bin Laden is taken out, his terrorist organization is taken out," said Glenn Clement, a paint foreman. "He came in through the back door and knocked our towers down and (the New York) is coming right through the front door, and we want them to know that."

Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite, La., to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept. 9, 2003, "those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence," recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. "It was a spiritual moment for everybody there."

Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the "hair on my neck stood up."

"It had a big meaning to it for all of us," he said. "They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back."

The ship's motto? - 'Never Forget'

 

This came as an e-mail 0n 5-25-2006 from Mike Berger written By David Beamer, father of Todd Beamer

AT WAR

United 93

The filmmakers got it right.

BY DAVID BEAMER

Thursday, April 27, 2006 12:01 a.m.

The calendar says it's April 25, 2006. At noon, my wife, Peggy, and I are walking around Battery Park--near the Tribeca area--in New York. It is our first time. The flowers are blooming; kids are fishing; people boarding the ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Kids are laughing and noisy. The sun is shining. The vendors are hawking T-shirts, pretzels and some "designer" wares. And just up the street there is a hole in the skyline and in the ground. In the park, there is a memorial with walls standing tall. Walls filled with so many names of those who gave their all in the Atlantic in World War II. How fitting that the names are here to honor those who gave their lives to enable this fun, this laughter--on this sunny day. The sights and sounds of freedom continue.

Fast forward--it is 10:30 p.m., April 25. We have just seen a movie premiere at the fifth annual Tribeca Film Festival. A film festival that has done so much to energize and revitalize the city, its people and especially the area that has that hole in the skyline and in the ground. This year the movie that had its worldwide premiere at the festival is titled "United 93." It is about the day when the hole in the skyline of New York was made--the day when a hole was made in the side of the Pentagon near Washington, D.C.--the day when a hole was made in a quiet mountain meadow in Pennsylvania. The day that our nation was attacked; the day when the war came home--Sept. 11, 2001. The day our son Todd boarded United 93.

Paul Greengrass and Universal set out to tell the story of United Flight 93 on that terrible day in our nation's history. They set about the task of telling this story with a genuine intent to get it right--the actions of those on board and honor their memory. Their extensive research included reaching out to all the families who had lost loved ones on United Flight 93 as the first casualties of this war. And Paul and his team got it right.

There are those who question the timing of this project and the painful memories it evokes. Clearly, the film portrays the reality of the attack on our homeland and its terrible consequences. Often we attend movies to escape reality and fantasize a bit. In this case and at this time, it is appropriate to get a dose of reality about this war and the real enemy we face. It is not too soon for this story to be told, seen and heard. But it is too soon for us to become complacent. It is too soon for us to think of this war in only national terms. We need to be mindful that this enemy, who made those holes in our landscape and caused the deaths of some 3,000 of our fellow free people, has a vision to personally kill or convert each and every one of us. This film reminds us that this war is personal. This enemy is on a fanatical mission to take away our lives and liberty--the liberty that has been secured for us by those whose names are on those walls in Battery Park and so many other walls and stones throughout this nation. This enemy seeks to take away the free will that our Creator has endowed in us. Patrick Henry got it right some 231 years ago. Living without liberty is not living at all. The passengers and crew of United 93 had the blessed opportunity to understand the nature of the attack and to launch a counterattack against the enemy. This was our first successful counterattack in our homeland in this new global war--World War III.

This film further reminds us of the nature of the enemy we face. An enemy who will stop at nothing to achieve world domination and force a life devoid of freedom upon all. Their methods are inhumane and their targets are the innocent and unsuspecting. We call this conflict the "War on Terror." This film is a wake-up call. And although we abhor terrorism as a tactic, we are at war with a real enemy and it is personal.

There are those who would hope to escape the pain of war. Can't we just live and let live and pretend every thing is OK? Let's discuss, negotiate, reason together. The film accurately shows an enemy who will stop at nothing in a quest for control. This enemy does not seek our resources, our land or our materials, but rather to alter our very way of life.

I encourage my fellow Americans and free people everywhere to see "United 93."

Be reminded of our very real enemy. Be inspired by a true story of heroic actions taken by ordinary people with victorious consequences. Be thankful for each precious day of life with a loved one and make the most of it. Resolve to take the right action in the situations of life, whatever they may be. Resolve to give thanks and support to those men, women, leaders and commanders who to this day (1,687 days since Sept. 11, 2001) continue the counterattacks on our enemy and in so doing keep us safe and our freedoms intact.

May the taste of freedom for people of the Middle East hasten victory. The enemy we face does not have the word "surrender" in their dictionary. We must not have the word "retreat" in ours. We surely want our troops home as soon as possible. That said, they cannot come home in retreat. They must come home victoriously. Pray for them.

Mr. Beamer is the father of Todd Beamer, a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93.

