Saturday October 31st at the Royal British Legion (RBL) saw a gathering of over 200 Provincial Grand Masters, Assistants, Standard Bearers Side Orders & guests at the Masonic Memorial Garden for the National Freemasons Service of Remembrance.
This third annual event marked those Freemasons that have given the ultimate act of service to their Country and indeed still do.
Run by Derbyshire Province with Steve Gough (ex-Chairman of KLA) organising the event , we were briefed on the timings and process and each of us ready to do our duty with wreath in hand, following a short service, we took part in a poignant and moving act of remembrance in the Freemasons Garden of Remembrance.
Wreaths were laid as a symbolic gesture of respect, laying a sea of red poppy wreaths resembling the images we see of Flanders Fields and the Cenotaph.
Wreaths were laid as a symbolic gesture of respect, laying a sea of red poppy wreaths resembling the images we see of Flanders Fields and the Cenotaph.
The Scout Association Wreath was laid by W Bro. Pat Farr, Chairman of the KLA alongside other side orders and organisations, a happy but sombre gathering and as you would expect, followed by a very welcome lunchtime festive board.
The invitation from UGLE to attend this special event was to recognise the importance of the contribution and service of organisations such as scouts who played a huge part, and still do, in conflicts around the world.
As in previous years we were in Scout uniform, and we faced many questions and reminisces from past Freemasons and PGMs asking about the KLA and Scout themed lodges.