Monday the 25th is Memorial Day. This is a day set aside in our civic calendar to pause and reflect on those who gave the last full measure of their devotion to our country. Without the dedicated service of these brave men and women we would not have the freedoms and liberties we have today.
Br. Austin Altman, our State Master Councilor, asked about a way we could honor those who have given so much as well as those who are currently serving. Unfortunately, we do not have that information in a readily accessible or comprehensive manner.
We must change that.
This weekend we are launching the 7th Preceptor Project. This is New York’s effort to recognize those brave military personnel who are part of our New York DeMolay and Masonic families. These names will be part of an online Active Duty and Military Veteran wall of honor maintained on our website. We are also looking for people who may be willing to come and talk to a chapter about their service experience, or serve as a mentor for a young person considering joining the military. This list will also be used for special recognition at convention and other New York DeMolay events.
The online form may be found here.
Some important caveats:
1) This will be published online. We know that there are some people whose service is covert and whose information may not be shared. If you are submitting names please make sure they are OK with it.
2) We may have overlooked something. If there is something we missed please let us know and we will add it.
3) If you see an error let us know and we’ll get it fixed.
4) Our goal is to be inclusive, and we are broadly defining our New York DeMolay and Masonic Family.
Your feedback is welcomed, if you have questions or suggestions please let us know.
As we head into Memorial Day, all of New York DeMolay thanks the families and friends of the loved ones who gave their lives so that we may live as people of freedom and liberty.