 

America United

From the website of Orrin Hatch comes this song that should inspire every American. You can hear it played by clicking on this address. It will be necessary to download Realplayer 8 Free Basic by clicking on to Orrin Hatch's Website www.hatchmusic.com. Orrin  Hatch, a United States Senator from Utah, has captured in this song the Spirit of America after 9-11. Once again, thanks Senator Hatch.        americaunited(1).ra   

verse 1

When you have seen the hands of evil 

We have shared a new sincere

We have felt the price of freedom

and to all that we hold dear,

now a  mighty wave is growing

and we hear our country call

 but the world now waits and wonders,

will we rise or will we fall,

as we burry fallen heros

many broken hearts must heal,

but in the ruin and the rubble

a spirit is revealed

(Chorus)

America United, working side by side

America United , hope still burning bright

those who work to divide us, could not realize,

that from the smoke and from the ashes,

America will rise (second time repeat)

United, United (1st time), United (last time)

verse 2

We have felt the force of terror

there is sorrow in the land

through the drifting dust of chaos

Lady Liberty still stands

and the miracle of freedom

give courage to us all

for the ones that try to hurt us

only strengthens our resolve,

We are holding hands together

for we dare our destiny

through the darkness and the danger

We will always be

(chorus)

 

What is a Vet?

Some veterans bear visible signs of their service: a missing limb, a jagged scar, a
certain look in the eye. Others may carry the evidence inside them: a pin holding a
bone together, a piece of shrapnel in the leg - or perhaps another sort of inner steel:
the soul's ally forged in the refinery of adversity.

  Except in parades, however, the men and women who have kept America safe wear
no badge or emblem.

  You can't tell a vet just by looking.

  What is a vet?

  He is the cop on the beat who spent six months in Saudi Arabia sweating two
gallons a day making sure the armored personnel carriers didn't run out of fuel.

  He is the barroom loudmouth, dumber than five wooden planks, whose overgrown
frat-boy behavior is outweighed a hundred times in the cosmic scales by four hours
of exquisite bravery near the 38th parallel.

  She - or he - is the nurse who fought against futility and went to sleep sobbing
every night for two solid years in Da Nang.

  He is the POW who went away one person and came back another - or didn't come
back AT ALL.

  He is the TRADOC drill instructor who has never seen combat - but has saved
countless lives by turning slouchy, no-account rednecks and gang members into
soldiers, and teaching them to watch each other's backs.

  He is the parade-riding Legionnaire who pins on his ribbons and medals with a
prosthetic hand.

  He is the career logistician who watches the ribbons and medals pass him by.

  He is the three anonymous heroes in The Tomb Of The Unknowns, whose presence
at the Arlington National Cemetery must forever preserve the memory of all the
anonymous heroes whose valor dies unrecognized with them on the battlefield or in
the ocean's sunless deep.

  He is the old guy bagging groceries at the supermarket - palsied now and
aggravatingly slow - who helped liberate a Nazi death camp and who wishes all day
long that his wife were still alive to hold him when the nightmares come.

  He is an ordinary and yet an extraordinary human being - a person who offered
some of his life's most vital years in the service of his country, and who sacrificed his
ambitions so others would not have to sacrifice theirs.

  He is a soldier and a savior and a sword against the darkness, and he is nothing
more than the finest, greatest testimony on behalf of the finest, greatest nation ever
known.

  So remember, each time you see someone who has served our country, just lean
over and say Thank You.  That's all most people need, and in most cases it will mean
more than any medals they could have been awarded or were awarded.

  Two little words that mean a lot, "THANK YOU".



"It is the soldier,
not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.

  It is the soldier,
not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.

  It is the soldier,
not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

  It is the soldier,
Who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protestor to burn the flag."


Father Denis Edward O'Brien
USMC

TO SEE ADDRESS BY FORMER SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

JOHN LEHMAN

GO TO "OUR AMERICA PAGE"

 

Go to the Masonry Page on this site to see a "History of Freemasonry" from the International Prince Hall Masons.

 

Thoughts on Nine - Eleven, Two Thousand One

Eleven score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to proposition that all men are created equal. September 11, 2001, a date that will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked.  That day, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts.

Now we are engaged in a great world wide war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so dedicated to equality, to liberty, to life, and the pursuit of happiness can endure.  These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed; our country is strong.

We are met on a great battlefield of that war, yes that battlefield exists in our homeland, and in their homelands, and in homelands all over this great planet, and it may rage for many more years to come. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation, and we will carry this war to the aggressor, we will take it, and end it, so that perhaps, our children will never again have to fight on any battlefield.

We were targeted for attack because we are the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. Always we will remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated evil, the American people in their righteous mind will win through to absolute victory. Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbending determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.

Today, we have come to dedicate a portion of our lives, and remember in our thoughts, words, and prayers those who lost their lives for no other reason than being American, and the final resting place for those never found. We must also keep open our hearts and souls for the families of our lost brothers and sisters. We must pray for the service men and women who have fought, and are still fighting, and those who will never fight again. Prayers of thanks and blessings for them and their beloved ones for the sacrifice they all so freely give, and have given.

It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. The world may little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what was done here.

We will not forget, we will not yield, we will not rest, in waging our struggle for the freedom and the security and the liberty that are America, and stand for the America we love only less than which we love our God.

Clarence Wade III
32nd AASR
Brandon Lodge 114, Brandon, FL
 

Thoughts on Easter and Always

At this time of Easter and always, These are thoughts that we should never forget. Some of the most important tenets of our Masonic Institution is our belief in one God and with that is freedom to believe as we have been brought up to believe, and that is (Freedom of Religion) one of our country's Bill of Rights. The men of which this article is written, and some of them were of the Masonic Fraternity and signers of the "Declaration of Independence were dedicated to the Christian Religion. From William McGuffey of the McGuffey Reader comes this; The Christian Religion is the Religion of our Country. From it we derived our nation, on the Character of God.  The following article was written by a Noble Shriner, Abel Quinones, from the National Sojourners and I Quote:    

   This is worth remembering, because it is true. It's familiar territory, but those of you that graduated from school after the early 60's were probably never taught this.  Our courts have seen to that!

      Did you know that 52 of the 55 signers of "The Declaration of Independence" were orthodox, deeply committed, Christians?   That they all believed in the Bible as the divine truth, the God of scripture, and His personal intervention.  It is the same Congress that formed the American Bible Society, immediately after creating the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress voted to purchase and import 20,000 copies of Scripture for the people of this nation.

     Patrick Henry, who is called the firebrand of the American Revolution, is still remembered for his words, "Give me liberty or give me death"; but in current textbooks, the context of these words is omitted.  Here is what he actually said: "An appeal to  arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us. But we shall not fight our battle alone.  There is a just God that presides over the destinies of nations.  The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone.  Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price  of chains and slavery?  Forbid it Almighty God.  I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death."

     These sentences have been erased from our textbooks.  Was Patrick Henry a Christian?  The following year, 1776, he wrote this:  "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great Nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here."

     Consider these words that Thomas Jefferson wrote in the front of his well-worn Bible:  "I am a real Christian, that is to say, a  disciple of the doctrines of Jesus.  I have little doubt that our whole country will soon be rallied to the unity of our creator."  He was also the chairman of the American Bible Society, which he considered his highest and most important role.

     On July 4, 1821, President Adams said, "The highest glory of the American Revolution was this:  "It connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity."

     Calvin Coolidge, our 30th President of the United States reaffirmed this truth when he wrote, "The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country."

     In 1782, the United States Congress voted this resolution:  "The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools."

     William Holmes McGuffey is the author of the McGuffey Reader, which was used for over 100 years in our public schools with over 125 million copies sold until it was stopped in 1963.  President Lincoln called him the "Schoolmaster of the Nation."  Listen to these words of Mr. McGuffey:  "The Christian religion is the religion of our country.  From it are derived our nation, on the character of God, on the great moral Governor of the universe.  On its doctrines are founded the peculiarities of our free Institutions.  From no source has the author drawn more conspicuously than from the sacred Scriptures.  From all these extracts from the Bible, I make no apology."

     Of the first 108 universities founded in America, 106 were distinctly Christian, including the first, Harvard University, chartered in 1636.  In the original Harvard Student Handbook, rule number 1 was that students seeking entrance must know Latin and Greek so that they could study the Scriptures:  "Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies, is, to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life, John 17:3; and   therefore to lay Jesus Christ as the only foundation for our children to follow the moral principles of the Ten Commandments."

     James Madison, the primary author of the Constitution of the United States, said this: "We have staked the whole future of all our political constitutions upon the capacity of each of ourselves to govern ourselves according to the moral principles of the Ten Commandments."

     Today, we are asking God to bless America. But, how can He bless a Nation that has departed so far from Him?  Prior to September 11, He was not welcome in America.  Most of what you read in this article has been erased from our textbooks.  Revisionists have rewritten history to remove the truth about our country's Christian roots.

     You are encouraged to share with others, so that the truth of our nation's history will be told.  John 3:16.  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life!

     This information shared is only a drop of cement to help secure a foundation that is crumbling daily in a losing war that most of the country doesn't even know is raging on, in, and around them...

     Please do your bit and share this with as many as possible and make the ill-informed aware of what they once had.


Abel Quinones
National Sojourners
Monterey Bay Chapter
"As Masonic Brothers of the Armed Forces past and present
We shall stand together protect our American Masonic Colonial Heritage."

 

                                 HEAL OUR LAND

                      A SONG PRAYER FOR OUR COUNTRY

Heal our land

Please grant us peace today

And strengthen all who lack the faith

To call on thee each day.

 

Heal our land,